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With a history that began in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is one of the best sold convertibles on the market. In its 21 years of history, the MX-5 saw three different generations, numerous design updates, and even more engine changes. However, the most impressive update has been announced for the fourth generation that is set to be launched in 2012. The Mazda MX-5 will remain a rear-wheel drive compact sports coupe with exterior design inspired by the Shinari Concept unveiled earlier this year. With the new generation, Mazda will focus on reducing the total weight to less than 1,000 kilos. At the launch of the Shinari concept, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda Motor Corp.’s design division said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements." Guess the MX-5 will be among the first to adopt Mazda’s new "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language. UPDATE 03/19/2012: According to Road & Track, there has been some talk within the Mazda camp to fit the next-gen MX-5 with a turbocharged engine. As it turns out, Mazda’s initial plan of fitting a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-4 engine with SkyActiv technology isn’t generating the kind of power they’d want for the new MX-5. The Japanese automaker also ran the idea of using the current 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, but that would mean scrapping whatever fuel economy goals they had for the new model. With a lot of the powertrain options being crossed of their list, Mazda now has two finalists: a 1.8-liter inline-4 with SkyActiv or a 1.3- or 1.5-liter inline-4 with forced induction. Whatever powertrain they end up choosing, Mazda is looking at a car that’s not only lighter than the current model, but also one that’s capable of delivering 150 horsepower while also improving its fuel economy by around 10% - and do all that while keeping the car’s price at less than $25,000. Hit the jump to read more about the fourth generation Mazda MX-5. Exterior and Interior The body of the next generation MX-5 will be made in steel, but it will feature high-strength panels, and some ingenious structural solutions, such as a twin-backbone frame, to solve the problem of open-top rigidity. One of the most unmistakable characteristics attributed to the previous generation of the MX-5 Miata is the large grille that it look like it was on a perpetual caffeine fix. The fourth generation MX-5 did away with that in favor of a more basic grille that’s similar to what we saw on the original Miata. The headlights of the MX-5 was also given a make-over where it now carries a distinct up-slanting teardrop shape with LED lighting technology. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the new lighting configuration is also pretty similar to the original’s set-up. Meanwhile, the interior will get sports seats and different aluminum insertions. T The Engine Under the hood of the future Mazda MX-5, there will be a newly developed 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that will produce around 125 horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. As for the US-spec model of the Miata, Mazda will offer a 2.0-liter engine that produces north of 145 horsepower that’s also mated to a six-speed manual transmission with an option to change it to a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. The new engine will reportedly feature variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold design, all of them as part of Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering campaign. When Can I Buy One?The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 with sales beginning in early 2013. Pricing for the car has yet to be announced but as is the case with most of the MX-5’s line-up of models, you can safely assume that it’ll come at a base price of £17,990, which is a little under $30,000 based on current exchange rates. The Competition The new Mazda MX-5 will have to face models like the Mini Cooper S Convertible and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. However, Kia has also recently announced that the company plans a small sports car due out in early 2013 that will take on models like the MX-5. Some good news for Mazda is that Mitsubishi plans to drop the Eclipse model, so that will be one less vehicle nipping at the Mazda;s heels. The real competition sits with the Cooper S which is getting better with every year. For 2011, it will be offered with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter. The model is offered with high-quality materials and an extremely harmonious color scheme. Fourth generation of the iconic MX-5 New grille is much better than the smiley version There’s a reason why its so popular Still not as powerful as we’d hope Not the cheapest option on the market 67 comments: Mazda MX-5 I think that the maintenance of its competitive side is what made this Mazda MX-5 well-known. In the upcoming release, I bet it’s the quality that the enthusiasts will definitely check out.
 I still prefer the first Gen look and I can accept the 2nd Gen, but the 3rd one lost my interest. I feel like the look was designed to compete with BMW. The new style doesn’t appeal to me nt does the price increase. Remy, I am with you on not attractive.
 We should admire the dedication of motor companies when it comes to the innovations of their past models, like the Mazda. Their fourth generation of MX-5 makes them even more popular, and they are able to maintain its sporty appearance.
 I think its fascia is kind of amusing to look at. Anyhow, the details pretty much tell that it is efficient.
 I agree with you, Remy. The current MX-5 is kind of funny because of its face, and if I encounter one of this on the street after smoking grass, I’m pretty sure I will laugh ’until I drop seeing a smiling car.  LOL.
 Am I the only one who doesn’t find this attractive? It’s just not my type, besides, there are too many cars which are a lot better than its performance.
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Posted on
05.23.2012 @ 03:27