It would seem even the most iconic, pure driver's cars are not immune to the inevitable shift to electrification. Mazda has announced that its venerable sports car, the MX-5 Miata, will feature some form of electrification, for the model that will succeed the current ND generation. 

According to a  Japanese publication, Mazda's R&D and Cost Innovation boss, Ichiro Hirose has remarked that the convertible MX-5 is in the "scope of electrification in 2030," which is consistent with Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 plans to electrify almost its entire line-up.

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It wasn't disclosed as to whether the next-gen MX-5 Miata will utilise a hybrid powertrain, or an all-electric one. However, Hirose-san did mention that whatever it is, they will pursue this electrification while respecting the MX-5's DNA as a lightweight sports car.

Hirose continued,  "The lightweight and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle." This suggests that a hybrid powertrain will be more feasible, instead of a much heavier all-electric set up. 

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Locally, the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, SkyActiv petrol engine (184 PS, 205 Nm), with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Price wise, the manual RF variant retails for RM 258,591, while the automatic equivalent asks for RM 260,527.

Prices quoted here are on-the-road, without insurance, with SST discounts applied.