The Mazda MX-5 is a car whose sole purpose is to help the driver and passenger fall in love with driving. And as one reviewer said in a post online “Do not drive this car or you will be taking it home!”

Since its 2019 update, Mazda’s engineers have enriched the MX-5’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre engine with the goals of improved response, performance, feel and efficiency. The net results are 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm—a 17-per cent improvement—and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a richer torque curve throughout MX-5’s entire rev range.

Speaking of rev range, redline has increased from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm. Engineers were able to increase performance through several means, including:

• Reducing internal mass and friction: Each piston has been reduced 27g in mass, thanks to a minimized skirt area. Connecting rods are 41g lighter than previous units.
• Reducing exhaust loss: The upgraded engine carries an increased valve opening angle and valve lift height. The inner diameter of the exhaust manifold has also been increased. The net results are a 30-per cent reduction in pumping losses.

• Improved combustion: Reconfigured intake ports and new high-diffusion, higher-pressure fuel injectors improve the tumble and swirl of fuel in the cylinder and better-atomize fuel. The benefit is improved efficiency and torque at all rpm.
• Dual-mass flywheel: Replacing the single-mass flywheel with a low-inertia, dual-mass responsiveness.
• A new exhaust system with richer sound quality.
• New final drive ratio: The transmission’s final drive ratio has been increased from 3.454 to 3.583 in order to improve linear response to match the driver’s intentions. Gear ratios are otherwise unchanged from previous models.

As a result of numerous changes, MX-5 aims to be quicker, more responsive and more engaging to drive, adhering to Mazda’s unique Jinba Ittai—”horse and rider as one”—engineering philosophy.

Beyond engine improvements, the 2019 MX-5 introduces an available brown canvas soft top, new black metallic 16 and 17-inch wheels, a newly telescoping steering wheel (42mm of travel), easier-to-open doors and revised door stops and revised cupholders and seat levers.

On the safety front, the 2019 MX-5 will be sold with a new rearview camera and newly available features such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support in addition to other i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies found throughout various trim levels. In the process of gaining many new features, the 2019 MX-5 gains just 3 kg (7 lbs.) from previous models, owing to a strict adherence to Mazda’s “Gram Strategy” and ingenious solutions like adopting an aluminum steering shaft in place of the previous steel unit.

When the fourth-generation MX-5 launched, its development team rallied around the idea of innovating in order to preserve. The latest round of innovations aim to continue that mission. If it’s possible that somehow, you have never driven a fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, then you need to rectify that problem right now. Let this quote from Car&Driver be your final motivation:

“Since its introduction in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been beloved by drivers all over the world, and for 2020 this automotive icon continues to be the focused sports car we love. Its chassis is playful, its engine is eager to rev, and its standard manual transmission is a joy to use. Perhaps what’s most enjoyable about the 2020 Miata is how analogue it seems in the age of computer-controlled cars and SUVs. While it isn’t a practical choice, it represents the best and most affordable four-wheeled thrill ride this side of a go-kart”

Click the button below and treat yourself to the pure driving bliss that is the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.