Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 2015: everything you need to know

The new Mazda MX-5 2015 has been revealed! We've got the latest pics from Paris

The world’s most popular roadster, the Mazda MX-5, has a whole new look. After 25 years and close to 1 million sales worldwide, the new fourth-generation 2014 Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Miata in the US) has finally been revealed. Shorter, lower and wider than the current model, the new drop top has shed over 100kg in weight and has debuted at the Paris Motor Show

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MX-5 will go on sale in the UK in summer 2015 at a starting price expected to be in the region of £20,000, that's similar to the outgoing car. 

Paris Motor Show 2014

Unveiled at synchronized events in Spain, Japan and North America, the new MX-5 has been penned using the same Kodo design language as both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. Unlike the saloons, which have softer lines, the MX-5 has an added depth of aggression, with sharp cascading lines and flared panels. Narrow LED headlights rest under pronounced front haunches, while deep-set daytime running lights give the car a prominent front end.

• Mazda MX-5 25th anniversary special

Round the back, bulging arches spill over the rear wheels, with the rising shoulder line which kicks up at rear of the cockpit giving a bolder stance.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The latest iteration of the MX-5 bucks the trend of new models gaining ever-increasing proportions. In comparison to the past three generations, this latest MX-5 has the smallest footprint of the lot, measuring in at 105mm shorter, 20mm lower but 10mm wider than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also been reduced by 15mm as well as front and rear overhangs cut by 90mm.

New Mazda MX-5 interior

The cabin is a more familiar story. Most features and tech have been lifted straight from the Mazda 3, so the floating infotainment system and swivel wheel control are nothing new, but it's still a beautifully finished and driver-focused cabin. The bonnet has been lowered, and the A-pillars and windscreen have been moved rearward and made thinner to give a better view of the road ahead. Headrest speakers are a new feature, however.

Mazda MX-5 2015: technology

Underpinning the fourth-generation MX-5 will be a whole host of new SKYACTIV technology, which was revealed earlier in the year at the New York Motor Show. The backbone of the new model is a lightweight SKYACTIV-chassis which contributes considerably to the 100kg weight saving.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Soft-top models are expected to weigh less than 1,050kg. The new running gear has also allowed Mazda to position the engine behind the front axle and closer to the car’s centre than ever before. All of these factors lower the centre and gravity, which should improve handling.

New lightweight but rigid suspension will also be fitted, which features a double-wishbone setup at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The brakes are also new and have been uprated to produce greater stopping power. 

New Mazda MX-5 engines

Engines options remain unconfirmed at this stage but we understand 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines featuring the latest SKYACTIV technology will be offered – developing around 130bhp and 165bhp respectively. We do know a six-speed manual gearbox will fitted as standard, with an auto available as an option.   

Rumors have also been circulating that Mazda is considering fitting the MX-5 with a diesel engine for the first time, but as yet nothing has been confirmed. It’s a similar situation with a potent high-performance version of the MX-5, however, Mazda’s primary focus at the moment revolves around weight saving and reducing CO2 emissions. 

Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show, the new MX-5 should arrive in the UK in late summer 2015. Prices are expected to hover around the current model’s entry-level £20,000 asking price.

Mazda MX-5 2015 video: live reveal

Watch the live reveal of the MX-5 as it happened here...

Click on the links below to read each of our special Mazda MX-5 25th anniversary special articles, and don't forget to tell us what you think of the new Land Rover in the comments section below...

More Mazda MX-5 25th anniversary stories

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Renault Embléme concept is a hybrid-hydrogen vision of the future
Renault Embléme concept - front

New Renault Embléme concept is a hybrid-hydrogen vision of the future

New Paris Motor Show concept car to reiterate Renault’s commitment to d-segment models and decarbonisation
News
4 Oct 2024
Paris Motor Show 2024: all the new cars we’re going to see
Paris Motor Show 2024 - header image

Paris Motor Show 2024: all the new cars we’re going to see

This year’s Paris Motor Show will include the reveal of the new Renault 4, and much more besides
News
3 Oct 2024
Bold new Paris concept car may hint at Citroen C5 Aircross successor
Citroen - logo

Bold new Paris concept car may hint at Citroen C5 Aircross successor

The next-generation C5 Aircross is due to arrive in 2025, and will use the same platform as the new Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland
News
2 Oct 2024
BYD Sea Lion 07 to be revealed at Paris Motor Show
BYD Sea Lion 07

BYD Sea Lion 07 to be revealed at Paris Motor Show

The all-electric SUV will take BYD’s UK line up to five
News
30 Sep 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: award-winning Hyundai Kona Electric for £188 per month is simply phenomenal
Hyundai Kona Electric - front corner left

Car Deal of the Day: award-winning Hyundai Kona Electric for £188 per month is simply phenomenal

A former Auto Express Car of the Year for less than £200 a month is our astounding Deal of the Day for 30 September
News
30 Sep 2024
All-new Renault 4 E-Tech appears in first official pics ahead of October 14 reveal
Renault 4 teaser 1

All-new Renault 4 E-Tech appears in first official pics ahead of October 14 reveal

The baby electric SUV will be unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, and will arrive in showrooms sometime in 2025
News
1 Oct 2024
New Skoda Elroq arrives as the Enyaq’s smaller EV brother
Skoda Elroq - front

New Skoda Elroq arrives as the Enyaq’s smaller EV brother

The Skoda Elroq is the Czech brand’s second all-electric car, joining the larger Enyaq in the range
News
1 Oct 2024