4 September 2014
4 Mins read

Mazda showcases new MX-5 for 2015 launch

Mazda has taken the wraps off the all-new MX-5, set to go on sale in Europe next year.

Mazda has finally taken the wraps off the all-new MX-5, the latest iteration of its iconic roadster.

The car, which is set to go on sale in Europe at some point in 2015, was given a synchronised launch this morning (September 4th) at three press events around the world – one in Barcelona, one in Japan and one in the US.

Journalists were shown a vehicle that combines Mazda's contemporary 'KODO – Soul of Motion' design language with a classic MX-5 look, epitomising the Japanese carmaker's philosophy of 'Jinba ittai' – "rider and horse as one".

On a technical level, Mazda also announced that it has succeeded in reducing the car's weight by 100 kg on the outgoing model, bringing it closer to the benchmark set by the first-ever MX-5 – a vehicle that the company argues "revived and revolutionised the market for affordable lightweight sports cars" when it landed in 1989.

The new MX-5 features the lowest-ever centre of gravity in any model from the series, as well as Mazda's trademark SkyActiv technologies to increase fuel efficiency and engine output. Specifically, it will launch with specially tuned SkyActiv-G petrol engines, plus the first rear-wheel drive version of the SkyActiv chassis.

"Mazda's current win streak is driven by our highly acclaimed new models and the all-new MX-5 should only add fuel to the growth engine," commented Mazda Motor Europe president and chief executive Jeff Guyton. "Built for the love of driving, this car underscores what Mazda is all about. It will certainly give our brand an added boost."

According to the Guinness Book of Records, some 947,000 MX-5s have been manufactured over the past 25 years, making it the all-time top-selling two-seater sports car.

While UK and European motorists won't be seeing the next-generation MX-5 listed among the latest new car deals just yet, Mazda has invited fans and followers to commemorate the launch on Twitter with the hashtags #longlivetheroadster and #MX5.

Posted by Emma Grange