Mazda MX-5 MK4 (ND)

The fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, known as the MK4 or ND, launched in 2015 and remains the current generation of the Mazda MX-5. It is the most compact MX-5 ever produced, shorter and lower to the ground than the MK3, but also wider. It earned the Red Dot Award for Best of the Best in Car Design. Built around Mazda’s SKYACTIV engine technology and aesthetic KODO design, the MK4 is light, agile and extremely efficient for a roadster.

Our Mazda MX-5 MK4 (ND) guide covers the current generation of MX-5 in full, including every trim level, the release of the Retractable Fastback (RF), every facelift and special editions.

Explore our offers on new Mazda MX-5’s. Alternatively, we have a wide selection of used MX-5’s for sale.

If you’re looking for information on another generation of the Mazda MX-5, we have guides covering the MK1, MK2 and MK3.

Changes from the Mazda MX-5 MK3

The MK4 had some significant changes from the MK3: lighter, faster and more efficient, it introduced Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G engines to the MX-5 for the first time. Both available engines, a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre, were paired with a six-speed manual gearbox at launch.

The MK4 was also the first generation of the MX-5 to carry Mazda’s KODO ‘Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, giving it a more sculptured, aggressive look compared to the rounder MK3. The body is shorter and lower to the ground, but wider, and aluminium panels keep the kerb weight down.

Driving experience: a comparison between the MK3 and MK4

Behind the wheel, the MK4 feels closer to the original MK1 than the MK3 did. It is lighter and more agile, with an extremely responsive front-end. Where the MK3’s 2.0-litre engine delivered its power in a torquier, more relaxed way better suited to motorway cruising, the MK4 likes to be worked harder with more revs, making it feel more at home on windy B-roads than on a motorway.

Gearshift quality on the MK4 is excellent. The short-throw action draws you in and makes gear changes feel satisfying and precise, which is more praise for the MK4 than any reflection on the MK3, which also shifts well. The reduced weight means the car moves smoothly and consistently through corners from entry to exit, with the chassis feeling well balanced throughout the whole turn.

MX-5 MK4 special editions

A number of notable MX-5 MK4 special editions have been released since its launch. The Sport Recaro (2016) featured Alcantara-upholstered Recaro seats with a Brilliant Black aero kit and diamond-cut alloy wheels. The RF 160ps Launch Edition (2017) arrived alongside the RF body style, finished in Soul Red or Machine Grey with BBS alloy wheels and Recaro seats. The 30th Anniversary Edition (2019) was finished in an exclusive Racing Orange paint with forged Rays wheels and orange-accented Recaro seats, powered by the updated 184ps engine. The 100th Anniversary Edition (2020) marked 100 years of Mazda and was finished in Snowflake White Pearlescent with a Dark Cherry fabric roof and a burgundy leather interior, with only 100 UK units ever produced.

For the complete list and a more in-depth breakdown of every MX-5 special edition across all generations, visit our Mazda MX-5 complete guide.

Mazda MX-5 MK4 Launch (2015–2018)

The MK4 launched in seven colours: Arctic White Solid, Crystal White Pearlescent, Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Metallic, Blue Reflex Mica, Meteor Grey Mica and Jet Black Mica. Interior trim varied by spec level, SE models came in black cloth with black stitching, SE-L and SE-L Nav in black cloth with red stitching, and Sport and Sport Nav in either black leather with red stitching or sand leather with sand stitching. For the SE-L and Sport trim levels, a Nav variant was available, adding an integrated navigation system with 3-years free European map updates as standard.

Trim levels and engines

SE 131ps – The entry-level MK4 came with 16″ alloy wheels, LED headlights, engine start/stop button, remote keyless entry and manual air-conditioning. Safety equipment included driver and passenger front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System and Hill Hold Assist.

SE-L / SE-L Nav 131ps – Includes all SE features, and adds: LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, body colour-coordinated interior upper door trim, and a multimedia suite featuring a 7″ colour touchscreen with Multimedia Commander, integrated Bluetooth and two driver’s headrest speakers (six speakers in total).

SE-L Nav 160ps – Includes all SE-L / SE-L Nav 131ps features, and adds: 17″ gunmetal alloy wheels, limited slip differential (LSD), strut brace and Piano Black door mirrors.

Sport / Sport Nav 131ps – Includes all SE-L / SE-L Nav 131ps features, and adds: 16″ gunmetal alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, heated seats and smart keyless entry. Safety upgrades include Lane Departure Warning System. The infotainment is upgraded to a premium Bose sound system with two driver and two passenger headrest speakers (nine speakers in total).

Sport / Sport Nav 160ps – Includes all Sport / Sport Nav 131ps features, and adds: sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, strut brace, 17″ bright alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors and LSD.

Note: the 1.5-litre engine was available across all trim levels. The 2.0-litre was available on SE-L / SE-L Nav and Sport / Sport Nav only.

Mazda MX-5 RF Launch (2017–)

The Retractable Fastback or “RF” arrived in 2017 as a new body style within the MK4 generation. Where the MK3 had its Roadster Coupe with a polycarbonate retractable hardtop, the RF instead has fixed rear buttresses that give the car a distinctive coupe-style profile with the roof raised, making it look more like a targa-top car than a roadster when the roof is lowered.

