The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a legend. It’s been consistently true from the start. More than almost any other sports car at this point. For example – consider the original Miata from 1989… compared to this 2024. It’s an evolution, but in no way is it a change of species. Now consider a Porsche 911 from 1989 compared to the 2024 model. How ’bout the BMW M3. Yeah that’s my point.
When it comes to pure roots…
The Miata has surfaced as greater than the greats. And here’s the clincher: As the automotive industry pushes down a path of AI & appliance-like driving experiences… the Miata just gets better by comparison year-after-year. Honestly, without even having to DO anything. Yet Mazda keeps improving it.
In 2019, Mazda gave the ND Miata…
Some significant improvements beneath the surface. Here’s our review from 2019. But in short, the ’19+ Miata got better air & fuel delivery, lighter internals, and thus a higher redline. Resulting in an even more enhanced driving experience, and a bump in horsepower from 155 to 181. Now for 2024…
Mazda has given the ND Miata another round of improvements…
Aesthetically, there are subtle changes to the headlights, running-lights, and taillights (see here). But from a driver’s perspective, Mazda has refined the limited-slip in the manual cars to reduce lift-oversteer. The result can actually be felt behind the wheel, even in spirited street driving & general darting about. Mazda has also tweaked the steering for a ‘more natural’ feel. And get this: the stability control (in Track Mode) has been updated to not step-in & over-interfere… only activating when the Miata has exceeded a threshold of no return. Ask yourself: In 2024, who else is making cars that DON’T over-interfere? And who else is prioritizing a MORE NATURAL feel?
Inside the 2024 Miata, the infotainment screen gets a little larger. And there are a couple other electronic-assist features like adaptive cruise or brake intervention (if you’re about to back into something). It’s likely just carryover stuff from other models that most Miata drivers won’t care too much about one way or the other. In conclusion…
The 2024 Mazda Miata…
Is absolutely, hands-down, one of the greats. The Miata keeps getting better & better. Not just from a statistical standpoint. But from a driver’s standpoint as well. It’s becoming a counter-culture, cult-like statement… that driving still matters. That the experience matters. Now more than ever, where we’re losing ourselves in a numbed-out, automated world of complacency & distraction… it matters.
•Get the free S3 Magazine app• (Apple)
•Get the free S3 Magazine app• (Android)
