A Roadster That Refuses to Fade

For over three decades, the Mazda MX-5 has been the world’s favourite affordable roadster. From its first generation in 1989 through to the present day, the car has stayed true to a philosophy that’s becoming rare in today’s automotive landscape: lightweight construction, naturally aspirated power, and a focus on pure driving enjoyment.

In a world dominated by SUVs, crossovers, hybrids, and heavy luxury EVs, the MX-5 feels like an endangered species. Yet here it is in 2025, still alive, still rear-wheel drive, still offering a manual gearbox, and still reminding drivers why driving doesn’t need to be complicated.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 is not a reinvention. It doesn’t need to be. Instead, it’s a careful evolution of the ND generation that has been around since 2015, refreshed with sharper technology, improved efficiency, safety tweaks, and subtle styling updates. But at its core, it’s still the MX-5 every enthusiast knows and loves.

This review takes a deep dive into what makes the 2025 MX-5 special for Australian buyers. We’ll explore its features, driving performance, practicality, and how it compares in today’s sports car market.

Design and Exterior Styling

The 2025 MX-5 doesn’t scream for attention, but it still has a distinctive roadster charm. Its proportions remain classic: a long bonnet, short overhangs, low stance, and rear-drive posture. Mazda has given it slightly sharper LED lighting, with slimmer headlights and a cleaner front bumper design that integrates better with the grille.

Around the sides, the familiar compact silhouette remains. The car still looks like it was designed with a pencil sketch of “joyful driving” in mind. Even with modern safety standards, the MX-5 manages to avoid the bloated look many modern cars have adopted.

New 17-inch alloy wheel designs are introduced, offering both sportier and more premium finishes depending on trim level. Buyers in Australia still get the choice of the classic soft-top convertible or the more coupe-like RF (Retractable Fastback) with its folding hardtop. The soft-top keeps weight down, while the RF adds a dose of practicality and insulation for longer trips.

Colour options expand for 2025, with Mazda introducing new metallic shades that enhance its curves under sunlight. “Soul Red Crystal” remains the hero colour, but there’s also a fresh deep blue and a matte-inspired grey that give the MX-5 an upmarket, contemporary vibe.

Interior and Cabin Experience

Step inside the 2025 MX-5 and you’ll immediately realise this isn’t a car built for excess. Space is tight, yes, but that’s part of the character. The cabin cocoons the driver, putting all the essential controls within easy reach.

Mazda has made subtle updates for 2025 to keep the MX-5 in line with modern expectations. The 7-inch infotainment screen is now larger, sharper, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The interface is quicker, with improved graphics, making it more usable than the outgoing model.

The seats, while not luxurious, are well-bolstered and supportive during spirited drives. Higher trims get leather upholstery and heated seats, which make top-down cruising more enjoyable in cooler weather. The steering wheel is still perfectly sized—thin-rimmed, tactile, and responsive.

Storage remains minimal. A small glove box, a couple of cupholders, and a shallow boot mean the MX-5 won’t carry your life’s belongings. But if you’re buying one, practicality probably isn’t your top priority.

Mazda has also improved cabin refinement. Better insulation around the roof and doors reduces wind noise, especially on the RF model, making highway drives more pleasant. Soft-touch materials in key areas bring the car closer to premium territory without straying from its lightweight ethos.

Engine, Performance, and Driving Dynamics

The soul of the MX-5 has always been about balance, not brute force. In 2025, this remains true.

Under the bonnet sits Mazda’s familiar 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine. It produces around 135 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque, modest numbers by sports car standards. But with the MX-5’s kerb weight sitting under 1,100 kg, the car feels lively and responsive.

The rev-happy character of the engine is what sets it apart. It loves to be pushed, delivering its best near the redline. Coupled with one of the best manual gearboxes in the business—short, precise, and mechanical—it creates an addictive connection between driver and machine.

Automatic versions are available, but the manual is where the magic lies. The clutch is light, the throws are short, and every gear change feels rewarding. Few cars today offer such tactile satisfaction at any price.

