Orders for the MX-5 with the larger engine are no longer accepted, but there are remaining 2.0-liter cars in stock.
It was enjoyable while it lasted. Due to strict emissions regulations in Europe, Mazda has ceased production of the 2.0-liter engine for the Miata. There is an exception, however. In the UK, which exited the European Union in January 2020, the larger engine option remains available. Elsewhere, the sole engine choice will be the smaller 1.5-liter unit.
The announcement came recently at a press event in Croatia. Upon hearing this disappointing news, we reached out to Mazda. The company’s Italian division has confirmed the unexpected discontinuation of the 2.0-liter engine, just months after the launch of the ND3. Dealers in various European countries, including Romania where I purchased my ND2 a couple of years ago, have also confirmed the demise of the Miata’s 2.0-liter engine.
While orders for the MX-5 with the larger engine are no longer available in Europe, Mazda informed us that a few cars remain in stock. Once these are sold, the 2.0-liter engine option will be discontinued permanently. Act quickly if you want to secure one of the remaining cars.
Not offered in the United States, the 1.5-liter engine delivers 129 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque. This is 52 hp and 40 lb-ft less compared to the larger engine. On the other hand, a Miata equipped with the 1.5-liter unit is slightly lighter. The smaller engine is celebrated for its eager revving nature, particularly noticeable during the early ND1 years, and is also more affordable than its larger counterpart.
Will Mazda reintroduce a Miata with a larger engine in Europe? It’s uncertain at this point. The opportunity for the ND model may have passed. However, the next-generation model is likely to incorporate some level of electrification, which could enable Mazda to introduce a larger engine while meeting stricter emissions standards. This remains speculative, given the early stage of development.
A completely new MX-5 is probably several years away, as the recently launched ND3 is expected to remain in production for some time. A 35th Anniversary Edition is slated for later this year, but if it only comes with the 2.0-liter engine, it will be unavailable in Europe.
2024 proves challenging for relatively affordable sports cars in Europe, with the demise of the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ not due to stricter emissions laws, but because of the new General Safety Regulations 2 (GSR2).