Mazda Reveals the All-New 2016 MX-5 Miata

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Credit: © Mazda)

The wait is finally over, as September 3rd was the much-anticipated reveal of the all-new, 2016 MX-5 Miata. While seeing the new roadster was a huge deal, the reveal left a lot to be desired, as it seemed to focus more on the accompanying band, Duran Duran, than the actual car. However, I’m here to pass on the details on the new Miata, not critique Mazda’s unveiling.

The new MX-5 Miata is, in fact, a complete revolution, as its body is all-new and doesn’t even closely resemble last year’s model. In each previous generation, the Miata was clearly recognizable, but the 2016 MX-5 Miata does not follow this pattern.

Up front, Mazda lowered the hood so that it forms a point in the very front, and installed a set of angular headlights and a more Kodo-like grille. The example that Mazda showed off at its press event had blacked-out side-view mirror caps and windshield surround, but that may not be standard on all 2016 MX-5s.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Around back, the hips remain wide, but the bodywork pulls inward as you approach the taillights, making the rear quarters look even wider. The two-piece taillights include one circular unit and one horizontal unit, giving the back end more character than I am used to seeing on the MX-5.

From the looks of things, the MX-5’s cabin underwent a full overall too, giving it more luxury than ever before. In the press car, I can make out a floating navigation screen, much like in the upper trim levels of the Mazda3, better-padded seats with upscale leather, and a more refined dash.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata (Credit: © Mazda)

Mazda was very light on the technical details, and completely avoided releasing any details on what lies under the hood. Rumors have run wild in this area, but chances are that many of them are not accurate, as I suspect we’ll see a pair of naturally aspirated engines, including a 1.5-liter with around 130 horsepower and a 2.0-liter with about 180 horses. Mazda did, however, announce that the new MX-5 is about 100 kg (221 pounds) lighter than the last-generation model. Based on the lowest-end 2015 MX-5, which weighs 2,480 pounds, this would put the 2016 MX-5 at an incredibly low 2,260 pounds.

Now we just have to wait for Mazda to reveal all of the details on the greasy bits. We’ll bring you all of the details as they roll out.