The Mazda MX-5 Miata has always lived by a simple rule that most modern sports cars have forgotten: keep it light, keep it balanced, and keep the driver at the center of the experience. Even with the current ND-generation Miata now more than a decade old, it remains one of the purest new cars you can buy. That staying power is exactly why the next chapter matters so much, especially now that Mazda is hinting the fifth-generation MX-5 could be the final one powered by a traditional gasoline engine.

According to recent comments tied to Mazda Australia leadership, the next MX-5 is expected to arrive as the last gas-powered Miata before the brand eventually has to move the roadster into a more electrified future. That does not mean Mazda is rushing the car out, either. The next-generation model, often referred to as the NE, is still a few years away, with a realistic arrival likely no earlier than 2028. For Miata fans, that timeline may feel long, but Mazda appears to be taking its time to get the formula right rather than chasing trends.

One of the biggest pieces of news is what may sit under the hood. Mazda is expected to use a larger 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine from its upcoming Skyactiv-Z family, keeping the Miata away from turbocharging and preserving the smooth, responsive character that has defined the car for decades. Just as important, the six-speed manual transmission is expected to survive. In an era where sports cars are either getting heavier, more automated, or disappearing altogether, that alone feels like a small victory for driving enthusiasts.

The bigger challenge will be weight. Mazda reportedly wants to keep the next MX-5 under 1,000 kilograms, or about 2,204 pounds, which would be an impressive target considering today’s safety and emissions requirements. If Mazda adds mild-hybrid assistance or another form of electrification to help reduce CO2 output, keeping the car that light becomes even more difficult. Still, if any automaker understands how to make a small sports car feel special without relying on outrageous horsepower, it is Mazda.

The next Miata could end up being more than just a redesign. It may become a sendoff for the affordable, lightweight, gas-powered roadster as we know it. Mazda has built the MX-5’s reputation on feel, simplicity, and balance, not spec-sheet bragging rights. If the fifth-generation Miata keeps that spirit intact while adapting just enough to survive the next decade, it could become one of the most meaningful enthusiast cars of the 2030s. For those who still believe a great drive does not need to be complicated, the next MX-5 may be worth the wait.