New Mazda MX-5: more details
* Car expected on sale in 2015
* Alfa Romeo to use next MX-5 platform
The next Mazda MX-5 will be offered with similar levels of personalisation to the Fiat 500 and Mini, a senior design source has told What Car?.
Mazda designer Akira Tamatani admitted that the company was considering offering far more options when the new rear-wheel-drive roadster goes on sale 'to help a customer's relationship with the car'.
The all-new sports car is expected to go on sale around 2015, and be far lighter and sportier than the current model. It's thought that it will weigh in the region of 1000kg around 100kg less than the current model.
Power will come from a turbocharged 1.3-litre engine, producing around 200bhp. Insiders have also revealed that a lighter, stripped out, hardcore version will be joining the range.
In a first for the company, Mazda is going to share the MX-5 technology with another car maker: Alfa Romeo will be producing its own open-top sportscar using the same platform. It will be built by Mazda, but have a unique body and interior.
