All-new Mazda MX-5 unveiled globally, now shorter, lighter and sleeker [+Video]



Behold, dear readers. The car you see in the pictures here is the all-new, fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, a name that has been resonating in the world of lightweight sports cars for 25 years. The global unveiling took place this morning on three separate continents: Japan, USA and Spain.

MX-5 Rear

It’s pretty clear cut here that the new MX-5 embodies the brand’s KODO-Soul of Motion design language. One undeniable difference from the third generation MX-5 to the fourth is its design. Despite keeping many of its characteristics relatively close to its original conception, the KODO designed MX-5 is by far the most drastic change made to the MX-5 lineage.

The MX-5, a model reflective of Mazda’s vehicle engineering philosophy that is the pursuit of driving pleasure. With the fourth-gen MX-5, Mazda promises to deliver what the car was intended to deliver since its creation – a lightweight, fun to drive sports car to suit the needs of today’s drivers. According to Mazda, the new MX-5 adopts the Skyactiv technology which has contributed greatly to its weight loss, one of which is the brand new rear-wheel-drive chassis.

MX-5 Side

Speaking of lightweight, Mazda isn’t revealing any official numbers of yet, but have said that the new car is about 100kg lighter than the model it replaces. This brings it closer to the original kerb weight of the Mk1 of 940kg. The front wings, bonnet and boot are now made from aluminium, including a lightweight soft-top construction all contribute to the weight shed.

MX-5 Interior

Two Skyactiv engines have been rumoured to feature in the MX-5, that is the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines found in the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3 respectively. Judging from its previous powertrains, it’s quite unlikely that the new model’s engine will be force inducted. Nothing is set in stone here, so we may or may not be proven wrong.

The engine now sits further back than the superseding model, and lower too. This means better centre of gravity and of course, better weight distribution. Mazda claims that the new MX-5 has a perfect 50:50 weight balance, further adding credibility to the fun dynamism the Mk1 offered, it seems.

MX-5 Underpinnings

Little has been made known to the public regarding the latest iteration of the MX-5. But what we do know on the whole is that the MX-5 still holds the record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car with over 940,000 units produced to date. Only time will tell how well the new one will fare. Watch this space for more MX-5 updates!

[divider]

IMAGE GALLERY