Mazda has announced that its MX-5 sports car will only be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine from 2027 onwards.
The need to comply with emissions regulations means time is ticking for the 184hp 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine, which was discontinued in Europe earlier this year.
Although Mazda was able to extend the life of the 2.0-litre MX-5 in the UK, and build up a stock of sports cars to sell, these remaining models are limited in number.
With the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine soon the sole option, Mazda has given the four-cylinder unit a mild upgrade for cars that will arrive from January 2027.
New tuning sees output increased to 136hp and 114lb ft of torque, while CO2 emissions have been reduced.
The replacement for displacement
Both the Roadster and RF body styles of the 2027 MX-5 will come with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It’s combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and offered across four trim levels.
Homura and Homura Plus grades are new to the 1.5-powered version of the MX-5, bringing 16-inch Rays alloy wheels, Brembo front brakes, black mirror caps and a pair of Recaro seats.
These two models also add uprated Bilstein dampers and a front strut brace to the 1.5-litre MX-5 for the first time.
The 2027 MX-5 model range also sees a new paint colour available: Zinc Green Metallic, as pictured here.
Said to take inspiration from ‘the colour and texture of zinc chromate primer’, it becomes one of 80 different shades of green offered by Mazda during its history.
Mazda MX-5 retains ‘accessible performance’
Mazda UK managing director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “We have sufficient stock of 2.0-litre models to meet anticipated customer demand until around January, when the 2027 Mazda MX-5 will arrive in UK dealerships. While it’s a shame that changing legislation means we can no longer sell the 2.0 in the UK, the 1.5-litre engine remains at the heart of the MX-5.
“The current-generation MX-5 was originally developed around this engine, with its lightweight, responsive and accessible performance perfectly reflecting Jinba Ittai.
“The 1.5-litre ensures customers can continue to enjoy the lightweight, engaging and fun to drive experience that has defined the Mazda MX-5 for more than 35 years and continues to win awards as one of the best driving cars on the road today.”
Prices for the 2027 MX-5 have not been announced yet, but Mazda says it will remain ‘one of only three’ sub-£30,000 convertibles on sale in the UK.
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