Mazda has made it clear that work on the new Miata, or MX-5, is already in full swing. This is not surprising, given the enduring success of this popular roadster - although the ND model is gradually getting old. The fourth generation has been on the market for almost 12 years and has undergone several technical updates and a number of special models in that time.
But even in 2026, Mazda hasn't finished refining this convertible sports car ahead of its successor, which will (hopefully) be available later this decade. The latest changes aren't necessarily a result of Mazda wanting to keep the MX-5 updated, but rather so that the model can continue to be offered in its home market.
New Japanese regulations on exterior noise are forcing engineers to re-adapt the ND model – with quieter tires and a larger muffler. In the MX-5 with a folding hardtop, the larger muffler places restrictions on the layout of the space: Mazda has had to reduce the depth of the already very small trunk. Additional changes to the intake system allow the two-seater to meet exterior noise requirements. The regulation applies from October 2024 for models with new homologation; from next month, this requirement will also be extended to existing models.
Without these adjustments, Mazda would no longer be able to sell the car in Japan from July. This is when all vehicles will come under the Stage 3 vehicle noise regulations, based on UN International Regulation No. 51 (R51-03). These regulations lower the permitted values to 68 to 72 dB, depending on the power-to-weight ratio. For comparison: in the less stringent Stage 2, the permitted values were 70 to 74 dB, and in Stage 1, the permitted values were 72 to 75 dB.
Accordingly, the Miata will also be available in Japan in a special version called Pure Sport (PS) with a smaller 1,5-liter engine. This combines a gray canvas roof with a new paint color "Zinc Green Metallic", which you probably already know, and black 16-inch Rays wheels. Braking is handled by Brembo brakes with silver calipers, and Bilstein shock absorbers are part of the standard equipment.
Inside, not much has changed. The PS model gets suede-like seats and black rings around the start/stop button and climate control dials. The outer rings of the air vents are also glossy black. Even after all these years, the Miata's cockpit is almost perfect—if you can fit in it at all. Whatever comes after the ND model: let's hope it doesn't follow Mazda's recent trend of making the screen ever bigger at the expense of physical controls.
Mazda has sold more than 1,26 million MX-5s since the introduction of the NA model in 1989 – and this small rear-wheel drive sports car remains in a league of its own. However, new noise regulations in Japan mean that even niche models will have to meet increasingly stringent regulations.
While most of the hurdles for manufacturers are primarily related to stricter emissions standards, meeting lower noise limits adds an additional layer of complexity when developing new vehicles or updating existing models. It's good that the MX-5 is continuing to persevere.
