Could the Mazda MX-5 make a shock return to South Africa? Comments from the brand’s SA boss certainly suggest the sportscar is in line for a local comeback in 2027…
- Mazda SA boss hints at MX-5 return
- Nameplate axed in Mzansi in 2021
- 5th-gen MX-5 tipped for reveal soon
The head of Mazda in South Africa says the Japanese brand’s local division is “working on” bringing the MX-5 nameplate back to Mzansi in 2027, potentially ending what would by that point have been a 6-year local hiatus for the world’s best-selling 2-seater sportscar.
Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, made the comments during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in October.
“We are working on two product launches for next year [2027]. One I just mentioned is a plug-in hybrid and the other one is a sportscar. We all know Mazda’s well-loved roadster – we’re very excited and are working closely with Mazda Motor Corporation to get our market ready to introduce [the MX-5],” she told us.
“We all love the MX-5 – it has such a loyal following. Globally, the Miata [the name used in North America] is the consumer’s choice for a roadster; a car that is purely [about] the joy of driving. It’s all about putting the roof down, using your manual transmission and experiencing the car,” Van der Merwe added.
As a reminder, the ND-series MX-5 arrived in SA towards the end of 2015, before Mazda Southern Africa added the MX-5 RF (that’s “Retractable Fastback”) in March 2017. But later that year, the manual-equipped MX-5 roadster was axed, with the brand curiously opting to keep the auto-equipped MX-5 RF alive. That derivative soldiered on until 2021.
Though the rear-wheel-drive ND-series model is still in production in Hiroshima, reports suggest Mazda is preparing to reveal the new 5th-generation MX-5, complete with a larger (2.5- rather than 2.0-litre) naturally aspirated petrol engine and a manual transmission. While an official unveiling date has yet to be announced, it seems more likely that Van der Merwe was referring to this as-yet-unrevealed model than to the outgoing ND-series MX-5.
The upcoming 5th-generation MX-5 – which may well be underpinned by an updated version of the ND-series platform – could potentially to be the final iteration of the nameplate to be offered without any form of electrification, in the interests of saving weight. And there seems to be a fair chance it will reach South Africa…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Mazda MX-5 returning to South Africa?
A: Bonite van der Merwe, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, confirmed to Cars.co.za that the local division is actively working with head office to re-introduce the iconic MX-5 roadster to Mzansi in 2027.
Q: When was the Mazda MX-5 previously discontinued in South Africa?
A: The ND-series soft-top manual roadster was dropped in 2017, while the automatic MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) soldiered on locally until it was officially axed in 2021.
Q: What do we expect from the upcoming 5th-generation Mazda MX-5?
A: Tipped for reveal soon, the next-gen MX-5 is expected to retain a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform, paired with a larger naturally aspirated petrol engine (potentially 2.5-litre) and a manual gearbox option before full electrification occurs.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
