2027 Mazda MX-5 Kazari
By Lorenzo Bianchi June 11, 2026
The 2027 Mazda MX5 Kazari features tan perforated Nappa leather upholstery.
Mazda has introduced a new Zinc Green exterior color across the MX5 range.
Power rises to 136 PS from the naturally aspirated 1.5 litre Skyactiv G engine.
The Roadster Formula Remains Untouched
Some sports cars get bigger, heavier, and more complicated with every update. The Mazda MX5 has largely avoided that path. More than 35 years after its debut, the roadster still follows the same basic recipe: two seats, rear wheel drive, a manual gearbox, and just enough power to make every drive engaging.
For 2027, Mazda hasn't tried to reinvent the MX5. Instead, the company has focused on small refinements throughout the range. Among them is the Kazari, a version aimed less at outright sportiness and more at craftsmanship and everyday enjoyment.
Clean Proportions Continue To Define The MX5
The familiar shape remains instantly recognizable. The MX5 still sits low to the ground, with short overhangs and a compact footprint that feels increasingly rare in today's market. Measuring just 3,915 mm long, it remains one of the smallest sports cars on sale in Europe.
A new Zinc Green paint option joins the range from October 2026 production. In the press images, the color gives the roadster a slightly more mature character. It changes noticeably depending on the light, appearing darker and more industrial in shaded conditions before revealing a metallic shimmer in direct sunlight.
The lightweight soft top remains a central part of the experience, while buyers can also choose the RF version with its retractable hardtop that opens or closes in 13 seconds.
Kazari Focuses On Materials Rather Than Aggression
Where the Homura version leans into performance themed details, the Kazari takes a different approach.
Its most distinctive feature is the use of tan perforated Nappa leather upholstery, creating a warmer and more premium atmosphere inside the cabin. The finish feels deliberately understated. There are no oversized screens or dramatic design gestures competing for attention. Instead, Mazda continues to focus on simplicity and driver interaction.
The cockpit remains centered around the driver, with an 8.8 inch display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB C ports have also been added to improve everyday usability.
More Power, Same Character
The mechanical updates are modest but meaningful.
Mazda's naturally aspirated 1.5 litre Skyactiv G engine now produces 136 PS and 155 Nm of torque. Engineers also revised engine calibration and reduced mechanical resistance, helping improve efficiency while preserving the eager character that has long defined the MX5. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 l/100 km under the WLTP cycle.
Rear wheel drive and a six speed manual transmission remain standard. Mazda's Kinematic Posture Control system also continues to support stability through corners without adding extra hardware or weight.
At a time when many sports cars are moving toward greater complexity, the MX5 Kazari stands out for doing the opposite. It refines the familiar formula with better materials, subtle technology updates, and a little more power, while leaving the essential character untouched.