It took a long time since the car was first introduced, but the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 is now officially in production at the car maker’s Ujina No.1 plant in Hiroshima, Japan. The first production units of the new MX-5 will hit the JDM in June, while UK order books are now open for late summer delivery.

The all-new Mazda MX-5, which really and truly is all-new, takes the concept of Jinba Ittai (“rider and horse as one”) to a whole new level. That is the philosophy upon which the MX-5 is based, and has been for 25 years, and the main reason for its success. Basically, this principle does away with any sort of excess, and focused only on the purest form of substance. That’s why the MX-5 feels like an extension of the driver’s arms and legs rather than something he or she controls via pedals and steering wheel!

2016 Mazda MX-5 is not only the lightest, but also the most technologically advanced model thanks to SKYACTIV. Still, there is a bit of controversy surrounding the powertrains Mazda has chosen for the car. In Europe, the MX-5 launches with two engines, offering 131PS and 160PS. So the car had better be mind-blowing around corners, because outright performance is out of the question.

Other highlights of the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 include a “people-oriented interior” optimised for open-top driving, MZD Connect infotainment system and a range of i-ACTIVSENSE active and pre-crash safety technology.