2015 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.

An unnamed source reports that the MX-5 will hit showrooms in 2015 with a lighter body and chassis, and a sportier look than the current model. The estimated weight the source gave was 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs), which is 276 lbs less than the 2012 model. In a car as small as the Miata, that is significant weight loss, to say the least.

There is also talk that Mazda will offer its roadster up with many more options that will help give the car more of a personality. This will help form a stronger bond between the person and the car. Typically, Miata owners already have this bond with their car, but a little extra something can’t hurt.

Lastly, there will be a top-end model, similar to the Mazdaspeed version in 2004 and 2005, that will be even lighter yet and more tuned for racing, as it will be stripped of unnecessary add-on features to save every ounce.

There was one bit of info on the project altogether and it is that Mazda will only provide the platform (chassis, uni-body, and drivetrain); Alfa Romeo will add on its own body and interior. So scratch the evil idea that we’ll have two almost identical cars.

The Engine

Under the hood of the future Mazda MX-5, it was originally thought that there would be a newly developed 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that would produce around 125 horsepower, 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.

As of August 2012, an unnamed source has stated that Mazda has chosen an engine already and it is a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It pumps out a healthy 200 horsepower, which is 22 horsepower more than the 2004 and 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 produced and 33 horsepower more than the current model. We’re also certain that we’ll see torque cresting the 200 pound-feet mark, though there was no mention of that.

In May 2013, rumors emerged that the MX-5 lineup will carry a diesel option in the form of a 1.6-liter SkyActiv-D engine with around 130 horsepower. The rumors are unconfirmed, but the source also claims that since a diesel roadster is a tough sell to traditional Miata buyers, gasoline options will still be available.

When Can I Buy One?

The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2013 with sales beginning in early 2014. 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.