The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most beloved sports cars in the UK. Light, agile, and a joy to drive, it embodies everything a proper roadster should be. But whether you’re a weekend enthusiast, a track day regular, or someone who simply enjoys a spirited drive through the countryside, there’s one upgrade that can make a significant difference to how your MX-5 feels and performs — suspension.
In this article, we’ll explore why you might want to change or upgrade your MX-5’s suspension, what benefits you can expect, and why it’s worth reviewing your upgrade options.
The Role of Suspension in an MX-5
Your MX-5’s suspension isn’t just about comfort—it’s crucial to handling, stability, and performance. The suspension system controls how the car reacts to bumps, corners, and braking forces, keeping the tyres in optimal contact with the road. A well-tuned suspension ensures your MX-5 remains poised and predictable, whether you’re carving through the Peak District or navigating tight bends on a track day.
While Mazda has done a great job engineering the MX-5’s suspension for a balance of comfort and handling, factory setups are often a compromise. That’s where upgrades come in.
Why Upgrade Your Suspension?
There are several compelling reasons to change or upgrade the suspension on your MX-5:
- Age and Wear
If you own an older MX-5, especially an NA (1989-1997) or NB (1998-2005), chances are your suspension components are past their best. Over time, dampers lose their effectiveness, bushings degrade, and springs weaken. This leads to a less responsive ride, excessive body roll, and a car that feels loose or unsettled. Replacing worn-out parts with quality upgrades can restore—and even improve—handling.
- Better Handling and Performance
While the stock MX-5 suspension is well-balanced, upgrading to a performance suspension setup can transform how the car handles. Coilovers, for example, offer adjustable damping and ride height, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your driving style. Whether you prefer a firm, track-ready setup or a compliant, fast-road setup, the right suspension can enhance your car’s dynamics significantly.
- Lower Ride Height and Improved Stance
Let’s be honest—suspension upgrades aren’t just about performance. A lowered MX-5 with a properly set stance looks fantastic. Lowering springs can give your car a more aggressive, purposeful appearance while also reducing body roll and improving aerodynamics. Just be mindful of ground clearance if your local roads are full of potholes!
- Increased Comfort for Road Use
It may sound counterintuitive, but upgrading your suspension can actually improve ride comfort. High-quality dampers and springs, designed for fast-road use, can provide a smoother ride by better-absorbing road imperfections. If your MX-5 feels crashy over bumps, an upgrade could make long drives more enjoyable.
- Track Day Performance
If you enjoy taking your MX-5 on track days, then a suspension upgrade is one of the best investments you can make. They allow you to fine-tune stiffness, damping, and ride height to maximise grip and stability. Pairing upgraded suspension with performance tyres can dramatically improve lap times and overall driving confidence.
- Tuning for Different Driving Styles
Not all MX-5 drivers want the same thing from their suspension. Some prefer a soft, compliant setup for everyday driving, while others want razor-sharp precision for spirited weekend drives. The beauty of aftermarket suspension upgrades is that they offer a range of options, from simple shock and spring replacements to fully adjustable coilovers that let you dial in the perfect balance.
- Enhanced Safety
A well-maintained and upgraded suspension system improves overall safety. Reduced body roll means better stability in corners, improved braking performance, and more predictable handling in emergency situations. If you often drive on wet or twisty roads, upgrading your suspension can provide extra confidence and control.
What Suspension Upgrades Should You Consider?
If you’re thinking about upgrading your MX-5’s suspension, here are a few key components to consider:
- Coilovers – Ideal for those who want full adjustability. A set of high-quality coilovers allows you to fine-tune ride height, damping, and stiffness to suit your needs.
- Lowering Springs – A simple, cost-effective way to improve stance and reduce body roll without sacrificing too much comfort.
- Upgraded Dampers (Shocks) – If your MX-5’s ride feels bouncy or uncontrolled, replacing old dampers with performance-oriented ones can restore handling precision and reduces tyre wear.
- Polyurethane Bushings – Over time, factory rubber bushings degrade. Upgrading to polyurethane bushings improves steering response and overall chassis rigidity and helps reduce tyre wear.
- Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars) – Reduce body roll and improve cornering stability, making your MX-5 feel more planted and responsive.
- Chassis Braces – Strut and chassis braces also reduce body roll and improve handling by taking the flex out of the chassis which in turn makes the car more responsive.
Choosing the Right Suspension for Your MX-5
Before upgrading, consider how you use your MX-5. If it’s a daily driver, you might want a comfortable yet sporty setup, like a set of high-quality dampers and springs. If you’re more focused on performance, fully adjustable coilovers might be the best route.
We stock a wide range of suspension components to suit every generation of MX-5. Whether you drive an Mk1/NA, Mk2/NB, Mk3/NC, or Mk4/ND, we have everything you need to upgrade your ride.
Time to Review Your Suspension Options
The MX-5 is one of the most engaging and rewarding cars to drive, and upgrading your suspension can take that experience to the next level. Whether you're restoring an older model, fine-tuning for performance, or simply looking to improve comfort and stability, the right suspension setup makes all the difference.
Check out our extensive range of suspension upgrades
Other articles that may be of interest
- 7 Steps How-To Fit Lowering Springs to a Mk4
- Fitting The Gaz Gold Pro 350/250 Coilover Kit to a Mk1
- Our Guide to Upgrading Your MX-5 Suspension