Mazda’s current-generation MX-5 (Miata) has been around since 2015 and continues to be the darling of motoring enthusiasts across the globe. And while time is ticking for the non-electrified sportscar, don’t expect the peppy roadster to be going anywhere for the time being. There will, however, be an updated model, which will be announced in the next few weeks.
Although a message posted on Mazda’s Japanese website fueled speculation that a new model may be on the way, rest assured, the current-gen will remain in production. The Japanese message, when translated, states that the current model of MX-5 (known as the Roadster in Japan) had been discontinued, with a new model scheduled to be announced in the winter.
Read: Next-Gen Mazda MX-5 To Retain An Internal Combustion Engine
CarScoops reached out to Mazda USA for an update on the North American market Miata. Their response was that “there are no plans to stop production of the current generation MX-5 (ND).” The U.S. spokesperson went on to confirm that there will be an update for the 2022 model year with more details to be announced “in the coming weeks.”
Visitors to Mazda’s consumer website in Japan are greeted by this message (Google translated) saying that sales of the current model have been discontinued with a new model scheduled for this winter
There’s every chance that the refreshed 2022 Miata could be the last chance to buy a brand-new non-electrified version of the Mazda roadster. As previously reported, the MX-5 will eventually become a hybrid of some sort, but only once the ND chassis is replaced. It’s in line with Mazda’s plans to electrify their entire line-up by 2030. Mazda hasn’t confirmed what internal combustion engine would feature in a potential “NE” Miata, but it’s known that they’re considering an e-fuel option as well.
Other potential under-the-hood candidates are the new range of Skyactive X engines, though in this case, it would be interesting to see what would happen to the base 1.5-liter model as Mazda has yet to introduced any version with less than 2.0-liters.
It’ll also be interesting to see how Mazda tackles the weight penalty that the inevitable electrification will almost certainly bring with it – something that the Japan-only Mazda MX-5 990S (seen in video below) didn’t have to worry about. This ultra-light version of the MX-5 debuted last month and weighs just 990 kg (2,182 lbs), ditching whatever frills they could and adding lighter wheels and brakes.
Note: Opening image is of the Japanese market-exclusive MX-5 990S