The current Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t old. In fact, it just debuted for the 2016 model year. Well, Mazda isn’t letting the icon age without change. The retractable fastback option came in 2017, and now for 2018, the standard MX-5 gets a few key updates.

New body and top colors bring fresh life while new interior leather options come to the range-topping Grand Touring trim. Mazda’s design team wasn’t the only ones to work their magic. The engineers retuned the rear suspension and power steering, likely matching the changes given to the Miata RF in 2017.

Owners of the performance-minded Club model can now get the Brembo/BBS Package, which comes with several items including – you guessed it – Brembo brakes and BBS wheels. The Club also now has upgraded 17-inch wheels, a better Bose sound system, and heated cloth seats for those chilly nighttime drives with the top down. And last but not least, the base Sport model now comes standard with the Mazda Connect infotainment system with the 7.0-inch display.

Continue reading for more information.

Color Updates

Mazda isn’t changing the Miata’s sheet metal, but rather giving customers more choices in paint color and soft top color. The new body colors include Eternal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, and Soul Red Crystal. That sweet Machine Gray Metallic found on the Miata RF can now be had on the convertible, too. Color options for the tops now include that beautiful Dark Cherry. Subjectively, the Dark Cherry looks amazing when paired with the Machine Gray body color.

Inside, Mazda is has expanded the availability of the Nappa leather seats in the Auburn color to the Grand Touring. Before, only the Launch Edition came with that interior combination.

The MX-5 Club trim now has the option of heated cloth seats with red contrast stitching. Club models that opt for the Brembo/BBS Package also come standard with heated black leather seats. Those wanting more of a track-ready machine can get Recaro sport seats with the Brembo/BBS Recaro Package.

Of course, Mazda won’t just give you these new body colors or offer the Auburn Nappa leather for free. Here is how the prices break down:

Brembo/BBS Package

A returning option for the 2018 MX-5 Club is the Brembo/BBS Package. As the name suggests, this is a big brake package with BBS wheels. The front Brembo brakes are said to provide better heat resistance for track day duty, though Mazda did not mention any better braking performance or a size increase in the brakes themselves. Those BBS wheels are multi-spoke, gunmetal gray 17-inch alloys. Like before, the Brembo/BBS Package adds exterior aerodynamic features like side sill extensions and a rear bumper skirt.

New to the 2018 MX-5 is the Brembo/BBS Recaro Package. Heated Recaro sport seats replace the heated leather seats that come with the standard Brembo/BBS Package. Those who frequently track their MX-5 should find the seats more appropriate for the task.

On-Sale Date

The updated 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata will begin arriving in showrooms January 2018. Prices start at $25,295, which is a $380 increase over the 2017 model.

References

Mazda MX-5

Read our full review on the 2016 Mazda MX-5.

Read more Mazda news.