Test Drive: Price Per Fun is Off the Charts for 2024 Mazda Miata

There isn’t a car currently offered that is more enjoyable to drive when compared to the price you pay for that fun than the Mazda Miata. When driving the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata you have to calculate a made-up stat: PPF (price per fun).

For 2024, Mazda made a few updates and one in particular adds to that PPF factor.

The model year upgrades to the Miata include:

• A bigger touchscreen and improved infotainment system

• Minor tweaks to the interior and exterior styling

• New available Asymmetric limited-slip differential

It’s that last bullet point that’s most noteworthy. The update to the slip differential means that Miata's renowned progressive, fun handling characteristics are even more improved. There goes that PPF factor up and off the chart.

From a power standpoint, the Miata may not have eye-popping numbers. All MX-5 Miata models have a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering an 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm routed through a six-speed transmission. Both a manual and automatic transmission are available.

The MX-5 Miata Sport and Club models are exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission and MX-5 Miata Grand Touring is offered in either a manual transmission or a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Aesthetically, the Miata receives some changes to the exterior as well as the interior. MX-5 Miata’s exterior sees changes as well, with updated LED headlights, new LED taillights and new wheel designs.

Inside there are a few minor but much appreciated changes. For example, there’s more padding on the center console, which for a vehicle on the small side means a little extra comfort for your arm. Space is always a premium with the Miata, so any minor change that adds comfort just makes it that much better.

As previously alluded to, the Miata also receives a new, larger 8.8-inch infotainment display, with touch functionality when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Weekend Drive Automotive Editor Jimmy Dinsmore has regularly been critical of Mazda’s infotainment system, but with the improvement to the display plus the integration of Alexa offers hands-free commands for things like HVAC and radio. This means great focus on the driver and since the being so fun for the driver is the main focus of the Miata, that’s a much needed improvement.

My tester was the Club trim which has an even higher PPG factor. The Miata Club has Brembo brakes and Recaro sports seats. Added design features in this package include an aero kit with gloss black side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt.

To break down how the different drop tops work, I consulted Mazda’s media site and found the best explanation:

“The Brembo BBS Recaro Package is available on soft top MX-5 Miata Club models and standard equipment on the MX-5 Miata RF Club model, which can be denoted with its contrasting black roof. The RF – or retractable fastback – can open or close its roof in about 13 seconds by pushing a button, providing the MX-5 Miata RF with the feel of both a sporty coupe and a stylish convertible.”

The open air of the road coming in over the windshield is one of the big allures of the Miata. If it were just a car, without a drop top, it would have less of a PPF. But as a convertible it’s just so much fun.

Final thoughts on 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Sure I made up a new acronym in PPF but it truly does apply to the Miata. The price per fun ranges as low as $28,995 for the base trim or $40,210 for my Club trim. The fun is off the charts for sure. It always has been for the Miata and with just enough changes to the 2024 model year, it’s good to see this fun little convertible staying true to its heritage.