Mazda MX-5 to escape the plug for another few years

Tuesday, 26 October 2021

Mazda is hard at work on the upcoming ‘NE’ generation of MX-5 and while it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the little sports car swap an exhaust system for more cabling and a plug, it seems Mazda isn’t giving in to battery power just yet.

According to Autocar UK, the new MX-5 will get Mazda’s spark-controlled compression ignition (SPCCI) Skyactiv-X engine to meet upcoming Euro 7 emission standards, set to kick in from around 2025. There’s a good chance it will get a mild-hybrid kit to help out too.

The 2.0-litre SkyActiv-X four-cylinder apparently produces around 30 per cent more torque than the current SkyActivG unit found in the on-sale MX-5, which would put it close to 270Nm and potentially drop its 0-100kmh time beneath six seconds.

The Mazda MX-5 lives on, with the new NE generation due in the next year or two.

Fuel consumption also drops by around a third with the new engine.

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The new SkyActiv-X engine will power the NE MX-5, with only a mild-hybrid system to tick the electrification box.

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Styling is expected to be similar to the MX-30, with obvious changes befitting a convertible two-seater sports car.

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It’s also likely Mazda will be able to escape forced induction, as the SPCCI engines can be found already on the European market in naturally aspirated trim. Some X engines do use a small supercharger, but that’s to pressurise the air in the engine when it is running on spark-controlled ignition.

Retaining the combustion engine isn’t out of character for Mazda, which has been resistant to electrification. But, as we’ve previously discussed, the MX-5 would be a great candidate for a small battery-electric powertrain.

Electric motors easily produce the same output as small combustion engines, and while battery weight could go against Mazda’s ethos for the lightweight MX-5, it wouldn’t need a huge range, so would tie into Mazda’s “small batteries are better for the planet” approach instead.

Plus, considering Mazda wants to partially or fully electrify all models by 2030, we may get a more electrified version closer to the end of the decade.

A new generation means new styling, and Mazda is expected to style the new MX-5 similarly to the Vision Coupe concept, which also inspired the new MX-30 SUV. New headlights and a new grille are pretty much a given but Mazda will probably still retain some cuteness in the little droptop.

Expect an updated interior too, with a more minimal appearance, new screens, infotainment systems and switchgear.

Mazda could reveal the NE MX-5 sometime next year, ahead of a 2024 launch.