Mazda’s current-generation MX-5 (Miata) has been around since 2015 and continues to be the darling of motoring enthusiasts across the globe. And while time is ticking for the non-electrified sportscar, don’t expect the peppy roadster to be going anywhere for the time being. There will, however, be an updated model, which will be announced in the next few weeks.
Although a message posted on Mazda’s
Japanese website fueled speculation that a new model may be on the way, rest
assured, the current-gen will remain in production. The Japanese message, when
translated, states that the current model of MX-5 (known as the Roadster in
Japan) had been discontinued, with a new model scheduled to be announced in the
winter.
There’s every chance that the refreshed
2022 Miata could be the last chance to buy a brand-new non-electrified version
of the Mazda roadster. As previously reported, the MX-5 will eventually become
a hybrid of some sort, but only once the ND chassis is replaced. It’s in line
with Mazda’s plans to electrify their entire line-up by 2030. Mazda hasn’t
confirmed what internal combustion engine would feature in a potential “NE”
Miata, but it’s known that they’re considering an e-fuel option as well.
Other potential under-the-hood candidates
are the new range of Skyactive X engines, though in this case, it would be
interesting to see what would happen to the base 1.5-liter model as Mazda has
yet to introduced any version with less than 2.0-liters. It’ll also be
interesting to see how Mazda tackles the weight penalty that the inevitable
electrification will almost certainly bring with it – something that the
Japan-only Mazda MX-5 990S didn’t have to worry about.
This ultra-light version of the MX-5 debuted last month and weighs just 990 kg, ditching whatever frills they could and adding lighter wheels and
brakes.
