The popular Mazda Miata has received several aftermarket upgrades throughout its life time, but very few companies can brag about having pumped more power into the Japanese roadster. One such firm is Britain's BBR, which in 2015 celebrated 25 years of MX-5->ke1185 upgrades. And it did so by releasing three separate updates for the fourth-generation ND model.

It's been nearly a year since BBR unveiled a 200-horsepower MX-5, and the British tuning company is finally accepting orders for its brand-new packages. Like in the past, BBR won't meddle with the roadster->ke1418 inside and out, but its upgrades will give the engine up to 190 horsepower to send to the rear wheels. The packages enhance both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines available in Europe, while various chassis options help keep the uprated sports car->ke506 on its best behavior on both the road and the track.

All upgrades keep the engine naturally aspirated, but if previous BBR-tuned Miatas are any indication, a turbocharged model should also be underway. Until that happens, let's have a closer look at the program that will likely make many ND-generation MX-5 owners very happy.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mazda MX-5 By BBR.

2016 Mazda MX-5 By BBR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mazda MX-5 By BBR
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 149
  • Torque: 126
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Unlike most car tuners, BBR doesn't meddle with the Miata's exterior, leaving every body panel and bumper just like it came from the factory. The only why to customize your BBR-modified MX-5 is to opt for one of the firm's Performance Wheel and Tire packages, which includes a "full range of lightweight alloy wheels and tires." One combo adds OZ rims and Goodyear F1 tires to the roadster, but for more bundles you'll need to contact BBR yourself.

Although the demonstrator car shown here features black "25 Years of MX-5 Tuning" decals on the doors and engine hood, BBR doesn't say whether they can be purchased or not. My guess is they're only for promotional purposes, but it would have been nice to be able to further customize the car with racing stripes.

Interior

While the exterior can be optioned up with a new set of wheels, the interior doesn't benefit from any features outside what you get from the dealership. That shouldn't be an issue given that the MX-5 just received a brand-new interior, but BBR should seriously consider designing a few cabin upgrades for those looking to customize it.

Drivetrain

This is where the magic happens, as BBR's latest upgrades can increase the Miata's power by up to 19 percent and torque by up to 16 percent. The British-based firm developed updates for both drivetrains available in Europe -- the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

The entry-level package is the BBR Super 160, which adds 20 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque to the 1.5-liter SkyActive unit. With this bundle, output increases to 149 horses and 126 pound-feet, available at 7,450 and 4,700 rpm, respectively.

Next up is the BBR Super 175, developed specifically for the 2.0-liter model. With this package, output jumps from 158 horsepower and 148 pound-feet to 175 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of twist. The extra horses kick in at 6,800 rpm.

Finally, there's the BBR Super 190, which adds 30 horses and 24 pound-feet to the 2.0-liter MX-5, taking the four-banger to 188 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of twist. The latter upgrade includes a cold air intake system, an optimized exhaust manifold, a new high-flow, stainless steel exhaust center section with integrated sport catalyst, and a stainless steel rear silencer with adjustable twin BBR-branded tail pipes. The latter also provides a throatier exhaust note. BBR claims that the Super 190 doesn't compromise driveability, as the maximum torque arrives at 3,550 rpm, some 1,400 revs lower than the stock engine.

The tuner firm has yet to release performance figures, but the extra oomph should shave a few tenths off the 0-to-62 mph sprints. The 1.5-liter Miata's acceleration should drop from 8.3 to 8.1 seconds, while the 2.0-liter model should hit the benchmark in 7.2 and 7.0 seconds, respectively, down from 7.3 ticks.

Packages aside, BBR also offers two extra options. A lightweight sport silencer shaves four kg (8.8 pounds) over the standard BBR silencer, while also enhancing the roadster's exhaust note. There's also a stainless steel 4-1 manifold for the Super 190 upgrade that adds two extra horses for a total power output of 190 horsepower.

Suspension and Brakes

Note: Standard Mazda MX-5 pictured here.

More power requires an updated suspension and BBR prepared upgrades in this department as well. The in-house-developed sports springs lower the car's ride height by 30 mm (1.2 inches) and features a progressive rising rate design that's said to deliver an optimal combination of comfort and dynamic excellence. BBR says that the new suspension also reduces the excessive roll the standard suspension may produce during spirited driving.

The second chassis upgrade option includes a set of high-performance front brake pads. Developed for both road and track use, the new pads deliver "superior outright retardation" compared to the standard units.

Prices

Note: Standard Mazda MX-5 pictured here.

Prices for the BBR upgrade start from £495 ($740). For this amount, you can buy either the Super 160 or the Super 175. The sticker includes installation and dyno testing at the firm's headquarters. If you'd like to install the upgrade yourself, the package costs £595 (about $890) and it's supplied with programming and diagnostic software.

The Super 190 bundle is a bit more expensive at £1,995 (around $2,983), but that's understandable given it provides a lot more extra power. The do-it-yourself version costs £1,795 (about $2,683).

Moving over to the performance springs, they cost £495 ($740) installed by BBR and £195 (around $291) as a DIY kit. The brake upgrade will cost you another £195 installed and £150 (about $224) in a box.

For the optional BBR silencer, the stainless steel manifold for the Super 190, and the Performance Wheel and Tire packages you'll have to contact the company for further information.

With the standard MX-5 priced from £18,495 (around $27,646) in the U.K., the BBR-upgraded roadster will fetch between £18,990 and £20,490 (about $28,390 to $30,632), depending on what package you purchase. A fully equipped Super 190 will cost £21,180 (around $31,663) before the optional silencer and manifold and the wheel/tire package, given everything is installed by BBR.

Unfortunately for U.S. enthusiasts, the BBR upgrades aren't available Stateside.

Note: Standard Mazda MX-5 pictured here.0}

Fiat 124 Abarth

The closest competitor to BBR's slightly beefed-up MX-5 is the upcoming Fiat 124 Abarth. Based on the standard 124 Spider, which was developed on Miata underpinnings, the Scorpion-badged roadster is expected to hit the market with up to 200 horsepower from either an uprated version of the standard model's 1.4-liter turbo-four or a detuned variant of the Alfa Romeo 4C's 1.75-liter four-banger. While the 124 Abarth will make a great competitor for the BBR Super 190, the standard 124 Spider, rated at 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, should give the base Super 160 a run for its money. Expect the 124 Abarth to retail from around £24,000 in the U.K.

Find out more about the Fiat 124 Abarth here.

Conclusion

Note: Standard Mazda MX-5 pictured here.

Granted, this BBR upgrade might not be very appealing to those looking for a modified exterior with their beefed-up Miatas, but it should be more than enough to satisfy MX-5 enthusiasts who complain about Mazda not offering a more powerful version of the roadster. Up to 30 horses might not sound like much for a 300-horsepower sports car, but it's quite a lot for a lightweight roadster cranks out 158 ponies in its most powerful trim. The Super 190 package in particular is quite entertaining, especially for enabling the fourth-generation Miata to hit 62 mph in under seven seconds with the right options. For the time being, BBR's upgrade is arguably the best you can have without extensive modifications and voiding the car's warranty.