After pulling the cover off the 2019 MX-5 in Japan last week, Mazda just unveiled the US-spec, which benefits from largely the same updates. These include the reworked SkyActiv-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which makes 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. That’s 26 hp and 4 Nm of torque more than before.

Mazda has also raised the redline from 6,800 rpm to 7,500 rpm, and installed a new exhaust system. The latter is said to provide “richer sound quality”. Thanks to these upgrades, the automaker says the 2019 MX-5 is “more responsive and aims to be more engaging to drive”.

In addition to the mechanical work, the company has introduced a new brown canvas soft top and black metallic 17-inch rims. These are joined by the “easier-to-open doors”, in Mazda’s own words, revised door stops, modified cupholders and seat levers, and new telescoping steering wheel, with 1.65in (42mm) of travel.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 will be sold with a new standard reversing camera, on all trim levels. Other driving assistance equipment includes Traffic Sign Recognition, Smart City Brake Support and the i-ActiveSense safety technologies found on different grades.

Look for the refreshed Mazda MX-5 at dealers starting this fall. Pricing and full specifications will be announced at a later date. Besides the US-spec MX-5, Mazda has also updated the European models. These benefit from an updated 2.0-liter petrol engine as well, which now makes 184 PS and 205 Nm of torque, or identical to the overseas sibling.

The 1.5-liter mill was also reworked, but the brand doesn’t say anything else about it. Still, we could be looking at the same 132 PS and 152 Nm of torque as the Japanese model. Both engines meet the latest Euro 6d Tem emission regulations.

Mazda is also offering the same brown canopy for the soft-top models, along with darker paint finishes for the 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. Finally, they have introduced new i-ActivSense safety technologies, such as the Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Smart City Brake Support (reverse), Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition and Rear View Camera.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 will go on sale in Europe from August 2018.