Mazda MX-5 Will Get A New Generation, But The CX-5 May Not

Whilst the trend amongst carmakers typically leans towards building more SUVs and less sportscars, Japanese marque Mazda will likely do the opposite. Recent online reports indicate that the brand's iconic MX-5 roadster will continue with a new generation, its groundbreaking CX-5 crossover SUV model might not.

"I'm not sure whether we are going to introduce a CX-5 or not, so I can't give you any details,” said Mitsuru Wakiie, product manager for the CX-5, to online portal Motor1 recently when asked if the crossover SUV will get a new third generation iteration in future.

This is indeed surprising given the fact that 365,135 units of the CX-5 have been produced and delivered worldwide by the end of 2022. Said figure sees the CX-5 stand as Mazda’s most popular model to date in fact. Its discontinuation despite its sizeable popularity would seem to be an odd move to say the least too.

Perhaps Mazda is banking on its new and larger CX-50, CX-60, and an upcoming CX-70 trio instead in place of the CX-5 in future. Said crossover SUV model debuted in second generation form back in 2017 following the immense successes charted by its first-gen predecessor released back in 2012.

Whilst the prospects of seeing a next-gen CX-5 seems slim at present, Mazda however were keen to note that its iconic MX-5, also known as the Miata or Roadster depending on market, will continue for another generation at least.

Mazda’s CEO in Europe, Martijn ten Brink, basically confirmed this after promising UK title Autocar that the sportscar "will never die." Furthermore, Mazda’s sleek new Vision Study concept that was recently shown at least confirms the brand’s intent towards building enjoyable cars, and perhaps signalling the brand’s intent at keeping the sportscar model as a permanent fixture in its next generation line up.

Despite the rise towards electrification, the MX-5 has continued to bait enthusiasts worldwide with ease. Much of this stems from the model’s unchanged and rather simplistic formula of harnessing naturally-aspirated powertrains, rear-wheel-drive (RWD), one of the best manual transmissions around, and the fact that it remains rather affordable as well.

Certainly, we can also count on seeing Mazda spawn an electrified – full EV – version of the MX-5 in the near future. But whether it underpins the aforementioned Vision Study concept, or at least borrow a few of its design cues, remains to be seen still though.

What do you folks think? Reckon Mazda’s other new-generation SUVs will fill the gap from the CX-5 should it get axed? Does the thought of a full EV version of the MX-5 sound thrilling to you? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…