Mazda has upgraded the Mazda MX-5 for the Japanese market, giving the rest of the world a glimpse of what is to come.

The refreshed two-seater open-top sports car goes went on sale on Wednesday at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The design of the upgraded MX-5 distinguishes between the sporty character of the soft-top and the refined character of the power retractable hard top (RHT) through the use of co-ordinated black and silver features respectively. The front face of both versions has been redesigned to present a more aggressive look.

For the interior, a new luxury tan colour is available for the leather seats. In addition, revised characteristics of the throttle and brake booster have improved control of the accelerator in the manual transmission models and the brakes in all models.

In addition, the updated MX-5 features an Active Bonnet (pedestrian protection system), which raises the rear end of the bonnet in the event of an accident to reduce impact to the head.