The latest update for the humble Mazda MX-5 has been revealed in Japan, with little in the way of changes to aesthetics or features. Not that lack of change is some kind of problem, as the ND-generation MX-5 is seen by many as a bit of a return to form for the tiny sports car.
What has changed is its 2.0-litre SkyActiv heart.
Mazda have tinkered with the four-cylinder power-plant, giving it an extra 19kW and 5Nm over the current model (from 118kW to 137kW and 200Nm to 205Nm, respectively). That's a 15 per cent power gain in a car that only weighs about a tonne.
Redline has been shifted too, from 6800rpm to 7500rpm — while all of those concerned that these gains will harm fuel economy can breathe easy knowing that economy has actually improved.
Much of this has supposedly been achieved by removing weight from some of the MX-5's rotating parts, coupled with reduced losses and a shorter combustion period.
Changes outside of the two-seater's power-train are limited to Mazda's i-ActiveSense becoming standard equipment, a telescoping steering wheel, a new brown soft-top option, and new wheel colours.
While Japan have confirmed a sales date of July 26, few other markets have any information as to local timing — including Australia and the United States.
But, speaking to Driven, Mazda NZ confirmed that the updated model will land in New Zealand in late 2018.