After great anticipation and much speculation, Mazda has pulled the wraps off its brand spanking new MX-5/Miata with three simultaneous reveals in Maihama, Japan; Monterey, USA; and Barcelona, Spain. Wider, lower, lighter and more dramatically-styled than its predecessor, things are looking very promising.
We had hoped the Japanese manufacturer would divulge some hard numbers for its fourth-generation Roadster at launch, but it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer for those. In fact, the only certainties apart from Mazda’s obvious Kodo ’Soul of Motion’ design language is the adoption of Skyactiv technology, and that the production version will weigh around 100kg (220lb) less than the current NC model.
The MX-5/Miata has always been about the driving experience, so the significant weight reduction is a good sign that Mazda is staying true to the Roadster’s original ideals. Whether or not it’ll be packaged with a turbocharged engine – as hinted back in July – still remains to be seen, but chances are high. #GotBoost? We hope so!
Inside, the car receives a driver-focused design with a low-slung driving position and quality fit and finishes. And yes, a manual shifter!
Between now and its production debut next year, Mazda is bound to show us just how capable of a sportscar its new MX-5/Miata is, but for now we’ll just have to make do with these stills.
So what do you think? Without knowing all the essential details, has Mazda got it right with its new Roadster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Brad Lord
brad@speedhunters.com
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