Mk4 & RF (ND)

Revealed at simultaneous events in Japan, Spain and America in September 2014, the fourth generation MX5 remains the basis for the current model and is a totally different car from the Mk3/NC generation it replaced.

That is obvious enough from the sharp looks and reduced size, the Mk4 – or ND – closer in dimensions and weight to the original Mk1 but with all the mod cons you’d expect these days. Credit due to Mazda here, given most new models tend to be bigger and heavier than the ones they replace.

The engines represent another big step up and come from Mazda’s latest Skyactiv family, with further improvements in efficiency. A six-speed manual is the default transmission and remains preferable to the automatic option. The 1.5-litre engine has 131ps and, in a neat twist purists appreciate, a comparable power to weight ratio to the Mk1 1.6. What it lacks in power against the 160ps 2.0-litre version it makes up for with a slightly revvier, more lively nature so there really is no bad choice here, just different ones.

That difference between the two engines was made more significant in a 2018 facelift, which included strengthened engine internals and various other mechanical tweaks. On the 1.5 this makes little to no difference on paper but the 2.0 got a raised redline, lighter internals and major power increase to 184ps, slicing nearly a second out of the 0-62mph time to bring it down to just 6.5 seconds. MX5s have always been fun but with this latest model it’s finally got the performance many have been crying out for from day one. On all Mk4s the 2.0-litre versions get a limited-slip diff as standard, 2.0-litre Sport models gaining Bilstein suspension and a strut brace as in previous generations.

After the success of the folding hardtop RC version of the Mk3, Mazda decided to go one better with the introduction of the RF ‘Retractable Fastback’ take on the Mk4. The difference between this and the regular soft-top is now a lot more dramatic, thanks to flowing ‘buttresses’ on the boot lid that give it a proper coupe look with the roof up and more of a ‘targa’ style appearance with it stowed.

Equipment is good, all models getting LED headlights, air-conditioning, power mirrors and more. Moving up the range adds a 7.0-inch multimedia screen, leather, LED running lights, speakers in the headrests, Bose stereo system, heated leather seats and more while Nav models added (surprise!) built-in navigation. As well as the improved engines the 2018 update added reach adjustment to the steering wheel and an increased package of driver aids on more expensive trim levels.

Inevitably special editions have once again been a big feature across both generations of Mk4, attractive options including the Sport Recaro with desirable sports seats, the Arctic with its Blue Reflex paint, the Z-Sport with its cherry red roof, ‘sand’ leather upholstery and BBS wheels, RF Sport Black and, most recently, the bright orange 30th Anniversary Edition with a ton of desirable upgrades including those Recaro seats, Brembo front brake calipers and specially designed forged Rays wheels. Of the total global production run of 3,000 cars 600 were sold here, comprising 400 convertibles and 200 RFs.

In 2024 Mazda launched a facelifted version of the Mk4 which although looks very similar, has been designated with a new chassis code of NE.