Exterior and Interior
The body of the next generation MX-5 will be made in steel, but it will feature high-strength panels, and some ingenious structural solutions, such as a twin-backbone frame, to solve the problem of open-top rigidity.
One of the most unmistakable characteristics attributed to the previous generation of the MX-5 Miata is the large grille that it look like it was on a perpetual caffeine fix. The fourth generation MX-5 did away with that in favor of a more basic grille that’s similar to what we saw on the original Miata.
The headlights of the MX-5 was also given a make-over where it now carries a distinct up-slanting teardrop shape with LED lighting technology. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the new lighting configuration is also pretty similar to the original’s set-up. Meanwhile, the interior will get sports seats and different aluminum insertions. T
The Engine
Under the hood of the future Mazda MX-5, there will be a newly developed 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that will produce around 125 horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. As for the US-spec model of the Miata, Mazda will offer a 2.0-liter engine that produces north of 145 horsepower that’s also mated to a six-speed manual transmission with an option to change it to a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission.
The new engine will reportedly feature variable cam phasing, lighter, low-friction reciprocating parts, and possibly a new exhaust manifold design, all of them as part of Mazda’s SkyActiv engineering campaign.
When Can I Buy One?
The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is expected to be launched in 2012 with sales beginning in early 2013. Pricing for the car has yet to be announced but as is the case with most of the MX-5’s line-up of models, you can safely assume that it’ll come at a base price of £17,990, which is a little under $30,000 based on current exchange rates.
The Competition
The new Mazda MX-5 will have to face models like the Mini Cooper S Convertible and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. However, Kia has also recently announced that the company plans a small sports car due out in early 2013 that will take on models like the MX-5.
Some good news for Mazda is that Mitsubishi plans to drop the Eclipse model, so that will be one less vehicle nipping at the Mazda;s heels. The real competition sits with the Cooper S which is getting better with every year. For 2011, it will be offered with a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter. The model is offered with high-quality materials and an extremely harmonious color scheme.