The Mazda MX-5 Miata is hands down one of the best-handling sports cars out there and for good reason. It was originally created nearly thirty years ago in a bid to capture the essence of lightweight, British open-top roadsters from the 60s. It was always a car that offered agility and stellar performance in a compact and lightweight package, all at an affordable price.

The lightest Miata in 30 Years

Although, over the years, that aspect has waned, as with any car and subsequent generations that follow, the Miata or MX-5 also got heavier. Now, though the Japanese automaker has gone back to the car’s roots and has created a new Japan-only version of the Miata, dubbed the 990S. As the name suggests, it weighs a featherweight of 990 kg or 2,183 pounds. This is round about the same weight as the original Miata, that tipped the scales at 2116 pounds. Mazda calls it “Key Seamest”, which roughly translates to less than a tonne.

But how exactly did Mazda achieve this?

Mazda engineers went to great lengths to shave off any extra pounds to further improve the car's handling. They’ve reduced the unsprung mass, by giving the 990S, lighter rims from RAYS, and better brakes from Brembo. That adds up to savings of just under 10 pounds, at each corner.

However, according to the Car Watch, major weight savings were achieved by getting rid of the infotainment unit by adding a more basic one instead (from the Mazda 2), losing some of the sound deadening, and fitting a thinner hood, which I’m sure will go a long way to gains in the way the car corners.

Performance

The Miata never had the numbers when it came to outright performance when compared to rivals, however, what it lacked in power, it made up for it in the handling department. Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter engine that produces a mere 130 horsepower. But that should be more than adequate as the car uses a trick new suspension system that controls lean in. There’s also an open differential.

To Sum it Up

Sometimes, going back to the basics is what’s best and that’s exactly what Mazda has done here. With this new Miata, the automaker has now finally created a proper driver's car which is not just light, but I’m sure will be a hoot to drive. The Mazda Miata 990S should hit the road in Japan, sometime towards the end of the year.

Here's Richard Hammond on what makes the MX-5 so special