Mazda MX-5 details revealed

Sources at Mazda have revealed that the new MX-5 will remain true to its 'simple and affordable roots', despite the rest of the brand going increasingly upmarket.

Power will come from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, with the company's Skyactiv technology which allows higher compression ratios being used to boost efficiency and torque.

Mazda is also considering both rotary and electric powerplants for future versions of the car.

The new MX-5 will be significantly lighter than the car it replaces. Mazda will use high-tech materials to achieve this, such as the carbonfibre-reinforced plastic that BMWs i cars will also be made from.

Engineers are also debating whether to use a new fully electric power steering system in the next MX-5. However, they are still not convinced the characteristics of electric steering will be acceptable to buyers of such a sporty car.