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.