'Buy a Toyota 86 if you want power': MX-5 boss

Supporters of the Mazda MX-5 concept can rest assured the model is in good hands. 

Masashi Nakayama, designer of the current "ND" fourth-generation roadster has taken over from Nobuhiro Yamamoto as the project manager for Mazda's MX-5 platform.

Having owned an immaculate first-generation "NA" MX-5 for more than two decades, Nakayama has a clear vision for future models.

And it's all about the past.

"We cannot forget the NA," he says. 

"It's very pure, it's very special. 

"I personally think the next one should be even lighter. 

"It's so difficult to make the car smaller and lighter, but Mazda wants to make the car lighter and smaller - it's good for handling it's good for the environment. We don't want to give up.

"The next MX-5 should be even smaller and lighter. Much lighter."

That won't be easy, as the current car weighs just 1009 kilograms in basic 1.5-litre form.

Nakayama wants to investigate the use of carbon fibre and other composites for the machine, but only if the car remains affordable to enthusiasts.

He says a manual transmission is a must-have, and that Australian customers should think twice before paying extra to go with a heavier, more powerful 2.0-litre MX-5 option as opposed to the entry-level 1.5-litre model.

"You don't need a 2.0-litre engine," he says. 

"I don't hesitate to say to you 'please buy the Toyota 86 if you really want the power'. 

"Mazda really wants to stay lightweight in the future. 

"We have to stay in this world - lightweight with affordable costs. Still small but not too powerful." 

The designer is frustrated by potential customers who ask for more power and luggage space, yet still claim to love the original MX-5.

His aim is to keep future models true to their core appeal - simple open-topped cars that offer raw driving appeal.

"If you were on an island and nobody else was there - if you can't show off because there is nobody else there - in that situation what do you want to drive? Maybe you will select an MX-5," he says.

"That's our goal."

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