The next-generation Mazda MX-5 is still a few years away, yet the conversation around the beloved roadster is already gaining momentum. Despite zero spy shots or official previews, Mazda executives have begun revealing what enthusiasts care about most. And the message is clear: the Miata will stay true to its lightweight roots.
In a recent interview with Australian outlet GoAuto, Mazda’s General Manager of Global Sales and Marketing, Manabu Osuga, shared a bold target for the upcoming model. The next MX-5, internally expected to be the fifth generation, will aim to weigh less than one ton. That’s right, under 1,000 kilograms.
For fans of the iconic roadster, that number carries serious meaning.
Mazda Doubles Down on Lightweight Philosophy
Mazda has long built the MX-5 around simplicity and balance rather than brute power. Osuga confirmed the company will continue using its “gram strategy,” a philosophy centered on shaving off every unnecessary ounce.
That approach could make the next MX-5 lighter than the current ND3 model sold in North America. The lightest version available today weighs around 2,366 pounds (1,073 kg). In some global markets, where a smaller 1.5-liter engine is offered, the car is even lighter.
Dropping 1,000 kg below would push the Miata back toward its original roots. The first-generation NA Miata, launched in 1989, weighed roughly 940 kg. Returning close to that figure would be a big win for driving enthusiasts.
Hybrid Technology Still Too Heavy
One of the biggest questions surrounding the next MX-5 has been electrification. With tightening emissions regulations worldwide, many expected Mazda to introduce some form of hybrid assistance.
For now, that’s not happening.
Osuga explained that current hybrid systems are simply too heavy for the MX-5’s lightweight mission. Adding batteries and electric motors would compromise the very characteristics that define the roadster.
Mazda isn’t ruling out electrification entirely. But the company made it clear that any future hybrid system must first become lighter and more compact. Until then, the internal combustion engine remains the preferred solution.
Engine Possibilities: Skyactiv-Z Could Change Things
Mazda’s upcoming Skyactiv-Z engine family may play a key role in the next MX-5. Scheduled to debut in 2027 in a hybrid CX-5, the new 2.5-liter engine is being developed to meet strict Euro 7 emissions standards.
If the engine proves compact and efficient enough, it could open the door to a more powerful Miata without adding electrification. That would be welcome news for fans hoping the next model finally crosses the 200-horsepower mark.
Mazda came close before. A Japan-only MX-5 12R special edition recently produced 197 horsepower. The next generation might finally push beyond that milestone.
Manual Gearbox Stays, Rivals Fade Away
Mazda has already confirmed that the six-speed manual transmission will remain. That decision alone sets the MX-5 apart in an era where manuals are disappearing quickly.
Competition is also shrinking. BMW is preparing to retire the Z4 without a successor, while the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ remain coupe-only alternatives. That leaves the MX-5 as one of the last affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadsters on the market.
The next Miata may still be years away, but one thing is already clear. Mazda isn’t chasing trends. Instead, it’s doubling down on what made the MX-5 legendary in the first place: lightweight, simple, and built purely for driving joy.
