- Mazda drops the 2.0-liter MX-5 in the UK for the 2027 model year.
- The remaining 1.5-liter gains 5 hp, reaching a modest 134 hp.
- Fresh 2027 safety kit includes rear crossing alert across the range.
The ND-generation of Mazda MX-5 has been around for more than a decade now, but it still remains the go-to choice for those in the market for a light, fun, and affordable sports car. While the current MX-5 looks mostly the same as it was when unveiled in 2015, minor updates continue to be made across the range, including in the UK.
To keep selling the MX-5 through the 2027 model year, Mazda has been forced to drop the old 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine, meaning a less powerful 1.5-liter Skyactiv-G is now the only option. European emissions regulations killed off the 184 PS 2.0-liter in 2024, and now the UK has followed suit.
Still, anyone still wanting the bigger engine can hunt one down in existing stock. Mazda says that it has ‘sufficient stock of 2.0-litre models to meet anticipated customer demand until around January 2027’, but the factory has stopped building them.
Read: Mazda’s CEO Confirms Next MX-5 Goes Electric And Gas, Wants A Halo Sports Car Above It
Although the 1.5-liter model doesn’t pack the same punch as the 2.0-liter, it does pick up 5 hp and 2 lb-ft (3 Nm) over last year, for a new total of 134 hp and 114 lb-ft (155 Nm). Still, it delivers enough performance to have fun and reduces weight over the front axle, resulting in more dynamic handling.
Beyond the engine change, Mazda UK has introduced a new color, Zinc Green metallic, to the MX-5 family. For the first time, the 1.5-liter model is now also available in the Homura and Homura Plus grades, which add 16-inch black Rays wheels, red Brembo front brake calipers, red rear calipers, and black mirrors. The two models also include Recaro seats, black air vent surrounds, and, most importantly, Bilstein dampers and a front strut brace.
New Safety For 2027
Mazda will continue selling the MX-5 in Roadster and RF configurations. New for 2027 is a driver monitoring system across all grades. For the first time, the Homura Plus also includes adaptive LED headlights, rear crossing alert, vehicle exit warning, a rear-view camera, and Smart Brake Support Rear.
Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.
