The ND Mazda MX-5 has remained mostly the same since its introduction in 2015. While being one of the older cars on the market currently, it has slowly been evolving to stay relevant in the modern age.

The refresh (unofficially dubbed the “ND3”) was introduced last year,  with updated looks, tech improvements, and handling tweaks. And now, Mazda Philippines is bringing in the latest version to our country, starting at P2,230,000.

Seven colors are available for our market:

• Aero Gray
• Soul Red Crystal
• Machine Gray
• Snowflake White Pearl
• Deep Crystal Blue
• Zircon Sand
• Jet Black

It’s also available in two body styles: the RF and the soft top. If you opt for the soft top, you can get it either with a tan top or a black top.

Aside from revised LED lights front and back, the car has new 17-inch aluminum wheels, available in either two-tone diamond cut or black metallic finish.

The interior also benefits from new tech improvements— the biggest being the new 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment that runs the latest Mazda Connect system.

It gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, two USB-C ports, a new 4.6-inch display for the gauge cluster, and a frameless auto-dimming mirror. The seats can be upholstered either in black leather or tan Nappa leather.

Otherwise, it has the same amenities such as a nine-speaker Bose sound system, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and new features to the i-Activsense safety suite (automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert with braking support, and driver attention alert).

This is on top of the adaptive LED headlamps, lane-departure warning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera—which now come as standard.

The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G motor is still the same, as well as transmission choices of either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Power output remains the same at 181hp and 205Nm.

The engine sound is now piped into the interior for a more engaging driving experience; the accelerator pedal has been calibrated for sharper response; and the electric power steering system has been retuned for more precision. The Kinematic Posture Control system that reduces body roll is still present.

Manual transmission variants get Bilstein shock absorbers, a standard front strut bar, and Dynamic Stability Control with a dedicated track mode and an asymmetric limited-slip differential.

Six trim options are available:

• 2.0L MT Black Top with Black Leather – P2,300,000
• 2.0L AT Black Top with Black Leather – P2,350,000
• 2.0L MT Tan Top with Tan Nappa Leather – P2,400,000
• 2.0L AT Tan Top with Tan Nappa Leather – P2,450,000
• 2.0L AT RF with Black Leather – P2,550,000
• 2.0L AT RF with Tan Nappa Leather – P2,600,000

There is also a special 23-unit run of the MX-5 Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition. This will go for P2,230,000.

It’s based on the MT Black Top with Black Leather variant. It’s offered in a special racing livery designed by Jaykee Evangelista, and honors the 23rd anniversary of the Miata Cup.

There will be three distinct colorways:

• 19 units finished in Aero Gray with white bumpers and white, black, and Aero Gray decals.
• 2 units in Snowflake White Pearl with Laguna Blue bumpers and white, black, and Laguna Blue decals.
• 2 units in Deep Crystal Blue with white bumpers and white, sky blue, and Deep Crystal Blue decals.

These will come with orange side mirror caps and orange Mazda decals, and each livery has a one-year warranty.

Each unit will also have an aluminum satin-finish commemorative badge with a unique serial number, and each buyer can pick his (or her) preferred car door number.