Mazda MX-5 facelift due this year, next model to go electric in 2027 – report

The 2024 Mazda MX-5 is due to gain its most significant update in eight years towards the end of 2023 – and the next model is due in 2026 or 2027 with electric power, according to a new report.

Reputable Japanese magazine Best Car (via car YouTube creator Kirk Kriefels) claims a facelift for the current Mazda MX-5 is due in Japanese showrooms this November, with improved styling and technology.

It follows spy photos of a Mazda MX-5 with updated headlights, tail-lights and reflectors spied on Germany's Nurburgring race track in May (below), sparking speculation of an upcoming facelift.

The facelift will need to keep the MX-5 fresh for three to four years as Best Car claims the next-generation model is not due until 2028 – three years later than expected – when it may switch to hybrid, or even electric power.

Electric power would appear to be an unusual fit for the Mazda MX-5 – as it is focused on low weight, and electric-car batteries are heavy – however Best Car says it may adopt a smaller battery for reduced driving range but sharper handling.

According to the Japanese magazine, orders for the current MX-5 are due to close in Japan this August – and production to end in September – ahead of first deliveries of the updated model in its home market in November 2023.

Visual updates are reportedly planned to focus on tweaked LED lighting signatures, and new front and rear bumpers – previewed by Best Car's artist illustrations (top of story).

Best Car reports the 7.0-inch MZD Connect infotainment screen in today's model will be swapped for a larger 8.8-inch 'frameless' display running newer Mazda Connect software, as seen in the Mazda 3 hatch and CX-30 SUV.

It also says there will be upgrades to the rear-view camera to comply with new "cybersecurity laws" which appear to be intended to prevent the camera being hacked into and viewed remotely.

Due five years after what will serve as a belated mid-life facelift for the current 'ND' Mazda MX-5 is due to be the next-generation model, according to the Japanese publication, which could be known as the 'NE' or 'NG'.

It was previously expected the NE MX-5 would arrive in 2024 or 2025 – aligning with the circa-10-year life cycle of the previous 'NC' MX-5 – however Best Car reports it is not due until 2026 or 2027.

The Japanese magazine reports the next MX-5 is planned to add some form of electrified power – and it speculates Mazda will skip hybrid power in favour of full battery propulsion.

It contradicts previous reports – and expectations – of mild-hybrid assistance for Mazda's next sports car, in order to reduce emissions as required without significantly affecting weight.

Mazda has patented a lightweight hybrid system with three electric motors developing 53kW combined, and a small 3.5kWh battery. The patent specifically explains how this low-power hybrid design is intended to avoid the need for a large battery, which would add weight.

"There are various candidates for the power unit that the next Roadster will be equipped with. BEV, HEV, PHEV all possibilities. However as long as the manufacturer has set a goal of 'everything will be electrified by 2030' pure-engine [petrol-only] vehicles will be difficult," reads the Best Car report (translated).

The magazine says: "According to the testimony of the person in charge, the truth is that [the electrification direction for the next MX-5] ... has not been decided yet."

However it cites information from a Japanese motoring journalist who attended a large Mazda MX-5 fan and customer event, and spoke to Mazda engineers claimed to have knowledge of the next MX-5.

"Kenji Momota, a motor journalist who energetically covered the star event Karuizawa Meeting 2023 [a large MX-5 owners' event in Japan], says with confidence, 'There is no choice but to become a BEV [battery-electric vehicle]'," Best Car says.

"The Karuizawa meeting has become a valuable event with the participation of Roadster development staff and successive chief inspectors. After listening to the stories of many people working at the development site, [Mr Momota] was convinced."

The Japanese magazine says it believes the next Mazda MX-5 will follow the template laid out by its predecessors: an open-top body, the proportions of a front-engined car, rear-wheel drive, a 50:50 equal weight distribution, low weight and "reasonable power".

It refers to this as "the Roadster Constitution" that has been followed since the original MX-5 (badged Roadster in Japan) launched in 1989.

According to Best Car, "Mr Momota's point of view is that if you try to make it lighter, the battery that can be installed will be reduced, and the cruising range will be shortened, and the design can be made low and more compact."

The design of the next Mazda MX-5 is expected to take inspiration from the Vision Study sports-car concept unveiled by Mazda late last year.