Has Mazda just unveiled the next MX-5?

Mazda has thrown the sheets off a new ‘Iconic SP’ concept sports car - and you could well be looking at the future MX-5.

The MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater in the world, and has been brightening-up British roads since the early 1990s.

But the MX-5 stands on the brink of a new era, as the world rushes towards electrification.

And this Iconic SP concept - launched at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 - could offer a big hint at what Mazda’s next sports car might look like.

Unveiling the concept, Mazda President and CEO, Masahiro Moro said: “We love the MX-5, and the world loves the MX-5. We are determined in the age of electrification to keep the joy of driving which the MX-5 represents alive, and the Mazda Iconic SP, with its dual rotary power generator EV powertrain, is our dream solution. A dream we will work hard to launch. Mazda will always deliver vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives.”

The Iconic SP features a clever ‘dual rotary power train with an EV platform’ - a similar set-up to the one we’ve already seen with the Mazda MX-30 R-EV. And what that means is that the Iconic SP is a plug-in hybrid.

In the MX-30 R-EV, a 830cc rotary engine is combined with a 17.8kWh battery to offer a range of up to 53 miles between charges. And what’s cool about the rotary-electric set-up is that the car is always driven by the electric motor. The rotary engine just acts as a generator to put charge into the battery, or to provide a small surge of power when needed.

Speaking about the Iconic SP, a Mazda spokesperson adds: “The idea of a two-rotor rotary EV system would deliver a highly scalable engine with a flexible layout and the ability to burn a variety of fuels, including hydrogen, making it a Mazda-unique technology that is ideal for sports car packages. And if the battery is charged with electricity derived from renewable energy, it is possible to drive in a virtually carbon-neutral state.”

We wait with baited breath to see what happens next.

And in the meantime, Mazda has also announced a subtle facelift of the current Mk4 MX-5.

The roadster now features new LED headlights and rear lights, and boasts changes to the interior that ‘further enhance the driving experience’, says Mazda.

There’s a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, new USB-C ports, and a snazzy frameless rear-view mirror.

A new ‘track mode’ has also been added to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which ‘avoids intervention until a later parameter to deliver a more dynamic, yet secure, drive experience with first-time track drivers in mind’, says Mazda.

The accelerator response has also been sharpened and the electric power steering adjusted ‘to deliver an even more natural and fluid response’.

As before 2.0-litre cars with the manual gearbox have a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers as standard. A 1.5-litre MX-5 is also available - in both soft-top convertible and ‘RF’ Retractable Fastback form.

The 2024 MX-5 now features a new Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential to boost cornering abilities. Also on the safety side of things, lane keep assist and intelligent speed assist has been added to all models.

All in all, then, the MX-5 should offer a sportier ride than ever before while still being affordable.

Lease prices for the Mazda MX-5 with Select Car Leasing begin at £304 per month*.

The new Mazda MX-5 arrives in March next year.

UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson said: “When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2024 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy.”

Read our exclusive interview with the Mazda MX-5 Owners Club. 

*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 25/10/23.

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