Mazda's iconic lightweight, open-top sports car has been updated. Now out in Japan, the latest version of the two-seater carries forward the Roadster's traditional "Jinba Ittai" ("rider and horse as one") concept, while improving the exterior and interior design and performance. So Mazda reckons the car is now more fun to drive.

The design of the front fascia has been updated with Mazda's hallmark five-point grille. A stronger character line that stretches along the lower edge of the vehicle's sides has been visually extended to the rear bumper. Newly designed alloy wheels (two sizes) now come as standard on all model grades.

On the inside, the five gauges on the instrument panel have been newly designed and are highlighted by a dark silver decorative panel. The interior quality is enhanced by a choice of brown leather seats or Recaro bucket seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Comfort levels are also improved through the addition of heated seats with a temperature control with five temperature settings.

Power is courtesy of the 2.0-litre double overhead cam engine but maximum output is now generated at 7000rpm, up from 6700rpm, and the rev limit has been increased from 7000 to 7500rpm. These changes result in a stretched power band at higher engine speeds.

The height of the front roll center has been optimised, and the retuned suspension is supposed to make the vehicle's handling more natural.

The MX-5 was certified by Guinness World Records as the world's highest production two-seat open-top sports car when production passed 500 000 units in 2000. Guinness has updated the MX-5's record since then, which now stands at over 800 000 units built.