After what felt like almost an eternity of rumours, Mazda has now finally confirmed that the next-generation MX-5 roadster will be electrified, according to a report by MotorTrend.
The confirmation is light on details, and we’re still not sure what “electrified” truly entails – whether it’ll be a mild-hybrid, hybrid, or fully electric. Mazda did previously announce its collaboration with Rohm Semiconductor and Envision AESC to develop electric motors and batteries that aligns with Mazda’s “joy of driving” brand essence, so we could possibly see the first offsprings of those collaborations here on the next-gen Mazda MX-5.
The move to electrify the Mazda MX-5 roadster is in line with the company’s overall direction, which will see the Japanese marque’s entire line-up be electrified through “multiple electrification technologies” by 2030, ahead of reaching end-to-end carbon neutrality by 2050.
Considering the Mazda MX-5’s M.O., though, we think that a mild-hybrid approach – first rumoured back in 2021 – seems most likely here. The Mazda MX-5 is known for its lightweight, no-frills thrill, and a large battery pack for a hybrid or full-electric drivetrain could lead to an excessive increase in weight and cost.
READ MORE: Mazda to kill pure ICE – Hybrid and EV only by 2030
Motortrend reports that the electrified next-gen Mazda MX-5 will be launched as soon as 2025. As for clues on how it’ll look, the Vision Study Model, unveiled end of last year, will likely donate some – if not all – of its styling influences to the production model.
The fourth-generation (ND) Mazda MX-5 is powered by a naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre engine, sending 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, ideally via a six-speed manual transmission. The Retractable Fastback (RF) variant of the roadster was most recently updated here in Malaysia with Mazda’s Kinetic Posture Control torque distribution system, and is now priced from RM276,200.
