From the front, you could be fooled into thinking that this first glimpse is of a Mazda RX-8 coupe, not the next MX-5 roadster. It's got an RX-8 nosejob, after all. But this cobbled-together test mule is, we're told, the platform on which the next MX-5 will ride. The styling of the finished product is likely to follow on from that of the distinctive Ibuki concept that made its debut last year, though. That design study was clean and simple, reminiscent of the original MX-5, with a wide and stable stance, stubby front and rear overhangs, and the classy use of oval shapes throughout.

The next generation of one of the world's best-selling roadsters is due in late 2005 or early 2006, so we've got a long time to wait. Despite its age (the original came out fifteen years ago), the MX-5, or Miata as it's known Stateside, is still one of the best-handling, finely balanced sports cars around. It's all in the simplicity of the approach. But with high-tech electronic brake/steer/throttle-by-wire systems being introduced to more and more sports-leaning cars, we're interested to see where Mazda goes with the next MX-5.