The all-new Mazda MX-5 will be available with a larger petrol engine and a manual gearbox

Mazda plans to equip the next generation MX-5 (Miata) roadster with a new 2.5-litre engine and retain the manual gearbox.

Here's What We Know

As reported by Road & Track with reference to the head of Mazda's design department Masashi Nakayama, when developing the next generation MX-5, the company aims to keep the car's weight low - the target is still less than 1,000kg curb weight. This is in line with the current special edition 990S for the Japanese market, powered by a 1.5-litre engine.

The MX-5's dimensions will remain compact - less than four metres in length, like the current fourth generation (ND). There will also be no turbine. According to Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda's chief technical officer, there will be a new 2.5 Skyactiv-Z atmospheric engine under the bonnet. Without giving specific numbers, he noted that this engine will provide "very good power and fuel efficiency."

As before, a manual transmission will be offered for the MX-5. This is an important signal to fans of the model, especially amid the trend towards automatic transmissions, partly linked to mandatory driver assist and new safety regulations.

Given the new emissions regulations, Mazda is likely to equip the MX-5 with a 48-volt hybrid system (Mild Hybrid) - increasing the chances of a 2.5-litre version appearing in Europe. Now in the EU only the modification with 1.5-litre engine is sold, although in the USA the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G motor is still available.

The official premiere of the new generation MX-5 is likely to take place not earlier than the end of 2027. That's when Mazda plans to introduce the first production car with the new Skyactiv-Z powertrain - the hybrid CX-5. The new motor is being developed to meet Euro 7, LEV IV and Tier 4 environmental requirements.

Source: Road & Track