MX-5 hard-top no open and shut case

Mazda says it is still investigating the best solution for a hard-top version of its new MX-5.

The Japanese car-maker has previously ruled out a fixed-roof coupe version of the new fourth-generation MX-5, but a replacement for the third-generation folding-roof MX-5 Roadster Coupe is widely expected to appear within a launch of the latest ND series.

Indeed, Mazda Australia managing director Martin Benders told us last month that a number of folding hard-top designs were being considered, one of which could give the new MX-5 a completely different exterior profile.

Now, speaking to motoring.com.au at the Frankfurt motor show, Mazda's global marketing chief Masahiro Moro said any retractable hard-top version of the new MX-5 would have to exceed the soft-top's capabilities in terms of packaging, noise suppression and speed of operation.

Moro indicated the new MX-5's more advanced soft-top roof and more compact dimensions made developing a hard-top more difficult.

"I think a big issue is we don't want to comprise in terms of usability of space, speed to open and close or wind noise, so we understand what targets we have to meet and that gives us a high challenge," he said.

"Let's wait and see. I believe the team will not give up and will give us good news in the not-distant future.

"We really wanted to stick to the original concept of 1989, so we have not compromised the perfect soft-top – that was the intent."

Motoring.com.au understands the Mk4 MX-5 design was package-protected from the outset for a hard-top version, which was first seen on the previous MX-5 and grew to account for 60 per cent of its sales.

In fact, the previous NC MX-5 was only available in hard-top guise when it was finally discontinued earlier this year.

Moro made it clear there would be a new-generation MX-5 Roadster Coupe to meet market demand from existing owners and potential new customers.

"Do you see big market potential for hard-top MX-5? What do you think?" he responded when asked the same question.

"There are a number of customers who are waiting for that different solution and our team has been investigating.

"We've been working on that. but I'm not allowed to tell you we've been working on that... Stay tuned."

The new MX-5 was first revealed at the 2014 Paris show last October, before its international launch in January, the start of production in March and its Australian release last month in 1.5-litre form, with the 2.0-litre version due to follow it in showrooms from November.

Expect the new MX-5 Roadster Coupe to appear globally next year, before arriving Down Under by the end of 2016.