According To Mazda, The New Miata Will Be The Final Vehicle To Have A Petrol Engine

The next-gen Mazda Miata is still years away and may be the final version to feature an internal combustion engine. Despite the current ND generation’s age, its analogue, back-to-basics appeal keeps it relevant in today’s competitive market.

“One of the executives who visited us early in the year said ‘yes, there will be a new one. When? We can’t comment.’ He also hinted at it possibly being the last ICE [internal combustion engine] version.”

Drawing from internal sources within Mazda, key specifications regarding the upcoming “NE” generation of the MX-5 have begun to emerge. The vehicle is expected to feature a larger, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine from the forthcoming Skyactiv-Z family, delivering power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Mazda aims to maintain a curb weight of under 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds), an ambitious objective given the stringent modern safety requirements. Achieving this target remains particularly significant should the new model incorporate electrification to meet increasingly rigorous emissions standards. While the potential integration of a mild-hybrid system remains unconfirmed, such assistance may be necessary to optimize the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions profile.

Regarding the timeline for the next-generation Mazda MX-5, a release prior to 2028 is unlikely, as the Skyactiv-Z engine is not slated for production until its late 2027 debut in the hybrid CX-5. Given the extended life cycles of the NC and ND models, the upcoming iteration is expected to remain in production throughout the 2030s.

However, the vehicle’s future in the European market remains uncertain due to stringent EU regulations requiring a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035 compared to 2021 levels. While it is hoped that Mazda can navigate these regulatory challenges to ensure the model’s viability in the region, the company currently lacks the electric vehicle lineup necessary to offset the emissions associated with its internal combustion engine offerings.