Spy Shots: An Early Look at the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

TopSpeed

By Amreetam Basu

Published Sep 16, 2022

The fifth-gen Miata should retain the fun-to-drive character with enhanced performance

Since its genesis in 1989, the MX-5 Miata has proven that you don’t need cars with 600+ horsepower to have a thrilling driving experience. That doesn't mean it is the groundbreaking sports car that enthusiasts adore worldwide, however, the value it serves is impressive and it packs some decent features for the price. The current generation Miata is eight years old, and surprisingly does not feel freakishly outdated. However, a disguised prototype of the MX-5 driving around Germany has made it apparent that Mazda is keen to update its all-time bestseller. But it seems that Mazda will keep the core design features of the current selling model.

The upcoming MX-5 will be a facelift?

Mazda has refreshed the earlier Miatas every ten years after their debut, so it is not very shocking that Mazda will prepare the fifth-generation Miata by 2024. Unfortunately, the NE generation prototype initially does not seem to take a leap in visual appearance. But if you get closer, you will notice the wider rear fenders, which suggests that the next MX-5 will come with a wider rear track. A wider rear track will increase road grip and improve cornering stability. However, the prototype showcases that the next-gen Miata's front and rear fascia are identical to the current model, including the LED headlights, rear taillights, and dual exhaust tailpipes. This is, of course, unless this is a mule that's still wearing the current model's body.

No matter the design changes, the Miata will always be a fun-to-drive compact two-door sportscar. The prototype which was spotted testing is a soft-top convertible. However, the final piece of the puzzle would be the engine. If you didn’t know, the current MX-5 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-pot with disgustingly lower power figures: 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. However, since it is also pretty lightweight at around 2,300 pounds, it does not feel super underpowered whenever you floor the throttle. Furthermore, Car and Driver reported that the Miata with a manual gearbox can clock 60 MPH in 5.7 seconds. Therefore, when the 2024 model year rolls around, we might see either an optional mild-hybrid version of the 2.0-liter engine or a turbocharged version of the powerhouse for better fuel efficiency.

When will the 2025 MX-5 Miata launch?

Testing at the Nürburgring could begin in the coming days after the NE generation MX-5 prototype was spotted in Germany. As this is the first public appearance of the NE prototype, we are yet to confirm more details about the design and powertrain. However, we believe the next-generation MX-5 will debut sometime in 2024 as a 2025 model year. So, for now, we just have to wait at least a year to get more details about the next Miata.