Aussie MX-5s roll down the line

Mazda today will commence Australian-market production of the much-anticipated ND-series MX-5 at its Ujina plant near the manufacturer's headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan, with the first run of cars expected to land here for the MX-5's local debut in August.

As we reported last month, the Aussie-spec MX-5 will have a kerb weight of just 1009kg – which is a reduction of 91kg over the outgoing 2.0-litre car and close to the weight of the original 1989 NA model.

The new MX-5 is not only marked by lightness but also a newfound brevity in its silhouette. Measuring 3915mm long, 1730mm wide, 1235mm high, with a wheelbase of 2315mm, front and rear overhangs have been reduced to 760mm and 840mm respectively, making the new ND series the shortest MX-5 ever built.

Martin Benders, managing director of Mazda Australia said: "Confirmation that Australian production has kicked off today is great news for our national dealer network and all of us at Mazda Australia.

"We have 16,000 registrations of interest for this fourth generation of the world's top-selling roadster.

"The fact that this level of interest has been generated in just a few weeks since commencing our pre-launch communications, shows the level of passion and excitement that the All-New MX-5 generates."

While it's too early for a local pricing announcement for the ND MX-5, motoring.com.au believes the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G entry model will start from less than $40,000 (plus on-road costs).