New Mazda MX-5 Roadster SP lowers entry price to $51,990
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Mazda is making the MX-5 more accessible in New Zealand with a new entry-level Roadster SP, priced from $51,990 plus on-road costs.
Arriving from October 2026, the SP lowers the price of a new MX-5 by $10,000 compared with the Roadster Takami and RF Homura, which are both listed at $61,990 plus on-road costs.
The refreshed range has been trimmed to three distinct variants. The SP provides the simplest soft-top experience, the manual Takami replaces the previous Roadster GT as the performance-focused option, and the RF Homura combines a retractable hardtop with an automatic transmission.
All three retain Mazda’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 135kW and 205Nm. The Roadster SP and Takami use a six-speed manual gearbox, while the RF Homura comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic.
Read more – 2024 Mazda MX-5 GT review
Rather than stripping out the MX-5’s essentials to reach its lower price, Mazda says it has kept the new SP focused on the attributes that have defined the roadster since 1989. It rides on 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels, has a black fabric roof and gets cloth-trimmed sports seats.
Both manual models retain Mazda’s Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential. The system varies its locking action according to acceleration, deceleration and changes in the load placed on the rear wheels, helping to improve turn-in and stability.
The Roadster Takami builds on that foundation with Recaro sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara. It also receives 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, Bilstein dampers, red Brembo brake callipers and a DSC-Track stability-control setting.
That mode reduces electronic intervention, allowing the driver more freedom before the stability-control system steps in.
The RF Homura takes a more comfort-focused approach. Its electrically retractable hardtop provides better weather protection and year-round usability, while heated leather seats and a Bose audio system add some luxury. It is the only automatic in the revised range.
Technology and safety upgrades have been applied across all three models. Lane Keep Assist replaces the previous lane-departure warning system, while the Smart City Brake Support system gains pedestrian and cyclist detection.
The central infotainment display can now also be operated as a touchscreen, addressing one of the more obvious usability limitations of the previous system.
A new Zinc Green Metallic paint colour joins the palette. Inspired by zinc-chromate industrial primer, the finish uses blue-tinted metallic flakes to change its appearance under different lighting conditions. Premium paint attracts an additional charge.
Every New Zealand-new MX-5 is covered by the Mazdacare ownership programme. This includes a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, Mazda On Call roadside assistance and scheduled servicing for five years or 100,000km at no extra cost.
The addition of the Roadster SP gives buyers a clearer entry point into the range and, more importantly, keeps a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive manual sports car available for a little over $50,000. There aren’t many alternatives left offering that formula.
