The Mazda MX-5 has received a mild update to keep it up to date in the 2018 market.

Adding more safety features, adjusting the handling, and improving every-day driving were the focuses of the update, though slightly higher pricing has followed as a side-effect.

The ND MX-5 now features ‘NVH improvements’ to reduce noise in the cabin, with more sound insulation found in the transmission tunnel and rear-wheel housing.

The rear suspension has also been adjusted according to “knowledge gleaned from the RF’s development.”

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Mazda lowered the soft-top’s rear suspension’s upper link bushings, as well as lengthening the rear bump-stops so that they’ll be reached earlier.

Pricing for the MX-5 hasn’t changed drastically, though a few hundred dollars here and there are noticeable.

Any MX-5 with cloth trim costs about $100 more, while leather-clad interiors hike the price up by around $1350.

The cheapest in the range, a manual 1.5-litre soft-top, now costs an extra $100 at $33,440. In GT spec, that becomes $39,660, up from $38,340.

“The MX-5 carries a promise of fun, and the upgraded fourth generation model certainly upholds this,” says Bhindi.

“The enhancements and added equipment are another phase in its constant evolution, which is testament to Mazda’s endless pursuit of achieving driving pleasure.”