Mazda is developing the fifth-generation MX-5, codenamed NE, and indications suggest it could be the last Miata with a combustion engine. Introduced in 1989, the roadster set a new standard for affordable driving pleasure, pairing a light body with rear-wheel lead. It came with a naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox.
For decades, the MX-5 has stood apart by resisting the weight and complexity common in modern cars. Even as rivals grew heavier and more high-tech, the Miata remained true to its roots, rarely tipping the scales above 1,000 kilograms. That purity has made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, who prize its balance and simplicity over raw power or luxury features. The current generation’s figures show how that lightweight ideal has evolved: depending on body style and equipment, North American versions weigh about 2,467 to 2,496 pounds, or roughly 1,119 to 1,132 kilograms.
The Weight of Change
Electrification is now the dominant force shaping the car industry’s future. Internal combustion engines are on borrowed time, and even icons like the MX-5 are not immune. Mazda’s engineers have long prioritized keeping the Miata light and agile, but the shift to electric powertrains brings new challenges. Batteries add impressive weight. The MX-5’s distinctive character, built around its rev-happy engine and crisp manual transmission, will be difficult to replicate in an electric version.
Despite these pressures, Mazda has kept the current, fourth-generation MX-5 remarkably light, even as safety and emissions regulations have forced most cars to bulk up. Current North American specifications pair a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel lead. It produces 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; relevant versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox. Some recent versions have crept just over the 1,000-kilo mark, but they remain far lighter than most modern vehicles, especially electric and plug-in hybrid models that often exceed 2,000 kilos. The RF’s near-even 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution reflects the model’s focus on balance over outright power.
The gasoline-powered formula also remains efficient by sports-car standards. EPA estimates for a manual MX-5 RF Club are 26 mpg in city driving, 34 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg combined. These figures apply to the current model, not the future NE, whose weight and powertrain have yet to be detailed publicly. Its fuel-economy figures are also unknown.
One Last Gasoline Miata
Recent statements from Mazda executives indicate that the upcoming NE generation will continue with a gasoline engine, likely for the last time. As reported by Car Expert, Vinesh Bhindi, CEO of Mazda Australia, confirmed that a new MX-5 is in development and hinted that it could be the final model with an internal combustion engine. The launch is expected around 2028. By then, the current ND generation will have reached an impressive 13-year production run.
Industry reports suggest the NE will feature the largest and most powerful engine ever fitted to an MX-5: a 2.5-liter inline-four from Mazda’s upcoming Skyactiv-Z family. Official power figures remain under wraps, while Mazda’s goal is to keep the car’s weight below 1,000 kilos, a impressive feat if achieved. But, regulatory changes in Europe could force Mazda to end sales of the gasoline-powered MX-5 as early as 2035, due to strict CO2 reduction targets.
What Comes Next?
The transition to electric power will fundamentally change the MX-5’s character. Losing its signature engine and manual gearbox, alongside the inevitable weight gain from batteries, raises questions about whether the Miata’s unique driving experience can survive. Enthusiasts are already debating what an electric MX-5 might feel like and whether it can deliver the same joy on the road. The current car sets a clear benchmark for any successor: a compact, naturally aspirated engine paired with rear-wheel lead and a manual transmission.
For now, the NE generation offers one last chance to own a brand-new, gasoline-powered Miata. As the industry moves toward electrification, the MX-5’s legacy as a pure driver’s car carries more weight than ever. The coming years will test whether Mazda can reinvent its icon for a new era or whether the NE will be remembered as the final chapter of a legendary story.
For those interested in the technical side of driving, the debate between manual and automatic transmissions remains relevant as the industry evolves. A recent analysis of the most expensive gearbox failures highlights the real-world costs and challenges drivers face. You can explore them in this detailed look at transmission breakdowns.
The MX-5 has been the world’s best-selling roadster for decades, with over a million units sold. Mazda’s commitment to lightweight engineering has made the Miata a benchmark for affordable sports cars. As electrification becomes the industry standard, even iconic models like the MX-5 must adapt or disappear. The NE’s arrival will matter beyond Mazda, reaching car enthusiasts everywhere.
