Thursday 2nd October 2014

Mazda MX-5 - Paris 2014

More details on the fourth-gen MX-5, with 1.5-litre base model confirmed

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Greetings from press day at the Paris show, where it's breakfast time and most of the world's motoring journalists are attacking trays of free croissants like packs of ravenous dogs. And, in between mouthfuls, we've been able to get some more details on the forthcoming MX-5.

The glamour of Paris, not caught in Mazda's pics

We've got an interview with MX-5 program manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto coming later, but a few nuggets of information have already dropped. Mazda has confirmed that the car will powered by a 1.5 litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol when it launches in Europe, with a 2.0 litre version in the 'States.

That's Mazda's clever lean-running naturally aspirated engine - no turbochargers here - and although we're going to be kept waiting for specs it's a fair bet that the engine in the MX-5 will produce more power than the similar capacity Skyactiv-G from the Mazda 3, which manages 99hp.

We've also been told the new car will be at least 100kg lighter than the outgoing version, suggesting a kerbweight of around 1050kg. Meaning, to save you the maths, the new 1.5 will have to make at least 112hp to match the 107bhp/ tonne power-to-weight ratio of the current 1.8; anything more than that will effectively be a bonus. Presuming the 2.0 litre engine produces more power then it's also a safe bet that, in the fullness of time, it will come to Europe as well.

Other stuff? Well Mazda is keeping its cards close to its corporate chest, but we're told that the new car's pricing will likely be just a modest increase, and also that a folding hardtop version is a near-certainty. Given the Paris show car has a six-speed transmission, we would expect that to be standard too. It will go on sale in the UK next summer.

[steveb8189]

I like it. Kind of an S2000, f-type, LFA, GT-86 combo.

I'm sure there will be calls for more power but I'm sure it will be fun eough and hopefully will steer more manufactures down the weight loss route

[davidsc]

Too much metal above the wheels.

[daytona365]

While it was never intended as a rabid drag car, I feel that 1500 is just too small and insignificant for a car like this. A sort of afterthought non engine, neither 1600 nor 2000.

Edited by daytona365 on Thursday 2nd October 09:59

[chris watton]

Looks very nice.

If I wanted one, I would certainly wait until higher powered variants are released (which they inevitably will be)

Not sure why they need an electronic folding top though - it only takes seconds for the manual roof to be folded, doesn't it - undo two latches and flip the roof?

Edited by chris watton on Thursday 2nd October 10:04

[hornetrider]

No 2 litre from launch?????

BIG MISTAKE.

[Johnnytheboy]

I really like the looks.

[blueheron]

Before you all get your knickers in a twist over the 2.0l engine... Mazda UK have tweeted this:

https://www.twitter.com/mazdaukpr/status/517594248...

[bicycleshorts]

daytona365 said:

While it was never intended as a rabid drag car, I feel that 1500 is just too small and insignificant for a car like this. A sort of afterthought non engine, neither 1600 nor 2000.

If it can be tuned to about 115bhp, it'll have the same power as the original 1.6 and only weigh 100kg more. It'll (hopefully) be a lot more economical than the original engine as well.

It would be nice to have the 2.0 from launch in Europe as well though.

^^ thanks for the link, blueheron. Reassuring!

[Zoin]

chris watton said:

Not sure why they need an electronic folding top though - it only takes seconds for the manual roof to be folded, doesn't it - undo two latches and flip the roof?

Edited by chris watton on Thursday 2nd October 10:04

The problem comes with pulling it back up again (think sudden rain shower). Remembering my sister's Mk2.5, I could pull the roof back up from the driver's seat but she couldn't.

[hornetrider]

blueheron said:

Before you all get your knickers in a twist over the 2.0l engine... Mazda UK have tweeted this:

https://www.twitter.com/mazdaukpr/status/517594248...

Nice one. Must admit, thought that was a bit strange!

[RodSmith]

best looking mx5 since the mk1.

[Chris Y]

107 bhp/tonne! That's crap. It surely needs more power.

[Clivey]

RodSmith said:

best looking mx5 since the mk1.

Hopefully, they don't dial-in "safety" understeer to the setup. A 2.0 on small wheels (& therefore tyres) sounds like fun!

[Tuvra]

Surely its crying out to be made into a coupe with a decent motor?!?

[TaylotS2K]

The looks are growing on me. Still prefer the S2000 though 04 onwards even though it's a much older design.

[suffolk009]

RodSmith said:

best looking mx5 since the mk1.

I quite agree. I'm 90% certain to buy one when my Eunos finally can't be repaired any more - maybe in 20 years time.

[TristPerrin]

blueheron said:

Before you all get your knickers in a twist over the 2.0l engine... Mazda UK have tweeted this:

https://www.twitter.com/mazdaukpr/status/517594248...

Good news! I was starting to feel a little underwhelmed with the 1.5...

Now to wait for the inevitable LSD equipped special edition! 30th Anniversary perhaps?

[hornetrider]

TristPerrin said:

Now to wait for the inevitable LSD equipped special edition! 30th Anniversary perhaps?

The 2 litre will have an LSD. Special Editions are for different coloured leather and a boot badge.

[monamimate]

Tuvra said:

Surely its crying out to be made into a coupe with a decent motor?!?

That looks gorgeous!

[SFO]

Love the side profile