Mazda admits it’s eyeing an electric MX-5, but has told media that core buyers aren’t the target demographic. Here’s what we know …
Speaking to automotive outlet CarExpert, Mazda Australia CEO Vinesh Bhindi highlighted that demand for an electrified MX-5 remains low. Bhindi also noted that few customers inquire about the potential arrival of an electric MX-5. However, statements from Mazda President Masahiro Moro indicate that the next-generation MX-5 will include electrification.
Development of the next MX-5 continues, with a global reveal several years away, according to Mazda Europe Design Director Jo Stenuit. Reports from German outlet Auto Motor und Sport support the electrification narrative based on Moro’s statements. These plans align with Mazda’s goal to electrify its range. Moro confirms that the fifth-generation model will still offer internal combustion engine (ICE) variants.
Mazda’s future for the MX-5 won’t shy away from its lightweight heritage
Mazda intends to preserve the formula that defines its roadster. Moro states that ICE and electric variants will weigh under 1 000 and 1 200 kg, respectively. The current generation weighs approximately 1 053 kg. Engineers face the challenge of reducing structural weight without resorting to costly materials like carbon fibre.
For context, Tesla produced the last notable lightweight electric sportscar with its original Lotus-based Roadster. That vehicle weighed 1 300 kg during its 2008 to 2012 production run. Modern alternatives like the MG Cyberster weigh over 1 880 kg.
The Australian market closely mirrors South Africa. Mazda Australia’s perspective offers insight into local prospects. Bhindi adds that an electric model could attract new buyers seeking alternative sportscar technology, and confirms the local division will accept the vehicle if Mazda produces it.
Hurdles facing the current-generation Mazda MX-5
The current-generation MX-5 launched in 2016. In recent years, global legislative measures and environmental mandates have constrained the Japanese roadster’s availability across major international markets. European Union fleet emissions standards forced Mazda to withdraw the flagship 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine from mainland Europe, leaving buyers with only the lower-emitting 1.5-litre unit.
Tightening fleet emissions benchmarks in the UK similarly forced the withdrawal of large-displacement variants to avert heavy financial penalties. Furthermore, cybersecurity and active safety rules under the European General Safety Regulation require substantial architectural updates, forcing manufacturers to restrict supply or prematurely discontinue specific model configurations. Mazda now prioritises low-emissions hybrid and electric production runs over niche ICE sportscars to ensure compliance with global targets.
Mazda Southern Africa permanently removed the MX-5 roadster from its local lineup owing to low sales volumes and shifting consumer demand towards automatic crossovers. The South African arm of the Japanese brand initially discontinued the light soft-top variant before restricting sales strictly to the automatic Retractable Fastback (RF) model. Dealerships offloaded remaining RF units throughout 2021, before removing the model line from local floors altogether. Mazda Southern Africa now operates without a dedicated halo performance vehicle.
