Report: 2012 Mazda MX-2 Roadster On The Way

THE MAZDA MX-5 may soon have a new baby brother, according to the team at Auto Express.

Mazda is reportedly working on an entry-level two-seater roadster, dubbed the MX-2, which is said to take styling cues from the eye-catching Mazda Furai concept.

The consensus is that the MX-2 will slot in beneath the revered MX-5 in price, power, and fuel economy, while also tipping the scales at under 1000kgs.

Engine options are expected to range from 700cc to 1.6 litres, but the big news is that the range-topper may receive a turbocharger. This could see total output come in at around 111kW-119kW (150hp-160hp).

If approved by the Mazda Board, the MX-2 would soon appear on the auto show circuit in concept form. Production could conceivably then begin sometime in 2012.

With Mazda's MX-5 putting on weight and growing in size since its inception, a smaller, lighter, MX-2 variant could take the spiritual place of the original NA MX-5.