Forget about the worldwide synchronised launch event and take a look the Mazda’s feisty little roadster, the all new MX-5 (nee Lotus Elan). Mazda have forgone the classic evolutionary design route in favor of a more aggressive sharper looking style. The all new, rear-wheel drive, Mazda MX-5 is a product of a Fiat joint development union which will ultimately lead to the rumored Alfa Romeo Spider. But lets focus on the MX-5, its shorter by 105mm, wider and lower by 10mm than the previous generation, to keep weight down the body panels are made from aluminium which saves 100kg of mass. The engine range will feature Mazda’s Skyactive units, expect a slightly more powerful, cleaner more efficient 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine range which will be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The new interior is a step up in quality and will feature a touchscreen system that will house many of the cars primary functions. The new MX 5 will have a retractable fabric roof to begin with a retractable hard top version following later on in the year. Around 80% of Mazda’s last generation MX-5 sold were the hard top models. The MX-5 accounts for 1 percent of Mazda’s global sale’s, 14,000 units were sold last year. The MX5 went on sale in 1990 and went on to become a much sought after, cheap to buy and own roadster. But competition from the likes of BMW and Mercedes have eroded the MX-5’s appeal. Pricing starts at £22k, the new MX-5 will go on sale across Europe by March, 2015.