Mazda unveils the all-new MX-5 Miata roadster

When Mazda introduced the MX-5 Miata roadster at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, little did it know that the diminutive two-seat open-top sports car would go on to become an icon in the automotive industry. Twenty five years and three generations later, the MX-5 Miata now holds the Guinness World Record as the "Best Selling Two-Seater Sports Car", is the world’s most popular roadster and still makes automotive enthusiasts go weak in their knees for the fun it offers without burning a deep hole in their pockets. Amidst celebrations that began early this year to mark 'twenty five years of exhilaration' as Mazda would call it, the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata was unveiled a few days back.

In an era that saw cars getting progressively bigger and bulkier with each successive generation, the MX-5 Miata impressively held onto its tag of a lightweight sports car. That Mazda still managed to shave off over 100 kilos in the fourth-generation model is the talking point in industry circles. Featuring the Japanese brand's popular 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language, the new MX-5 Miata stands out, with sharp, angular elements mixing things nicely with the smooth and curvy shape that we all have fallen in love with over the years. The small, angular headlamps can easily be lost amidst the large grille and air-dams that occupy bulk of the space up front. The muscular bulges in the hood convey a sense of athletism which is also brought out nicely by the curvy yet clean profile. The rear is taut and characterized by the unique taillights that seem to have taken inspiration from a British rival and point inwards. The Miatas of old might have stopped with being a good-looking but anonymous roadster, but the all-new model goes one step further with its radical redesign.

The new MX-5 Miata, also called Roadster in some markets, would go on sale in 2015 to add to its legacy, built over 940,000 customers and 200 awards globally. Details and specifications aren’t officially out yet but we know that the new MX-5 Miata adopts the famous ‘SKYACTIV’ technology that covers the car’s engines, transmissions, chassis and the body itself to make everyday driving more enjoyable along with improved safety and better efficiency.

With no signs of Mazda heading to India, we don’t stand a chance of seeing or driving the new MX-5 Miata on our roads. And, that’s a shame as the MX-5 Miata has always been at the forefront of affordable fun-to-drive motoring in many countries the world over.