On the road, the MX-5 dances rather than sprints. Its steering is sharp, communicative, and perfectly weighted. Corners are devoured with balance and agility, thanks to its 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity. Whether on a twisty mountain road or a winding coastal drive, the MX-5 reminds you what driving is supposed to feel like.

Acceleration is brisk, with a 0–100 km/h time of around 6.5 seconds. Not blisteringly fast, but fast enough to bring a smile without risking your licence every time you press the throttle. More importantly, the MX-5 makes even everyday speeds fun.

Suspension tweaks for 2025 improve comfort slightly without dulling its sharp handling. The ride is firm, but not punishing, making it a usable daily sports car for Australian roads.

Technology and Features

Mazda has given the MX-5 just enough modern tech to keep it relevant. Standard features across the 2025 range include:

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• LED headlights and taillights
• Reversing camera
• Climate control

Higher trims add features like:

• Premium Bose 9-speaker audio system
• Heated leather seats
• Navigation
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Parking sensors

While it won’t overwhelm you with screens or autonomous driving aids, the MX-5 delivers all the essentials while keeping its focus on driving purity.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In earlier generations, safety was a weakness of the MX-5, but the 2025 model has come a long way. Standard safety features now include:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Dual front and side airbags

These features, combined with Mazda’s improved chassis rigidity, mean the MX-5 offers reasonable protection without becoming heavy or overburdened. Of course, as a two-seater convertible, it won’t match the safety profile of larger cars, but it’s far better equipped than purists might expect.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

One of the MX-5’s underrated strengths is efficiency. Despite being a sports car, the lightweight body and naturally aspirated engine deliver excellent fuel economy. Official figures suggest around 6.8–7.0L/100 km in mixed driving.

This makes it one of the most affordable sports cars to run in Australia—not only in purchase price, but also in long-term ownership. Servicing costs are in line with other Mazda models, and reliability has been a hallmark of the MX-5 over decades.

Compared to turbocharged rivals or heavier V6 sports cars, the MX-5 remains a sensible choice for enthusiasts who want thrills without financial headaches.

Pricing and Variants in Australia

Mazda Australia continues to offer the MX-5 in a straightforward lineup for 2025. Buyers can choose between:

• MX-5 Roadster (soft-top) – the purist’s choice, lightweight and simple.
• MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) – adds a power-folding hardtop and slightly more refinement.

Pricing starts around the mid-$40,000s for entry models and stretches into the mid-$50,000s for higher trims with leather and Bose audio. This positions the MX-5 as one of the most affordable sports cars in Australia, especially when compared to rivals like the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, or BMW Z4.

Rivals and Comparisons

The MX-5 occupies a unique space in today’s market. Its main rivals include:

• Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ – Slightly larger, with more power and rear seats, but not open-top.
• BMW Z4 / Toyota Supra – More expensive, turbocharged, and heavier, appealing to buyers seeking luxury.
• Mini Convertible – Fun and quirky, but front-wheel drive and less of a true sports car.
• Used Porsche Boxster – Offers prestige and performance but at much higher ownership costs.

Where the MX-5 shines is in delivering purity at an attainable price. No rival offers such a direct connection to the joy of driving for the same money.

Why the MX-5 Still Matters in 2025

Sports cars are becoming rarer, especially affordable ones. Hybrids and EVs dominate headlines, SUVs dominate sales charts, and driver engagement often takes a back seat.

Yet the MX-5 persists. It exists for those who love to feel every gear change, every corner, and every breeze with the top down. It’s not about straight-line speed or high-tech bragging rights. It’s about joy, simplicity, and balance.

For Australians, it offers a perfect weekend car, a daily dose of fun, and a reminder that driving can still be about the journey—not just the destination.

Verdict – Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda MX-5?

If you’re in the market for an affordable convertible sports car in Australia, the MX-5 2025 should sit at the very top of your list. It’s not the most practical, nor the most powerful, but it offers something increasingly rare: personality.

For around $50,000, you get a lightweight, reliable, fuel-efficient roadster that makes every drive an occasion. Whether you choose the soft-top for maximum purity or the RF for extra usability, the MX-5 delivers a timeless experience.

Mazda hasn’t reinvented the formula because it doesn’t need to. The 2025 MX-5 proves that the pure roadster experience still matters—and still lives on.