The top-of-the-range 2.0-litre version of the Mazda MX-5 has been axed in the UK, Autocar can reveal.
This means the MX-5 will be available only with the 130PS 1.5-litre engine once stock of the 181PS 2.0-litre model has been sold. The 1.5-liter engine configuration also foregoes a limited-slip differential, a feature that increases the MX-5’s appeal as a driver’s car.
A Mazda UK spokesperson told Autocar: “The 2.0-litre engine was withdrawn from European markets in 2024 due to changing emissions regulations. However, due to different repeal times in the UK, we were able to continue with an extended sales period. This period has now ended and we will stop selling the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 in the UK once existing stock has been sold.
“We have enough stock of 2.0-litre models to meet expected customer demand until around January 2027, while the 1.5-litre Mazda MX-5 will continue to be available in the UK.
“The 1.5-liter engine remains at the heart of the MX-5. The current generation of the MX-5 was originally developed around this engine, and its light weight, responsiveness and accessibility perfectly reflect [Mazda’s philosophy of] Jinba Ittai [‘horse and rider’].
“The continuation of the 1.5-liter engine ensures customers can continue to enjoy the lightweight, engaging and fun-to-drive experience that has defined the Mazda MX-5 for more than 35 years and continues to win awards as one of the best-driving cars on the road today.”
Offering only a cleaner engine will also help Mazda meet the UK’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The 2.0-litre emits 153g/km compared to 140g/km for the 1.5. Although the ZEV mandate addresses the country’s electric vehicle sales, it also rewards manufacturers for making deep cuts to their fleet emissions.
The Japanese-market 1.5 was recently updated to increase its power to 134bhp and 114lb ft (slight increases of 4bhp and 3lb ft) while reducing its fuel consumption. The UK is expected to receive this update in due course.
It remains to be seen how much longer Mazda will be able to continue selling the MX-5 in the UK. Although it is effectively Mazda’s halo model, it is now over a decade old and sales have declined in recent years, falling from around 4,000 in 2019 to around 1,500 in the years since.
This year, Autocar gave the 2.0-litre MX-5 a rare five-star rating in its road test, calling it the “ultimate sports car”.
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