Mazda reveals all-new MX-5

Mazda has taken the covers of its fourth-generation MX-5 in the US overnight, providing the first look at the model's new KODO-inspired exterior design and new cockpit layout – but little else.

What we do know, however — besides what's apparent in the images — is that the redesigned roadster will return to its roots by being smaller and lighter than the current NC-series.

Arriving to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the original, the new MX-5 will, like Mazda's mainstream models, ride on the first rear-wheel drive application of the car-maker's latest SKYACTIV chassis and employ new SKYACTIV direct-injection engine technology.

Although details of exactly what will power the open-top two-seater remain top secret, Mazda has indicated the 2015 MX-5 will be fitted with a SKYACTIV-G (for gasoline) engine matched with the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

But it's unknown whether the new MX-5 will receive the high-output 85kW/144Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder from the new Mazda2 or the larger 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre unit from the Mazda3 – or both.

Currently the third-gen MX-5 — which has been on sale since 2005 and was last facelifted in 2008 — is powered by Mazda's older MZR S-VT 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder. It makes 118kW at 7000rpm and 188Nm at 5000rpm, and comes with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Like the latest Mazda2, 3, 6 and CX-5, the new MX-5's steering has gone electric, though suspension arrangements remain double-wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear.

All four wheels, listed as 16-inch in diameter and shod with 195/50-series tyres, are arrested by ventilated disc brakes on the steering wheels and solid rotors on the driving wheels.

Weight distribution remains ideal at 50/50 front/rear, while the engine is now set closer to the vehicle's centre (almost completely behind the front axle), and the now-lower bonnet, boot lid, front guards and front and rear bumper carriers are aluminium.

At 3915mm long, the new model is 105mm shorter and 20mm lower (at 1235mm) than the current model, but is 10mm wider at 1730mm. Wheelbase is 15mm shorter at 2315mm but no wheel track figures have been revealed.

As for weight, Mazda says only that it will be up to 100kg lighter than before, which would place it at 1030kg in manual form based on Australian-spec variants.

Mazda says it has also invested heavily in bettering driver ergonomics by moving the cabin slightly rearward to accommodate taller drivers. Outward visibility is also said to be improved, as is roof-down wind noise levels.

The soft-top, which can be “operated easily while remaining seated” is complemented by speakers mounted in the head restraints to enhance roof-down enjoyment, with Mazda's MZD Connect infotainment system (found in all new Mazda models) providing the tunes through all the expected formats.

A small-diameter steering wheel, revised instrument cluster and new heating/cooling outlets are said to “give pleasure to all who drive it”.

It is expected Mazda will again offer a folding hard-top version of the MX-5 in 2016. A bolt-on ‘fixed' hard-top option, similar to that offered back in 2003, may also become available.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new MX-5, Mazda's program manager for the roadster, Nobuhiro Yamamoto, expressed gratitude for the hard work of his colleagues in the development of the model, insisting it's one that enthusiasts will continue to enjoy.

“As a member of the MX-5 development team and a passionate sports car enthusiast, I am deeply grateful to all the people who created, fostered and supported this car over the years.

“To see that so many people around the world continue to admire the MX-5 -- even now, 25 years after its launch -- makes me happier than I can express. It is thanks to their passion and the different ways owners and fans enjoy this car, that the MX-5 has matured and evolved over the last quarter century."

Yamamoto-san went on to thank the creators of original lightweight roadsters, who blazed a trail for the MX-5's development.

“I also wish to express my gratitude and heartfelt respect to the European car-makers that originally pioneered the fun-to-drive lightweight sports car, to our staff in the US who hatched the MX-5 plan more than 25 years ago, and to the many Mazda employees in Hiroshima and around the world who helped refine it and supported its evolution over the years.

“As the current program manager of this product, I am both profoundly appreciative and keenly aware of the great responsibility I bear. This explains why we can never take a break from ‘innovating in order to preserve' if we want the MX-5 to continue to be the recipient of such passionate adoration for the next 25 or 50 years.

"We are ready for the challenges of the next quarter century and beyond, always inspired by the passion of our fans around the world,” he concluded.

In Australia, the MkIII MX-5 is currently priced between $47,280 and $52,010 excluding on-road costs. We won't know until the model's arrival late next year just how far the new car's pricetag will deviate.

As the best-selling roadster of all time, Mazda has produced more than 940,000 examples of the MX-5 since sales began in 1989.