The next generation Mazda MX-5 sports roadster is under development and while it will remain loyal to the recipe that made it so great – with a targeted weight of 800 kg – it may feature some radical changes to offer greater variety. One of those changes can be the addition of a small diesel engine.

The diesel MX-5 will offer an economical version of the sports car for those who don’t want the performance. That kind of spoils the whole point of buying a car like the MX-5, but Mazda thinks there might be a market for it.

The normal Mx-5 will get a 1.6 liter naturally aspirated SkyActiv engine rated at 130 horsepower in the base model, with high-spec versions to get a larger unit will up to 200 horsepower. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with a paddle-shift automatic offered as an option. As with the current model, a soft top and a retractable hardtop variant will be available.

The next generation Mazda MX-5 will share its chassis and suspension with a new version of Alfa Romeo Spider. The Italian will get its own engines though, including a 1.4 liter turbo unit in the base model and the 1750 TBi engine from the 4C in the range-topping version.

via Autocar