As in the European Union markets, the Miata is now sold in the UK exclusively with the 1.5-liter engine.
The smaller engine gets a minor power bump, but it doesn’t make up for the loss of the 2.0-liter.
The next-generation Miata could get a larger engine when it arrives in a few years.
Miata aficionados know Mazda developed the ND generation primarily with the 1.5-liter engine in mind. It wasn’t until the company realized Americans would want more power that it changed its plans, engineering the roadster to accommodate the 2.0-liter unit as well. Having previously owned an ND2 RF with the larger engine, I can comfortably say the Japanese automaker made the right call.
However, the engine has been dying a slow death in Europe. Mazda had no choice but to retire the 2.0-liter unit from EU markets in 2024 because the powertrain no longer met emissions standards. Since the United Kingdom hasn’t been part of the EU since the start of the decade, it didn’t have to abide by the same legislation. However, local regulations have since caught up, prompting Mazda UK to call time on the more powerful engine.
