The humble Mazda MX-5 Miata has always been an intriguing enigma. While the current generation car has been around for several years with minimal changes, it has managed to avoid the scrutiny that has often been associated with other aging automotive models thanks to its simple formula of small size, performance, and fuel economy. However, Mazda knows that the ND’s run of luck in avoiding scrutiny won’t last forever and an exec recently confirmed that a heart transplant is among some of the changes coming to the next-generation model.
Bigger engine won’t alter the core essentials
In an interview with Road & Track Masashi Nakayama, General Manager of Design for the company revealed that the next-generation MX-5 Miata will continue to offer some of the core traits that define the car with the exec confirming it will continue to be a lightweight offering and that it will also continue to be a small car with the cabin most likely retaining its snug layout.
However, the juicy bits come from Mazda’s Chief Technical Officer Ryuchi Umeshita who confirmed the car will get a bigger engine. The current ND model is powered by two engines, a 2.0-liter that sees duty in the U.S. market and a smaller 1.5-liter reserved for international markets. The exec revealed that the next-gen model will continue to skip turbocharging but in exchange, it will get a bigger engine with the model most likely getting the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z engine to replace the outgoing G-grade powerplant. Umeshita even provided a sly glimpse into its capabilities stating “power is very good, and the fuel economy will be very good.”
The company also admits it’s studying a potential EV version of the car but revealed it would be heavier than the gasoline-powered version with this weight gain potentially causing it to violate one of the model’s core pillars which could be compounded by lukewarm sales. The latter is already proving to be a factor elsewhere in the performance car market with Dodge being forced to enact discount programs to try and move slow-selling Charger Daytona EVs.
Manual transmission will continue to be offered
The company knows that the bulk of MX-5 Miata buyers go for the manual transmission and as such, the new engine will be paired with a manual transmission once again. An automatic will also be offered but Mazda addressed the strong preference for the manual by shuffling its availability limiting it to the range-topping version while making the stick mandatory on all other trim levels.
As for the next-generation Miata, don’t expect it to come out anytime soon. The 3rd version of the current ND platform came out in 2024 and it still has a few more years of freshness left before it will be replaced. This would also follow Mazda tradition with prior versions of the Miata also having long shelf lives before their successors appeared.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.