MX-5 hard-top could have its own look

Multiple design options are under consideration for the hard-top version of the new-generation ND Mazda MX-5. And they include at least one that would give it a significantly different exterior profile to the soft-top that goes on-sale in Australia this month.

The just superseded third-generation NC MX-5 roadster was the first to feature a powered retracting roof and it quickly gained popularity, establishing a 60:40 sales advantage over the traditional soft-top.

Mazda sources have already ruled out a coupe. And while the 1.5-litre ND is launching now (you can read our first Australian drive impressions here from Friday morning) and the 2.0-litre in November, the retractable hard-top is not expected to be seen in production for some time.

Speaking on this week’s MX-5 media launch, Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders confirmed to motoring.com.au he had seen several hard-top roof design proposals that were under consideration.

“I think because this car [ND] is so different, they don’t just want to put the hard-top on it. I think they want to make it a bit more interesting,” Benders told motoring.com.au.

“There are a number of ways they can go with that and they won’t necessarily duplicate what they have done before.

“We have reviewed some of the options… It could another ‘dimension’… It’s not just something that replicates what you have as a soft-top, it makes it look a little bit different.

“What I am saying is they could make it look different,” Benders stated

The local Mazda boss said the hard top version of the previous NC MX-5 had helped the popularity of a model that has iconic status but limited sales.

“It [the hard top] became the older demographic vehicle of choice because they could use it as a touring car as well. It gave them that bit more comfort and quiet.

Separately, ND program manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto confirmed that the MX-5 had been package protected for a retracting hard-top, but declined to get into the specifics of particular design studies.

“The soft-top has been made so well I think it has heightened the expectation among the people that if there is a hard-top then it must exceed the expectations,” he told motoring.com.au via an interpreter.

“So we have to have a really good one.”

He did say that the ‘back to basics’ design philosophy that applies to the overall ND development program would apply to the development of its hard-top roof.

Asked if a more coupe-like profile for the hard-top was a chance, Yamamoto said it depended on customer demand and whether such a concept fitted with the philosophy of the car.

“We have to think hard,” he said.