The Mazda MX-5 is no longer produced for the European market with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and 184 hp. For model year 2027, the roadster continues with the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G unit, which now develops 136 hp and 155 Nm. The change already applies in the European Union, and the last remaining 2.0-litre examples in the United Kingdom should last until around January 2027.

The disappearance of the larger engine does not mean its production has stopped worldwide, nor the end of the current MX-5 generation. It is a change to the European range, driven by emissions regulations. The offer can remain different in Japan, North America and on other markets.

The 2.0-litre engine had already disappeared from the European Union

The headline that Mazda has now “killed” the 2.0-litre engine describes first of all the situation in the United Kingdom. Mazda had withdrawn this version from European Union markets in 2024, but the different timetable of British derogations allowed sales to continue for an extra period.

Mazda UK said production for the British version has ended, and sales will continue as long as cars remain in stock. The company estimates that these can cover demand until around January 2027.

In Romania, buyers interested in a new MX-5 2.0 need to check dealer stocks and the year of manufacture directly. The European configuration for 2027 is built around the 1.5-litre engine.

What is lost with the 184 hp version

The Skyactiv-G engine of 1,998 cm³ developed 184 hp at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm. In previous European configurations, the MX-5 Roadster accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, and the MX-5 RF needed 6.8 seconds.

The difference versus the 1.5-litre engine was not limited to those 48 hp. The 2.0-litre versions could have a limited-slip differential, equipment that is not offered on the new 1.5-litre configuration presented for the United Kingdom. For an owner who uses the car on twisting roads or on a circuit, that difference can matter on corner exit and in how torque is sent to the rear wheels.

The larger engine did, however, have WLTP emissions of about 153 g CO₂/km and combined consumption of 6.8 l/100 km in the British 2024 sheet. Those figures contributed to the difficulty of keeping it in a European range subject to stricter emissions targets.

The 1.5-litre engine reaches 136 hp

For the Mazda MX-5 2027, the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre unit produces 136 hp and 155 Nm. The increase is small versus the previous version, but Mazda has also worked on engine acoustics. The transmission remains a six-speed manual, and drive is to the rear wheels.

Combined consumption announced for the new version is 6.1 l/100 km, with emissions of 139 g CO₂/km in the WLTP cycle. These figures are 0.1 l/100 km and 1 g/km lower than those of the previous 1.5-litre configuration in the British sheet.

On paper, 136 hp does not replace the performance of the 2.0-litre engine. Their role is to keep the MX-5 available in Europe in a form close to the model’s original idea: low mass, naturally aspirated engine, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.

Homura equipment also arrives on the small engine

Mazda is trying to offset in part the withdrawal of the 2.0-litre version by extending sport equipment to the 1.5-litre engine. Depending on the market, the Homura version can include:

  • 16-inch RAYS forged wheels;
  • Brembo front brakes;
  • Bilstein dampers;
  • a strut brace between the front suspension towers;
  • Recaro sport seats.

Exact equipment and version names can vary in Romania. Mazda has also announced for some markets the Yakudo edition, with Alcantara upholstery and silver exterior details, as well as the Zinc Green colour, scheduled to enter production in October 2026.

The driver-inattention warning system, with camera monitoring, becomes standard on all equipment levels of the 2027 model.

When the Mazda MX-5 2027 arrives in Europe

Production of left-hand-drive models began in May 2026, and the first cars are scheduled to reach European dealers from September. For right-hand-drive cars, production starts in September, which explains the later British launch.

Mazda Romania already presents the MX-5 RF 2027 on the local site, but availability of each body, equipment and colour must be confirmed at a dealer. A price communicated for France or the United Kingdom cannot be used as a tariff for Romania.

What the change means for the used market

MX-5 examples with the 2.0-litre engine become the only recent choice for European buyers who want 184 hp from the factory. That can support interest in well-maintained cars, without automatically guaranteeing a rise in their value.

When buying a used example, service history, any damage, corrosion, circuit use and modifications to the suspension or engine matter. The rarity of a powertrain does not offset a poor technical condition.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mazda MX-5 no longer produced with a 2.0-litre engine anywhere?

No. The information concerns the European range. The offer on other markets can be different.

Can a new MX-5 2.0 still be bought in Europe?

Only if a dealer still has an example in stock. Mazda no longer produces it for the European market.

What power does the Mazda MX-5 1.5 have for 2027?

The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine develops 136 hp and 155 Nm.

Does the MX-5 2027 still have a manual gearbox?

Yes. The announced European configuration uses a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Sources

Archive image: Mazda MX-5 RF.