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...

New Mazda MX-5 to stay affordable

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.