The Mazda MX-5 ND has been in the market for over a decade now, which brings into question when the Japanese automaker will introduce the next-generation model. There’s no definite launch date yet, but Mazda Motor Europe Design Director Jo Stenuit hints that the car brand is working on a next-gen MX-5 and it already has a prototype model, according to the report published by Dutch automotive website AutoRAI.
Stenuit said that the MX-5 is the core of Mazda, and without it, Mazda “would look completely different.” Stenuit added that the company is “working on it,” with regard to the introduction of the next-gen MX-5. Among the challenges that Mazda is facing when it comes to the next-gen model is that the MX-5 ND is regarded by Stenuit, and by arguably many others, as a “perfect car.” As such, Mazda is faced with the dilemma of how to improve the already well-rounded MX-5 ND.
One of the things being considered with the next-gen MX-5 is its powertrain. As a lightweight sports car, Mazda intends to keep the MX-5’s identity intact when it introduces the next-gen model. With that, the Japanese automaker wanted to maintain the next-gen MX-5 as a lightweight sports car.
Mazda Motor Europe Director Research & Operations Christian Schultze shared that the car brand is “doing everything it can to continue the model,” but Mazda is also facing challenges due to stricter emissions regulations.
To address this concern, Schultze said that the use of synthetic fuels is the simplest way to reduce the MX-5’s emissions. He told AutoRAI that “CO₂-neutral fuel allows you to continue using the existing combustion engine without having to completely overhaul the car’s concept.” Schultze added that synthetic fuel would allow Mazda to keep the next-gen MX-5 a lightweight sports car. He goes on to say that the use of synthetic fuels is a “very logical route.”
Schultze is on the fence when it comes to employing an electric powertrain for the next-gen Mazda MX-5. He shared with AutoRAI that the “moment you go fully electric, you fundamentally change the car’s architecture. That means different proportions, different weight, a different balance.”
Speaking of synthetic fuel, Mazda is no stranger to the said energy source, as it has been conducting vehicle testing with the said fuel type. In fact, Mazda is in collaboration with Toyota, Suzuki, Subaru, and Daihatsu when it comes to using synthetic fuels. These five Japanese automakers previously provided passenger vehicles that use a fuel mixture containing synthetic fuel during the Expo 2025, held in Osaka, Japan.
Autocar’s Take
Mazda wants to make everything right when it comes to the next-generation MX-5, which is understandable since the said sports car is one of the most popular vehicles of the brand. Getting it right is crucial since the current ND generation is regarded by many as a sports car that’s lightweight while having the right balance and power.
As such, Mazda is faced with the challenge of making the already well-rounded vehicle an even better one. Not to mention the other factors that Mazda is considering, such as the stricter emissions regulations and the decision as to what powertrain the next-gen MX-5 will have. For now, it seems that Mazda is on the fence about adopting new energy powertrains and would instead want to use synthetic fuels to maintain the MX-5’s lightweight identity.
