The current iteration of the Mazda MX-5 or Miata is already seven years old, making us wonder when the Japanese automaker will bring out the next-gen model. Now, it seems like Mazda is hinting at the upcoming iteration of its renowned roadster through the “Vision Study Model.”
Vision Study Model
No details have been disclosed regarding the “Vision Study Model.” It only appeared in Mazda’s new 36-minute video where President and CEO Akira Marumoto talks about the brand’s plans for becoming a more sustainable business up to 2030. With that being said, the mystery car could possibly be using an all-electric powertrain.
The reason why we think that this could be the next-gen Mazda MX-5 is the similarities between the two. From the 2-door roadster exterior look to the familiar front-end fascia, the fifth-gen version of the model may be bound to arrive. Plus, the MX-5 appears to be the main car in the video that you can watch at the end of the presentation.
Futuristic-looking sports coupe
But perhaps Mazda’s plan to keep the MX-5’s core features such as a rear-wheel-drive platform and combustion engine contradict a fully electric-powered Miata. These features helped the nameplate become the world’s best-selling 2-seater sports car.
Although the automaker admits that an MX-5 EV is likely the fate of the car due to more stringent emission regulations, we can still hope for an internal combustion engine-powered Miata, at least for the next-gen model. All of these could still be part of the brand’s Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 plan.
This could be part of Mazda's sustainability plan up to 2030
If the speculations ever end up being false, the “Vision Study Model” could be a concept for an all-new electric sports car model. It could run alongside an ICE-powered MX-5 in the lineup, expanding the brand’s offerings. Let’s just hope that this doesn’t end up like the RX Vision and Vision Coupe concepts which didn’t make the production stage.
See more interesting car concepts at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mazda MX-5 2024
The Mazda MX-5 2024 Philippines is a 2-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car. The soft-top version currently has different variants for the Philippine market:
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2.0L MT Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition – ₱2,230,000
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2.0L MT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,300,000
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2.0L AT Black Top Black Leather – ₱2,350,000
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2.0L MT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,400,000
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2.0L AT Tan Top Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,450,000
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2.0L AT RF Black Leather – ₱2,550,000
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2.0L AT RF Tan Nappa Leather – ₱2,600,000
Under the hood, the Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 181 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Size-wise, the MX-5 has a length of 3,915mm, a width of 1,735mm, and a height of 1,230mm.
Currently, the Mazda MX-5 competes against the likes of the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, among others.
Mazda MX-5 Launch
In August 2015, Mazda Philippines launched the Mazda MX-5 launched soft-top variant. Two years later, the Japanese car brand introduced its RF variant at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). It is regarded as one of the best value-for-money sports cars one can get in the Philippines.
As of 2021, Mazda Philippines updated the Mazda MX-5's lineup. It now has three trims. The first is the manual version with a black top. The second is also a manual but it can come with a dark cherry top. The third is an automatic variant with both choices of black or dark cherry top.
In 2022, Mazda Philippines brought in the revamped MX-5. These come with a red or black top version, and two Club Edition versions.
Mazda MX-5 Exterior
The Mazda MX-5's exterior is styled to follow the brand's KODO design philosophy. To this end, it enables the car to look like it's in constant motion, while the outside profile of the vehicle features sultry curves as well. Slim headlamps are evident on the front end, while several regions on the front, side, and rear have sharp and smooth corners.
Its traditional roadster shape is maintained, and for the motor to be pushed behind the front axle, it has a long hood and a short rear. The different variants are available with distinct colored roofs that range from standard black to red.
Mazda MX-5 Interior
As of 2024, there are several options for the MX-5's interior. Its seats can either come with black fabric covers, premium black leather, or Terracotta Nappa leather. The Club Edition variants also have Recaro Seats, while all trims get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a push-to-start button, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and automatic climate control.
Technology & Safety Features
For the 2024 Mazda MX-5, all trims are provided with dual front airbags, side airbags, dynamic stability control, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking, lane departure warning, as well as a low-speed emergency braking system dubbed as the Smart City Brake Support.
Entertainment is then handled by a Mazda Connect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then paired with a 9-piece Bose sound system.
Platform & Chassis
The MX-5 2024 is a 2-seater coupe with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. For suspensions, it uses a Double Wishbone for the front and a multi-link rear suspension. The manual versions then get Bilstein Dampers for the front suspension, as well as a limited-slip differential.
Also, the 2024 version of the MX-5 now comes with Kinematic Posture Control, a system that ensures less body roll and more stability during spirited drives. It also prevents the car from lifting when accelerating hard.
Engine & Drivetrain
The power of the Mazda MX-5 comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that supplies 184 hp as well as 205 Nm torque power. A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission option is available, being the latter unit can be found on higher-spec variants.
Aesthetically appealing as always
The standard for manual variants is a limited speed differential.
For the Philippine market, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 has seven different exterior color choices. These include Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Machine Gray, and Soul Red Crystal.
In terms of engine output, the MX-5 makes slightly less horsepower than its main competitor. Then again, it makes just about the same amount of torque. Other than that, it is currently the smallest 2-door sports car in the Philippine market today. This means that it beats out its rivals in terms of curb weight. This can equate to more agility on the track, though this also has the drawback of resulting in less interior space. Most folks, however, will have no issues fitting inside the MX-5 Philippines.
Mazda MX-5 Pros & Cons
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Mazda MX-5 Q&A
1. Is the Mazda MX-5 a good car?
Yes, Mazda MX-5 owns an engine block for smooth and quiet operation and this new version of Mazda does not consume too much fuel.
2. Is the Mazda MX-5 featured with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
3. How many engine options are available for the Mazda MX-5 in the Philippines?
The Mazda MX-5 is offered with three powertrain options: 2.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engine choices, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel power plant.
4. How many seaters does the Mazda MX-5 have?
The MX-5 has 2 seaters.
5. How much is the Mazda MX-5 2024 in the Philippines?
The price of the new MX-5 in the Philippines ranges from 2,230,000 Php for the entry-level model to 2,600,000 Php for the top-of-the-line model.
₱ 2,020,000 - ₱ 2,630,000
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