Mazda MX-5 manual outselling automatic, but only just

The Mazda MX-5 is often regarded as one of the best and most involved driver's cars, and sales data from the manufacturer reflects owners are honouring its traditional intentions.

In a sales breakdown released by Mazda Australia, over half of all MX-5 owners have opted for the three-pedal, six-speed manual gearbox for their vehicles, choosing to row their own over the six-speed automatic on offer.

However, the two choices are split by just eight per cent, as the standard manual 'box accounts for 58 per cent of the fourth-generation MX-5's sales while the auto makes up 42 per cent of its delivery volume.

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While the manual is fitted as the default transmission across the MX-5 range, the automatic sets buyers back an extra $2000, available in all grades bar the range-topping GT RS.

Introduced at the end of 2020, the GT RS is an Australia-only variant which gains Brembo four-pot front brake calipers, Bilstein dampers and lightweight BBS wheels – starting at $47,320 before on-road costs, a $1000 premium over the standard GT.

The GT RS's inclusion in the line-up has proven to be a wise move by Mazda, with the flagship variant making up 51 per cent of the MX-5's 2021 sales – 41 per cent for the hardtop RF and 10 per cent for the traditional Roadster.

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MX-5 sales increased by nearly 63 per cent last year, jumping from 457 units sold in 2020 to 744 throughout 2021, accounting for Mazda's 18 per cent year-on-year resurgence.

At the end of 2021, Mazda announced it would drop the entry-level 1.5-litre MX-5 from its 2022 line-up thanks to low sales, leaving the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the sole offering.

The 2022 MX-5 will also undergo minor suspension, safety and aesthetic tweaks, with Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control suspension system now standard across the range, applying varying degrees of braking force to the inner rear wheel while cornering to keep the car stable.

2021 Mazda MX-5 sales breakdown by grade