Mazda MX-5 Updated Ahead Of All-new Model's Arrival

Mazda's fan-favourite MX-5 sports car has come in for one final update. New brochure images out of Japan this week reveal a number of light tweaks to the popular roadster.

The bulk of the updates are believed to be cosmetic changes, with the standout feature being a new bumper inspired by the MX-5 Spyder concept revealed at SEMA last year.

The new bumper features a sharpened version of the five-point grille design, flanked by new foglight housings. There's also a dark new treatment to the headlight frames.

Wheels too are new, as is some new exterior colours and a subtly-updated dash.

The MX-5 also picks up a new pop-up active bonnet for 2013, improving passenger safety in the event of an accident.

This latest - and likely last - update to the current 'NC' MX-5 follows an update in 2009 that brought Mazda's now-outgoing 'smile' grille to the roadster.

As for the next-generation MX-5, recent reports suggest the new model will be lighter than its predecessor, returning the company's revered sports car to its 'jinba ittai' roots.

It is also known that Mazda will work together with Alfa Romeo to produce a version of the car for the Italian prestige brand.

Australia

Watch TMR for an official announcement on the updated MX-5, and news of its local availability.

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