Mazda MX-5 to remain petrol powered

MAZDA has confirmed that its iconic MX-5 roadster will remain petrol powered in its next generation.

Countering rumours that the NE-series MX-5 – expected for release in 2027 – will offer at least some form of electrification, Mazda Motor Corporation general manager of global sales and marketing Manabu Osuga said the model will be the last to adhere to its current, petrol-powered formula.

“While I can’t share with you exactly when the new MX-5 will arrive, I can tell you that we are working on it,” he said.

“We know that we need to make sure the fundamental concept of the MX-5 appeals to its fans, because this car is a brand icon.

“But global environmental regulations are getting tougher, as are safety protocols, which don’t (necessarily correlate) to a car that is designed for pure fun.

“I can tell you that we are sticking with (the design for) a car that will be under one tonne of weight … employing our ‘gram strategy’ as we did with the current series.”

Mr Osuga said that it was imperative each component of the MX-5 was optimised to reduce weight, ruling out electrification in its current form.

“I am not going to say there isn’t any possibility (that we will look at electrification in the future). But right now, that technology is very heavy, and if we apply that to the MX-5, we will not satisfy our fans,” he told GoAuto.

“Eventually, in the future, if the technology is there, then we will think about it. But at this moment, the internal combustion engine is the way (forward).”

Mr Osuga’s comments reflect previous statements made by Mazda Motor Corporation chief technical officer Ryuichi Umeshita, who told American publication Road & Track that the fifth generation MX-5 will retain its proven formula of lightweight construction, naturally aspirated petrol power, and the availability of a manual transmission.

Speaking with the publication in April 2025, Mr Umeshita said the next-generation roadster will remain faithful to the formula of the current (ND-series) car, suggesting an iteration of Mazda’s new Skyactiv Z compression-ignition/lean-burn engines will feature under the bonnet.

The Skyactiv Z family of petrol engines is designed to pass ultra-tough emissions standards around the world, including California’s LEV IV and Europe’s Euro 7.

It will do this by running in so-called Lambda:1 conditions, using “ultra-accurate metering to deliver the optimal stoichiometric fuel-air mixture throughout the rev range”.

“If we go to Lambda:1, then naturally power will go down,” Mr Umeshita told Road & Track.

“But in order to avoid that, we have defined the displacement to be 2.5 litres. So, the power is very good, and the fuel economy will be very good.”

Adding 500cc to the MX-5 will certainly give it the added firepower buyers crave, and at the same time ensure it offers effective power delivery regardless of the transmission choice selected.

Mr Umeshita told Road & Track that Mazda is determined to once again offer the MX-5 with a manual transmission, despite pressure to ‘drop’ the option to help the model meet emissions standards.

“Manual transmission has the direct feeling, the sense of Jinba Ittai,” he said, referring to Mazda’s expression for the unity of car and driver as one.

“It is key for the package, at least for the MX-5.”

Like Mr Umeshita, Mr Osuga said Mazda cares deeply about preserving the MX-5 recipe, seemingly determined to hold-off as long as it can the march of electrification that would take away the driving character MX-5 owners hold so dear.

“We really care about the power-to-weight ratio of this car, and about the balance that fundamental concept offers. We will never let go of that,” he concluded.