PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Mazda confirms 1.5-litre MX-5

Mazda has confirmed a downsized 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine will power the entry-level version of its fourth-generation MX-5, which is due to arrive Down Under in the second half of next year priced from under $40,000.

No power outputs have been announced for the naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G 1.5 and there is no sign of the more powerful 2.0-litre engine that's expected to join the range.

However, judging by the 7500rpm redline on the tacho of the vehicle that made its motor show debut in Paris yesterday, the base 1.5 will be more powerful than both versions of the same engine in the all-new Mazda2 to be launched here later this month.

The new 1.5 produces up to 85kW/144Nm in the 14.0:1-compression Japanese-spec Mazda2, but to cope with our 91 RON standard unleaded petrol Australia's Mazda2 will come with 79kW/139Nm (12.0:1) and 81kW/141Nm (14.0:1) engines.

As we've reported, however, the MX-5's 1.5 is expected to offer up to 96kW, which is still a 22kW reduction on the outgoing MX-5's 118kW/188Nm 2.0-litre engine.

But given our sources say the new soft-top's kerb weight will fall to just 1020kg, the 19 per cent weight reduction over the outgoing NC-series MX-5 Roadster Coupe manual (1167kg) should more than compensate for the 13 per cent lower power output.

Mazda has confirmed that both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available, and is expected to eventually release a more powerful 2.0-litre MX-5 offering at least 120kW/200Nm, which will easily better the outgoing model's 7.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration time.

A larger footprint, less weight, stiffer chassis, new steering and 50/50 weight distribution should also improve handling.