Is the brand-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND the best thing that ever happened to the series after the original NA, is one of the questions that will be debated over the course of the next year.
Magazines across the world had their first encounter with Mazda's new roadster with the 129hp (131PS) 1.5-liter and churned out their initial impressions today, which are positive, in advance of full tests that will follow in the coming months.
Praise was given to the new MX-5's more compact and lighter body that weighs 100kg (220 pounds) less than the third-generation model and only 50kg (110 pounds) more than the original NA from 1989.
The 1.5-liter engine goes over 7,000 rpm but the testers say it won't push your back on the seat - that wasn't Mazda's intention, as the MX-5 is a back to basics sports car for drivers who appreciate a well-balanced and engineered machine made to put a smile on your face with its handling and playful character.
There will also be a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, but Mazda has yet to give it out to journalists for a quick spin.
Along with lifting the embargo for the first drive, the Japanese carmaker also dropped a ton of fresh photos and a video of the MX-5 on the road, both of which follow below.
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