mazda mx-5

Yes, most of us are now back to work, but we have just the piece of news to cheer roadster fans up - the new Mazda MX-5 is expected to launch in Malaysia this September, according to a Bermaz source. Our car will be fully-imported (CBU) from Japan.

We're also told a manual gearbox won't be offered - whether that's good or bad, you decide. So our car's high-compression 1.5 litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine should be mated to a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive auto.

The engine is derived from the Mazda 2's but puts out a bit more at higher revs, developing 129 hp at 7,000 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,800 rpm. Americans will get a 2.0 litre version that reportedly has 168 hp and 200 Nm of torque on offer.

Unveiled last year at the Paris show, the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 is over 100 kg lighter than the NC, while wearing a taut Kodo dress that's bold enough to split opinions. You'll find headrest-mounted speakers, the MZD Connect infotainment system and electric power steering.