Next-gen Mazda MX-5 concept likely to be revealed this month

Mazda has announced big plans for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show at the end of October, where it will likely reveal a new concept that previews the next-generation MX-5.

The Japanese carmaker says its stand will focus on the two-seat roadster which is arguably one of the brand’s most iconic models ever made, displaying a variety of models from the first-generation ‘NA’ to the latest fourth-generation ‘ND’.

Mazda also said that it will debut a new concept car designed to symbolise the exhibit’s theme of: “The future created by the ‘love of cars.'”

This leads us to believe it could be the precursor to the next-generation MX-5, commonly referred to as the ‘NE’ in enthusiast circles.

Another clue that caught our eye is a teaser image released alongside the manufacturer’s press release which shows the taillights of its Vision Study Model it revealed at the end of last year.

We previously speculated that this car either previews a future RX model or the next MX-5, but the only thing suggesting that it would be the former is the lack of a soft top.

If it is in fact an MX-5 concept, fans can expect the model to arrive with some sort of electrified drivetrain rather than a pure petrol powertrain, as previously confirmed by the carmaker.

Either way, we’re excited to see what Mazda has cooked up for us, and considering the new MX-5 is due out in 2026, now is the perfect time to at least have a peek.

The brand also plans to display a few other vehicles on its stand at this year’s Japan Mobility Show 2023, including the MX-5 SeDV which can only be controlled with the driver’s hands, as well as the Mazda2 Bio Concept which runs exclusively on biodiesel.

So, until the Japan Mobility Show rolls around on 26 October, we’ll all just have to wait patiently with our fingers crossed.