See all Motoring NewsWhat's new?
We've become used to new vehicle embargoes being lifted late at night, but Mazda went one further by revealing its new MX-5 at 3am in Barcelona - with no information available ahead of that time. The odd timing was chosen in order to accommodate simultaneous launches in Japan and the United States. Having recently turned 25, the MX-5 looks to be in no danger of losing its title as one of the real driving enthusiasts' cars of choice.
Outside
The last few years have seen Mazda completely turn around its styling for the better and this new MX-5 is the pinnacle of its work to date. Despite what the artist's impressions and renderings speculated, the new roadster has in fact adopted its most aggressive look yet. The bonnet is lower and sharper than what has previously been seen with small headlight units featuring LED daytime running lamps, adding to the sporty image.
Along the rest of the MX-5 the bodywork is shapelier with subtle curves from the doors into the rear haunches giving the impression of a car that is wider and more planted than before. It does still ride a little high and even though the standard 16-inch alloy wheels might not completely fill the arches, they by no means make the car look under-wheeled.
Perhaps the one section of the car that we're not totally convinced by yet is the rear. As with other MX-5 models, there is a long flat boot lid that doesn't quite flow as neatly into the rear bumper as previously. Punctuating this convergence are two sunken circular tail lights that feature pointed indicator clusters on their respective outer sides - and do give a certain hint of Jaguar F-Type to the rear-end. As with previous generations, this new MX-5 was shown with a fabric folding roof, although given the popularity of the folding hardtop when it was introduced as the Roadster Coupé we would imagine that this option will be carried onto the new car too.
Inside
Mazda really has done an excellent job with the interior design, which gives the car a more upmarket feeling without any superfluous detailing. The driving position is, as you would expect, absolutely bang on. You sit just low enough in the car with the gear selector falling perfectly to hand, whilst the modestly-sized three-spoke steering wheel is just the right thickness and offers unobstructed views of the instrument binnacle ahead. Engineers have also included a conventional handbrake.
Although this was a pre-production show car, the fit and finish was excellent and if Mazda can replicate this in series production buyers will undoubtedly be very happy. The tops of the doors are also finished to match the painted bodywork and, should you go for one of the lighter colours, really help to brighten up the cabin. Mazda's latest infotainment system also makes an appearance with a generously-sized touchscreen appearing on top of the dashboard, which can also be controlled via a rotary control between the driver and passenger.
Under the bonnet
Mazda didn't reveal any significant technical information on the new MX-5. From a weight perspective we know that is has managed to lose 100kg over the car it replaces (so should be just over 1,000kg as a starting point) thanks to some clever engineering on that new platform, which, incidentally, it will share with the Fiat Group. The MX-5 will be powered by a version of Mazda's SkyActiv-G engine (we presume that means the 1.5-litre unit and possibly also the 2.0-litre engine) with power outputs that could be up to 200hp - while still offering decent fuel economy and low emissions according to Mazda.
Suspension will consist of a double wishbone arrangement in the front and a multi-link system at the rear. Given the outstanding popularity with enthusiasts we'd expect that Mazda has paid plenty of attention to ensuring that it drives every bit as well, if not better than the last generation.
When does it arrive?
As yet no firm indications on pricing nor exact launch dates have been given, but sources we spoke to suggested that the new car may come with a modest price increase given the level of investment that has gone into developing the new platform, whilst it could be nearer the mid-point of 2015 before we begin to see production cars becoming available.
For more images and up to date news check out CompleteCar.ie