Mazda Miata is one of the most cherished roadsters that have been manufactured and sold since 1989. It has been doing this for over 25 years now, and it does this with a visceral rear-wheel drive platform that is about as balanced as it gets these days.
Now, Mazda is all set to launch a strikingly new fourth generation of the Miata, which is expected to be released at the Paris Motor Show in September 2014. I’m also an obsessive fan of the Miata – I know we’ll be eager to see the next look of the car and the improvements Mazda has in store for us.
Sustained Overhauls as a Basic Tribute to The Original Models
Further specifics of its styling are still kept undercover but the early images indicate that the new Miata would not be straying much from its low and wide-centered sweeping roofline design. There is a tendency towards more round shapes – for instance, the headlights are more rounded than in the present third-generation model and the grille is higher.
All in all, it appears to be a progression of the outgoing car, which seems fitting for the Miata, as it is a nameplate that has been around for many years. Well, it’s not ground-breaking, like a complete overhaul, but it’s not too far from the first NA Miata we ever lusted after in the late 80s. Well done, Mazda designers.
It is important to note that the new generation of vehicles is generally lighter than the previous generation and has better fuel economy.
Some whispers point to it going even lower than the existing Miata model’s weight by at least 150 lbs. This diet could entail employing high-tensile steel in body construction and probably aluminum panels.
It could even go from the current naturally aspirated 1.8L and 2.0L engines to a new turbocharged small engine. This would help increase power and efficiency at the same time and also assist in avoiding a conflict of interest within the organization. While I’ll miss the revvy character of prior Miata engines, I’m glad the turbo motor should still encourage some Breezy topless canyon runs!
Cutting-Edge Features and Technology
After redesigning the Miata over the past 25 years, Mazda has taken no risk at all with the latest models.
For the next one, they can always consider adding some extra features like comfortable furniture and other amenities that people would expect in the 21st century. For improvements, one can expect to have a look at such things as keyless ignition, colored TFT screens in the gauge cluster, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and other such things that are quite a norm on new cars now.
I only wish they did not go overboard with it – the MX5 has always been known for its simplicity and lack of any heavy or bulky items.
Fun for the Future: Low-Cost Entertainment
Actual prices of the new Miata have not been released but Mazda is fully aware that the Miata has always given people inexpensive, rear-wheel drive fun in a compact package.
In the next generation, despite 25 more years of rigorous safety standards and innovative technology, it is unlikely to significantly deviate from the current model’s price range of $23–$30,000. While this must be an even better and more refined machine, here is to hoping that the value proposition is also true here!
COUNTDOWN ALERT!
A clear signal that the latter is set for a full unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in 2014. As both a car reviewer and a dedicated Miata owner for years, I am simply stoked! This new version will have some large shoes to fill, but Mazda never fails when redesigning the recipe that made the initial automobile so iconic.
For all those who believe in the affordability of roadsters and the joy that they bring, the times are indeed looking bright with the launch of the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata! What do you expect will be the impact of the new model? Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic.
