We already knew that Mazda was introducing a gorgeous new shade of dark metallic green, called Zinc Green, and that it would make its debut on the MX-5 sports car (almost a dozen years on, the FD version of the MX-5 remains one of the very best cars you can buy…) and now we have the details of the other changes coming to the MX-5 for the 2026/2027 model year.
Are these big, extensive changes?
Nope, for that is not the Mazda way. Mazda is a company that, rather like Porsche, likes to keep its cars in production, and rather than having a major facelift every three to four years, it usually gives them an annual update and freshen-up. The MX-5 is no different, in this case.
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So what's changed?
Aside from the option of that new Zinc Green colour, there's a new 'Yakudo' special edition for the soft-top Roadster model (as opposed to the targa-top RF version). This model takes its name from the Japanese words for movement and vitality, and it adds silver exterior accents, silver calipers for the high-performance Brembo brakes, and a new Alcantara suede interior trim.
What other changes has Mazda made?
There have been some small mechanical changes too - the 1.5 litre petrol four-cylinder engine now develops 136hp, and 155Nm of torque, and its fuel economy has improved to a claimed 6.1 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle. Emissions have fallen to 139g/km. See what a lightweight and sleek body can do?
Anything else?
Yup, there's now a Driver Attention Alert added to the MX-5's safety systems. Clearly, Mazda reckons that if it ain't broke, it don't need fixing, and with more than 1.2 million MX-5s sold around the world since 1989, who can argue?
When can I have one?
The updated model will begin production, in left-hand drive, right around now, and right-hand drive production will begin in September.