The RF is only 45kg heavier than the MK4 soft-top, and the powered roof can be closed in 13 seconds while driving up to 6mph. Machine Grey was introduced as a new colour exclusively for the RF at launch.

When the RF was introduced, SE-L and Sport trim levels automatically became SE-L Nav and Sport Nav respectively, making navigation standard across the RF and soft-top range. The RF was available as the SE-L Nav 131ps and 160ps, Sport Nav 131ps and 160ps, and Sport Nav 160ps automatic. Sport Nav RF also had the option of a Nappa Leather interior.

Mazda MX-5 MK4 2018 Facelift (2018–2023)

In 2018, the MK4 received a mid-life facelift. Mazda made no significant exterior changes in keeping with their approach of only updating the MX-5 when necessary, and with a clear intent to preserve the original MK4’s appearance. The most meaningful updates were mechanical and technological.

Both engines received power increases and improved fuel economy. The 2.0-litre received the most notable change, rising from 160ps to 184ps. This came from a combination of a larger intake manifold, new camshafts, increased injection pressure, a revised induction system, a raised rev limit and a new exhaust system. The 1.5-litre was also given a minor power increase rising to 132ps.

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of safety technology was introduced across the range, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were fitted as standard in 2020. A telescopic reach adjustment was added to the steering column, providing 30mm of adjustment. A new GT Sport Nav+ trim level was introduced as a top-level trim.

RF models released after this facelift were only available with the 2.0-litre engine in manual or automatic.

The 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre facelifted models follow a broadly similar trim structure to their pre-facelift counterparts, SE+ follows SE, SE-L Nav+ follows SE-L Nav, and so on.

Trim levels and engines

SE+ 132ps – The entry-level trim with the 2018 facelift. Features 16″ alloy wheels, LED headlights, telescopic and tilt adjustable steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, engine start/stop button, remote keyless entry and manual air-conditioning. Safety equipment includes driver and passenger front and side airbags, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System.

SE-L Nav+ 132ps – Includes all SE+ 132ps features, and adds: LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, heated seats, 16″ black alloy wheels and premium black cloth seat trim with red stitching. Infotainment upgrades include a 7″ colour touchscreen with Multimedia Commander and integrated Bluetooth, plus the integrated navigation system with 3-years free EU map updates.

SE-L Nav+ 184ps – Includes all SE-L Nav+ 132ps features, and adds: 17″ black alloy wheels, limited slip differential, i-stop and i-ELOOP regenerative braking system.

Sport Nav+ 132ps – Includes all SE-L Nav+ 132ps features, and adds: 16″ bright alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and smart keyless entry. Safety additions include Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition. The audio system was also upgraded to a premium BOSE sound system.

Sport Nav+ 184ps – Includes all Sport Nav+ 132ps features, and adds: 17″ bright alloy wheels, sports suspension with Bilstein dampers (manual models only), strut brace (manual models only), limited slip differential (manual models only), i-stop and i-ELOOP.

GT Sport Nav+ (new for facelift) – Includes all Sport Nav+ 184ps features, and adds: sand leather seats, stainless steel scuff plates, Adaptive LED headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a reversing camera.

Mazda MX-5 MK4 2024 Facelift (2024–)

The MX-5 MK4 received a further update in 2024, bringing exterior design changes, revised trim levels and further engineering development. The most visible change is a new LED headlight design that incorporates the daytime running lights, giving the car a more contemporary look. A new colour, Aero Grey, joined the range, to update the colour offering: Jet Black, Arctic White, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal and Aero Grey.

The range was restructured into eight models across three trim levels: Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura, covering both the roadster and RF. The driving dynamics were also refined: a new asymmetric limited slip differential was introduced to provide better cornering stability, throttle response was improved, and the electric power steering was recalibrated for a more natural feel. i-ELOOP and i-stop became available with both engine options. The infotainment system was updated with a larger 8.8″ touchscreen display and USB-C ports fitted across the range.

Trim levels and engines

Prime-Line – Available with the 132ps 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine only. Features 16″ black alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather-wrapped handbrake lever, gear shift and steering wheel, premium black cloth and suede effect seat trim with silver stitching, heated seats, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control and Intelligent Speed Assist. Infotainment includes the Mazda Navigation System with 7-years free map updates, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety equipment includes lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, remote central locking with deadlocking and front smart brake support.

132ps Exclusive-Line – Includes all Prime-Line features, and adds: 16″ bright alloy wheels, black perforated leather trim with silver stitching, BOSE sound system and smart keyless entry.

184ps Exclusive-Line – Includes all Exclusive-Line 132ps features, and adds: 17″ black diamond-cut alloy wheels, Adaptive LED headlights, reversing camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, asymmetric limited slip differential, front strut brace and sports suspension with Bilstein dampers.

Homura – Available with the 184ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine only. Includes all 184ps Exclusive-Line features, and adds: 17″ Gun Metallic BBS alloy wheels, red Brembo front brake callipers, red rear brake callipers, two-tone power retractable hardtop, RECARO sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, and stainless steel scuff plates featuring the MX-5 logo.

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