Everyone’s Favorite Affordable Sports Car Is Aiming to Improve Its Top Trait

Just last month, Mazda got enthusiasts speculating about the future of its beloved affordable sports car, as an interview suggested the next-generation MX-5 might finally incorporate some electrification to stay abreast of ever-tightening emissions regulations.

Suffice to say, the idea made for a dramatic prospect. Even with assurances that the droptop would continue to be the same vehicle in its driving manners, such changes could bring hybrid power and synthetic fueling, among various others.

Mazda

Now, however, there’s been some more talk about Mazda’s forthcoming MX-5 Miata, and it’s bound to put any worries to bed. The car could get even better at what it does best, and it’ll stay gas-powered all the while.

Light as a feather

That superlative, of course, is being lightweight. According to a recent interview with GoCar, Mazda is targeting a weight of 2,204 pounds (one metric tonne) for the next installment of the MX-5.

Mazda

Word comes from the brand’s general manager of global sales and marketing, Manabu Osuga. In his talks to the Australian magazine, he stated that “I can tell you that we are sticking with a car that will be under one tonne of weight… employing our ‘gram strategy’ as we did with the current series.”

In practice, this means that the forthcoming Mazda Miata could be even lighter than the current ND3 that buyers get in the United States. When spec’d with a soft top, it tips the scales at 2,366 pounds. 

Now, it is worth noting that some overseas variants of the MX-5 are closer to the stated target weight, as they feature smaller 1.5-liter engines under the hood to adhere to emissions regulations.

Mazda

Nevertheless, it’s a sound strategy, and it shows that Mazda recognizes what its audience expects from the car. Per Osuga, “We know that we need to make sure the fundamental concept of the MX-5 appeals to its fans, because this car is a brand icon.”

No hybrid for now

In any event, much of the reason that Mazda isn’t going with electrification for the upcoming MX-5 is because it would compromise the car’s dynamic driving manners.

In other words, while Osgua admitted that “global environmental regulations are getting tougher, as are safety protocols,” he was also careful to note that electrification “right now, that technology, and if we apply that to the MX-5, we will not satisfy our fans.”

Mazda

Accordingly, rather than mixing things up with a hybrid powertrain, the Miata will instead stick with proven internal combustion for the foreseeable future.

Thus, seeing as Mazda typically keeps each generation in production for a number of years (the ND is now over 10 years old, mind you) this means that the brand will have to focus on efficiency if it wants to keep the model going.

The Skyactiv Z engine set to debut in the 2027 CX-5 aims to accomplish as much through its precise fuel management and lean-burning mixtures. However,  if and how that’s set to be adapted for the little roadster remains to be seen.

Mazda

As far as a timeline goes, well, that too is an unknown for now. Osuga stated, “While I can’t share with you exactly when the new MX-5 will arrive, I can tell you that we are working on it.”

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