Hold onto your hair, Mazda Unveils All-new MX-5

The new Mazda MX5 was unveiled today. Photos / Supplied

Mazda today celebrated the unveiling of the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 together with fans at events held simultaneously in Japan, USA and Spain.

The All-New MX-5, which adopts both SKYACTIV Technology and Mazda's 'KODO - Soul of Motion' design language, will be rolled out to global markets starting in 2015.

Image 1 of 14: Duran Duran played at the unveiling of the new Mazda MX5. Photo / Matt Greenop

The MX-5 is one of Mazda's most iconic models.

"Innovate in order to preserve" was the motto for the fourth generation, as the development team searched for innovations that go beyond simple evolution.

Environmental and safety demands are much more stringent than they were when the first generation MX-5 was introduced 25 years ago, but the fourth generation stays true to the model's original aim of offering the pure driving fun that only a lightweight sports car can.

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It achieves this through the adoption of SKYACTIV Technology and refinement of its appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars.

The design of the All-New MX-5 reveals another layer to Mazda's KODO design language.

The exquisite proportions make the driver and passenger stand out, and both the interior and exterior evoke the exhilaration of open-top driving.

It is the most compact of any generation MX-5 so far and is more than 100 kilograms lighter than the model it replaces, promising a dramatic leap in Jinba-ittai driving fun.

As of July 2014, total production volume of the Mazda MX-5 exceeded 940,000 units and it continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car.

The much-loved model has received over 200 awards from around the globe including Japan Car of the Year 2005-2006.

Moving forward, Mazda will continue to develop products which offer all customers driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Duran Duran headlined the MX5 unveiling in the USA.

NZ Herald Motoring Editor Matt Greenop is in the United States for the launch. Look for the full story in Driven Magazine next week.

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