Mazda MX-5 platform and positioning
The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The current fourth generation, coded ND, has been built in Hiroshima since March 2015 and comes as a soft-top Roadster or as the RF, a retractable fastback with a folding rigid roof.
Mazda MX-5 powertrain
Every Australian MX-5 has a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 135 kW and 205 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The same 135 kW engine is rated at 181 hp in markets that quote it that way.
Mazda MX-5 update for 2027
Mazda Australia’s 2027 update, which it calls a 2026 model, opened for order in October 2026 with deliveries starting that month. Lane-keep assist now joins the existing lane-departure warning on every MX-5, and the autonomous emergency braking system now detects cyclists as well as vehicles and pedestrians.
The GT RS grades gain Recaro bucket seats in Nappa leather and Alcantara with light grey stitching, and Alcantara now covers the dashboard, centre console, console lid and door cards. Zinc Green Metallic joins the palette on both Roadster and RF, the first green on an Australian MX-5 in 10 years.
Mazda MX-5 price and trims
Prices run from A$44,590 (~$31,900) for the Roadster manual to A$61,740 (~$44,100) for the RF GT RS manual, before on-road costs. The update added A$1,950 (~$1,400) to every grade except the two GT RS cars, which rose by A$4,950 (~$3,500). The Roadster comes in base, GT and GT RS grades, and the RF in GT and GT RS, with a Black Roof Tan Leather version of the RF GT.
