New Mazda MX-5 Homura 2023 review

Verdict

Mazda knows the MX-5 didn’t need a huge revamp to maintain its wonderful character, so these 2023 model year changes are fairly minimal. The price tag may have risen again, but the MX-5 keeps its position as the go-to roadster for those looking for a simply, joyful driving experience.  

Another year, another name adorning the Mazda MX-5. This time it’s ‘Homura’ and it’s the new range-topping variant of the world’s best-selling sports car. 

It replaces the GT Sport Tech and at £32,350, the Homura is around £1,500 more expensive than that old model. Before you start looking for visual changes, don’t bother, the Homura doesn’t introduce any cosmetic tweaks, aside from some front Brembo brake calipers nabbed from 2019’s 30th anniversary model – painted red this time around rather than orange.

Elsewhere the Homura is pretty well equipped for an MX-5. The black leather of the lesser Exclusive-Line trim level is swapped out for ‘Light Stone’ Nappa leather and the forged BBS 17-inch alloy wheels (exclusive to the Homura) look the part. Heated side mirrors are also equipped as standard. 

The Homura can only be specced with the MX-5’s larger engine. It’s a 181bhp 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit with 205Nm of torque. The entry-level Prime Line model comes with the rather weedy 130bhp 1.5-litre four-pot and mid-range Exclusive Line can be optioned with either power unit. 

The bigger, more powerful 2.0-litre is definitely the powertrain you want. On paper it appears quick enough with a 6.5-second 0-62mph time and 136mph top speed but as we all know, the MX-5 does its best work on the tarmac rather than the specs sheet.