Facelifted 2024 Mazda MX-5 Caught Testing With New Lights, Bumpers

It’s hard to believe but the current ND generation of the Mazda MX-5 was first unveiled in 2015. While the design hasn’t changed to this day, it’s simply a testament to how well Mazda designs its cars these days. But for the 2024 Mazda MX-5, it seems that the Japanese automaker is set to introduce a number of aesthetic enhancements to their small roadster.

These photos come courtesy of Rollende Reporter, who posted photos on Instagram of an MX-5 being driven around the Nurburgring for testing purposes. From the outside, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 is set to receive new LED headlights that now feature integrated LED daytime running lights as opposed to having separate units in the lower part of the front bumper. Likewise, the front bumper has been slightly redesigned since it doesn’t anymore contain those said daytime running lights.

The side profile remains largely unchanged, but the rear end benefits from new LED taillights. In this case, those lights now have a recessed element at the center of the circular portion of the taillights, while the shadow black detailing adds contrast to the taillights. The rear bumpers also receive a bit of massaging too, but the overall design largely echoes that of the current MX-5.

We still have no clue what the interior will look like, but considering the small dimensions, this doesn’t really leave a lot of space for a significant aesthetic upgrade. Therefore, we suspect it will be limited to new colors or materials, and we also don’t expect the widescreen second-generation Mazda Connect infotainment to be adopted by the MX-5 anytime soon.

What it could possibly adopt is the 24-volt mild-hybrid system of the current Mazda 3 and CX-30. Emissions regulations are getting stricter by the minute, so electrifying the MX-5 in this manner would make a lot of sense. This will most likely be limited to Europe, while the rest of the world may continue to have a non-electrified 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 181 horsepower.

A full redesign isn’t expected anytime soon, so by giving the MX-5 a facelift, this extends the life of the only affordable roadster in the market today.