Australians have little appetite for an electric version of the Mazda MX-5, according to local boss Vinesh Bhindi.
“We don’t see that many customers coming into the showroom and saying, ‘An electric MX-5? That’d be for me’,” Mr Bhindi told CarExpert at the local launch of the electric CX-6e SUV.
“I know there have been reports that our president, Moro-san [Masahiro Moro], has indicated it would have some level of electrification, but at this stage it’s MX-5 owners… who are all saying, ‘When can I get the pure analogue version of the next generation?’
“That’s probably more the conversation on the showroom floor, as opposed to electrification.”
Development of the next-generation ‘NE’ MX-5 remains ongoing, with a global reveal still years away, according to Mazda Europe design director Jo Stenuit.
However, Moro-san recently told German outlet Auto Motor und Sport that Mazda is preparing the next-generation MX-5’s platform for full electrification, fuelling speculation the fifth generation of its iconic sports car could be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains.
An electric version would pose a significant challenge to the lightweight philosophy synonymous with Mazda’s pint-sized roadster, given the lightest EV on sale today – the BYD Atto 1 Essential city hatch – tips the scales at 1294kg, or around 200kg more than the current MX-5.
That said, Mazda is aiming for respective kerb weights of “just under 1000kg and 1200kg” for combustion-powered and electric versions of the next MX-5.
“The challenge for us is to make the basic structure lighter without using exotic materials like carbon-fibre,” said Moro-san.
Automakers have so far struggled to produce a lightweight convertible electric sports car, despite Tesla demonstrating the concept with the first-generation Roadster.
Based on the Lotus Elise, the original Tesla Roadster weighed around 1300kg and was produced from 2008 to 2012.
Since then, few mainstream manufacturers have taken on the challenge, and just two drop-top EVs are currently sold in Australia – the MG Cyberster and Maserati GranCabrio Folgore – both of which weigh more than 1880kg.
While Mr Bhindi acknowledged current MX-5 buyers aren’t exactly crying out for an electric version, he said such a model could broaden the roadster’s appeal if it reaches production.
“But I suspect if that happens and is available as an option, we could potentially attract a different type of buyer to the brand who wants to experience a different technology in a sports car.
“So we would be happy to take one if one is produced.”
MORE: Mazda CEO confirms an electric MX-5 is being preparedMORE: Next combustion-powered Mazda MX-5 could be the lastMORE: Explore the Mazda MX-5 showroom
