• Mazda confirms the 2027 MX-5 Miata will retain a manual gearbox and stay under 1,000 kg.

• A new naturally aspirated 2.5L Skyactiv-Z engine is expected, tuned for future emission norms.

• Electrification is being considered, but a hybrid-free Miata remains the goal.

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Still Manual, Still Miata: The 2027 MX-5 Fights Electrification One Pedal at a Time

In a world drunk on crossovers and suffocated by touchscreen everything, the Mazda MX-5 remains gloriously stubborn. As the Japanese brand prepares the fifth-generation Miata for a likely 2027 debut, it’s sending a very clear message to enthusiasts: we’re not done with driving yet.

While most carmakers are busy inflating curb weights and stuffing hybrid tech into every crevice, Mazda is doubling down on what made the Miata an icon in the first place — low weight, honest handling, and a stick shift.

A Modern Miata That Still Feels Like a Miata

According to multiple reports from Car and Driver and Motor1, the upcoming MX-5 — codenamed NE — is being developed under some very deliberate constraints. Mazda’s engineers have a weight limit in mind: under 1,000 kilograms (~2,200 pounds). That’s less than a base Miata weighs today. In 2025. With airbags and crash safety standards.

To put it another way, Mazda is trying to build a car lighter than your iPhone’s software updates.

Goodbye Skyactiv-G, Hello Skyactiv-Z

The big under-the-hood news is the introduction of the Skyactiv-Z engine family — a new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that will eventually replace the Skyactiv-G lineup. Unlike many automakers taking the easy turbocharged path, Mazda is staying NA.

Mazda confirmed the new engine in an April interview with Autocar UK, stating:

"The Skyactiv-Z engines are being developed to comply with Euro 7, LEV IV, and Tier 4 emissions standards without electrification assistance."

That’s a bold move in 2025 — and one that shows Mazda’s commitment to preserving throttle response and simplicity.

While power output hasn’t been disclosed, expect something in the 140–160 hp range — not a massive jump, but paired with sub-ton weight and rear-wheel drive, it’s plenty. And that’s kind of the point.

Let’s Talk Gearboxes (Yes, Plural)

One of the biggest fears among enthusiasts was the death of the manual transmission. Mazda knows that. That’s why they’re keeping it.

Reports confirm that both a manual and an automatic will be offered. The manual is expected to remain a 6-speed unit, keeping the tactile engagement that Miata drivers cherish. If you want to teach your kid what driving used to feel like before CVTs and lane assist neutered everything, this is still the car to do it in.

The Electrification Question

Mazda is playing its cards close to the chest here. While there's mention of “future-proofing” the platform for possible electrification, all signs point to a non-hybrid 2027 launch.

This might sound like Mazda sticking its head in the sand, but the engineers aren’t oblivious to the future — they’re just fiercely committed to not screwing up what makes the MX-5 magic. Expect electrification to enter later, perhaps as a mild hybrid or modular plug-in variant down the line.

But the first one? Pure gas. No battery packs, no torque-fill, just engine, clutch, and road.

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What We Know So Far: 2027 Mazda MX-5 Overview

Category	Details
Generation	Fifth (NE platform)
Launch Window	Expected in 2027
Engine	Skyactiv-Z 2.5L NA inline-4
Transmission	6-speed manual & automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Weight Target	Under 1,000 kg (~2,200 lbs)
Emissions Compliance	Euro 7, LEV IV, Tier 4-ready
Electrification	Not at launch; possible mild hybrid later
Driving Philosophy	Lightweight, analog, enthusiast-focused

Miata: Still the Answer?

In a world that’s increasingly automated, the 2027 Mazda MX-5 Miata is shaping up to be a rolling middle finger to automotive bloat. While others chase performance through complexity, Mazda continues to pursue it through clarity — and that’s worth celebrating.

If you’re the kind of driver who wants connection instead of distraction, who values feel over figures, and who thinks fun should be measured in smiles per gallon, this Miata is being built for you.

And yes — you’ll still have to shift it yourself.

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