MAZDA has been showing off the new fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 roadster at this week’s Paris Motor Show.
The company says the latest Mazda MX-5 is lighter, lower and livelier than its predecessor.
The two big Mazda MX-5 highlights, are the adoption of Mazda’s KODO design language and high-efficiency SKYACTIV engine technology, initially in the form of a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Also new is MZD Connect, Mazda’s in-car connectivity set-up.
Unchanged compared with previous MX5s – the front engine set well back in the body, a rear-wheel drive layout and a near-50:50 front-rear weight distribution, all features designed to help handling balance. However, the 100kg weight saving should make the new car sharper still.
Mazda has sold about 950,000 MX-5s since the first-generation car was launched in 1989.
Expect the new model to take the total over the million mark in fairly short order.