Two engine choices for MX-5

Mazda plans to offer both 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre (and normally-aspirated) versions of the new MX-5, including in Australia.

But it wasn’t always going to be the case.

The car was originally developed around the concept of a new, high-revving, SkyActiv 1.5-litre engine, at least until the Americans got wind of the plan and argued in favour of a bigger-capacity 2.0-litre engine – as offered in the current model – for the fourth-generation model.

As easily the biggest single market for the sports car, America insisted on the 2.0-litre engine, even if it meant a delay in the launch timing.

Eventually, the Japanese caved in and worked on a higher-revving version of the same basic 2.0-litre engine as used in the Mazda3 and CX-5.

Australia is expected to get both engines when the new car goes on sale in 2015.