The Future Of The Next-Generation MX-5 Miata Revealed

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the benchmark for affordable fun in a sports car. The small Japanese roadster has been “the answer” since 1989 and currently, the model is in its fourth generation. The ND generation has been around since 2015 and has gone through three different phases. While Mazda’s intent is to keep the Miata old-school, the Japanese automotive publication Best Car Web, shared details about a BEV roadster that could be the next Miata. Will the next-generation MX-5 be an EV or will it co-exist with its combustion-powered equivalent? Here’s what we know so far.

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Mazda’s Emphasis On BEV Models

Just Like other automakers, Mazda too is putting emphasis on electrification. By 2030, the company plans for EVs to account for 25 percent of the lineup while the other 75 will comprise FHEV, MHEV, and PHEV models. The Japanese publication also has it on good authority that Mazda’s lineup will feature three fully-electric models, five Plug-in hybrid models, and five hybrids, including full hybrids and mild hybrids.

What Level Of Electrification Will The Next-Gen Miata Get?

At this point in time, we can only go off of what we already know. Mazda says its future lineup will consist of three fully-electric models, and we don’t see either of those being the Miata. Mazda recently unveiled the MX-30 EV as its first all-electric model, so that accounts for one of the three entries. We also know that Mazda is planning to introduce two more EV models by 2025, all of which are based on the company’s current technology, including the e-Skyactiv platform.

Kirk Kreifels regurgitates Mazda’s words, according to which “the whole situation with BEVs and how fast they transition is very fluid”, so what we are currently hearing about Mazda’s 2030 plan may undergo changes. We already saw that with the stillborn rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6, and the supposed successor to the RX-7. In a BEV lineup, the Mazda MX-5 Miata will be best as a mild-hybrid vehicle.

“For a roadster-class sports car, a mild HV would be ideal. Building a complex strong HV with a small engine is too wasteful. A slightly motor-assisted type like the old Honda IMA would be enough. This works surprisingly well for a lightweight car, and it makes for a comfortable ride.” – Japanese automotive critic, Naoya Suzuki

Mazda already has a variety of hybrid powertrains for both transversely and longitudinally-mounted engines in models like the Mazda CX-30 and the CX-60 crossover. The PHEV powertrain in the latter is good for a 5.5-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint, which makes it the quickest vehicle from Mazda’s current lineup. The main point is that Mazda, likely, already has an appropriate drivetrain for the next-generation Miata, which will likely be a mild hybrid.

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Why Mazda Is Right About Hybridizing The Miata

We don’t like this any more than you do, but it was bound to happen. Having a mild-hybrid system in the fifth-generation Miata will allow it to retain its lightweight characteristics, as Mazda intends. In truth, it is the only way to have a hybrid vehicle and keep the weight down. At the same time, we know that a mild-hybrid electric vehicle drives the same way as a normal car; because the electric motor is small and only acts as an assistant to the internal combustion engine. While the Japanese roadster will likely gain a few pounds because of the mild hybridization, it will probably compensate with some extra power.

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A Combustion-Powered Miata May Still Be Around

The ND Miata has been around since 2015 and Mazda is planning yet another update for the 2024 model year. So far, we have seen a pattern in the life cycle of each generation of the Mazda Miata. It’s usually between seven and 10 years with the record-holder so far being the NC Miata. With that said, the ND Miata may live on well past the 2025 model year, alongside the supposed hybrid MX-5, which is said to arrive in 2026.

As for the 1.5 and 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-four engines, the Japanese publication mentions figures of 150 and 200 horsepower respectively, which means the Miata will get about 100 horsepower per liter from both powertrains. Essentially, it’s shaping up to be more of the same for the ND Miata as the familiar model gets a bit more power. As for the next generation, we know that there is a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine that’s featured in a mild-hybrid setup, and this is the most likely candidate to power the “NE” Miata.