MX-5 MK4 (Concept Picture)

[IanH Ian Hindmarsh]

From Autocar;

Will be interesting to see how close it actually turns out...

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/251503/

[tjay tom mcginnis]

Hi Iain,I think that it looks great,even better than the current model and hope that it goes into production too.
Tom

[Colin Colin Stuart]

There are few posts more interesting than photos of the potential look of the next version of the car.

Mixed feelings at this stage about the styling (attractive but a bit bland), but good to note the reduced weight idea is still being iterated ...

... just hope a reduced rust idea follows it.

[liathach Malcolm Lamont]

Colin, I think rust is part of the less-weight strategy!

[Colin Colin Stuart]

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

Last year in Autocar, the MX5 design group in Germany said the flat line from mid bonnet to tail was unlikely to be carried forward to the next model MX5.

We see here the top of the steel section of the door is no longer flat .

The VW roadster expected in the same timescale will have a diesel and powerful low emission petrol engines. This will be real competition for Mazda. There are also reports of a new MR2.

eddie

[Colin Colin Stuart]

Yep, and a new Honda CRX, although I believe that'll be a bio-fuel which puts me off.

Shame as I had a Mark 2 CRX: had its faults, but couldn't fault the bullet-proof build.

[Dalhousie]

Much better looking than the current MX5, and looks lower than the 4x4 ride height that you get before fitting modified springs.
I took a bit of time to think what it reminded me of with the 'smiley' mouth, then I twigged, it's a 21st century Austin Healey Sprite

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89388861@N00/28003528

[Malc Malcolm MacBain]

I love it.

Where do I sign and when can I get it.

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

I took a bit of time to think what it reminded me of with the 'smiley' mouth, then I twigged, it's a 21st century Austin Healey Sprite

I drove a friend in my Mk2 MX5 today who's partner had an MG Midget,11 years ago in Edinburgh. He noted the MX5 had passenger space, was quiet and comfortable and the journey was stress free unlike a Midget.

He said they bought the Midget to use as an everyday car and then they bought a proper car for every day journeys as the Midget was not suitable. Then they used it at the weekend car but it would break down. So they only used it for very short journeys.

I hope Mazda do not take too many tips from BMC.

[flood]

Where have the side repeaters gone! It's not an MX-5 without them!

[Allan M]

Looks a bit like an Audi TT. not sure about it.

[PaulDS Paul S]

Hate the lights why can't designers show a bit mor originality.
Not keen on the gaping mouth looks a bit cartoonish, lets have a snarling intake
Mx 5 design has lost it's appeal to me.

[Murray Murray Campbell]

damn, and there was me thinking of waiting for the 3.5 prices to fall

looking forward to seeing the new design direction in autumn aswell!

[Enjay Nigel Rowand]

I like it. It looks quite mean and purposeful to me. I'm sure that there will be tweaks and changes and I look forward to seeing how those turn out but, yes, I like it.