Next-gen Mazda MX-5: Can Mazda keep the Miata formula in the EV era?

For Malaysian enthusiasts, few cars have the same following as the Mazda MX-5, or Miata.

It is light, simple and fun to drive. Mazda's Jinba Ittai philosophy is a big part of what makes the MX-5 special, and the car has long been a favourite among driving enthusiasts here.

However, as the industry moves towards electrification, there is one big question: will the Miata still be a Miata?

ICE or EV?

There has been a lot of talk about the next-generation MX-5. In an interview, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro said the next-generation model will continue to offer an internal-combustion engine, while Mazda is also preparing for an eventual BEV version.

That puts Mazda's engineers in a difficult position. The MX-5 has always been about keeping things light, but adding a large battery pack could push up its weight. And if the car gets too heavy, can it still deliver the nimble handling that the MX-5 is known for?

Moro said Mazda is targeting a weight of between 1,000 kg and 1,200 kg. Getting an EV down to that weight without relying on expensive carbon fibre will be no easy task.

Skyactiv-Z

The good news is that we will still see internal-combustion engine in the next-generation model.

Reports suggest it will use Mazda's latest 2.5-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-Z engine, which is being developed to achieve a Lambda 1 stoichiometric air-fuel ratio while meeting stricter emissions requirements.

For Malaysian enthusiasts, the important part is that there should still be room for the things that make the MX-5 so enjoyable to drive — a linear throttle response and, most importantly, a manual gearbox.

That kind of driving experience is getting harder to find as more cars go electric.

Will it come to Malaysia?

The MX-5 may be a niche model here, but it still has plenty of fans in Malaysia. For those who enjoy driving on winding roads, there are still few cars at a similar price that offer quite the same experience.

Mazda is also keeping both options open, continuing to develop petrol engines while working on its next-generation EV technology. That gives the MX-5 some breathing room as emissions rules become increasingly strict.

If you have been thinking about getting an MX-5, the current ND is already a well-sorted package. The light steering and simple driving experience are things you really have to try for yourself.

As for the next generation, the electric version will be interesting to see, but there will no doubt be plenty of enthusiasts hoping Mazda keeps the petrol engine and manual gearbox around for as long as regulations allow.

For now, the MX-5 still has a clear identity. Whether Mazda eventually offers it with an engine, an electric motor or both, the challenge will be keeping the car light and fun to drive.

For reference, the Mazda MX-5 is currently available in Malaysia in three variants:

MAZDA MX-5 2.0L AT 35th Anniversary: RM 316,154
MAZDA MX-5 (AUTO 2.0L): RM 296,154
MAZDA MX-5 (MANUAL 2.0L): RM 294,154