New Mazda MX-5 to stay affordable
* Mazda drop-top aimed at young generation * Cheaper than sister car from Alfa * Due on sale in 2015...
Mazda's next generation of MX-5 will be 'much more affordable' than its sister car, the Alfa Romeo Spider, according to the Japanese company's chairman.
The next MX-5 is scheduled to appear in 2015; Mazda is developing the car in a joint venture with Alfa's parent company, Fiat. The chassis of both new models will get the same lightweight Skyactiv technology that underpins the CX-5, 6 and new 3. Mazda cites the success of the Toyota/Subaru joint project on the GT86/BRZ coupes as an example of how niche models can be developed successfully between two manufacturers.
Despite the close connections between the two cars – around 40% of parts are expected to be common – Mazda chairman Takashi Yamanouchi has told What Car? that the vehicles will be designed to appeal to different customers with different budgets.
When asked if the MX-5 would stick with the affordable approach that has made the car the best-selling sports car in the world, Yamanouchi said, 'Yes, that's right. On top of that, it's a lightweight sports car that should provide joy to the younger generation. That's what we're aiming at.
'The Alfa will be much more expensive than the Mazda version. That is clear already.'
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