The range-topping 2.0-litre version of the Mazda MX-5 has been axed in the UK, Autocar can reveal.

This means the MX-5 will be available with only the 130bhp 1.5-litre once existing stocks of the 181bhp 2.0-litre model have been sold. The 1.5-litre's set-up also forgoes a limited-slip differential, a feature that adds to the MX-5's appeal as a driver’s car.

A spokesperson for Mazda UK told Autocar: “The 2.0-litre was dropped from the European markets in 2024 due to changing emissions regulations. However, due to different derogation timings in the UK, we were able to continue with an extended sales period. This period has now ended and we will cease sales of the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 in the UK once the existing stock has been sold.

“We have sufficient stock of 2.0-litre models to meet anticipated customer demand until around January 2027, while the 1.5-litre Mazda MX-5 will continue to be available in the UK.

“The 1.5-litre engine remains at the heart of the MX-5. The current-generation MX-5 was originally developed around this engine, with its light weight, responsive and accessible performance perfectly reflecting [Mazda’s philosophy of] Jinba Ittai [‘horse and rider’].

“The continuation of the 1.5-litre ensures customers can continue to enjoy the lightweight, engaging and fun-to-drive experience that has defined the Mazda MX-5 for more than 35 years and continues to win awards as one of the best driving cars on the road today.”

Offering only a lower-polluting engine will also help Mazda to comply with the UK’s zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The 2.0-litre emits 153g/km compared with the 140g/km put out by the 1.5. Although the ZEV mandate concerns the nation’s EV sales, it also rewards manufacturers for making big cuts to their fleets’ emissions.

The Japanese-market 1.5 was recently updated to raise its outputs to 134bhp and 114lb ft – mild increases of 4bhp and 3lb ft – while also reducing its fuel consumption. The UK is expected to receive this upgrade in due course. 

It remains to be seen how much longer Mazda can continue to sell the MX-5 in the UK. Although it is effectively Mazda’s halo model, it is now more than a decade old and sales have dwindled in recent years, falling from around 4000 in 2019 to roughly 1500 in the years thereafter.

Autocar this year awarded the 2.0-litre MX-5 a rare five-star rating in its road test, dubbing it the “definitive sports car”.