Currently reading: Revised MX-5 appears early

Designs for refreshed MX-5 leak onto internet after a patent registration

Mazda bosses will be embarrassed after sketches of the facelifted MX-5 leaked onto the internet.

The images have reportedly come from a patent application made with the European Union, and show that Mazda is planning a series of visual tweaks for the MX-5’s mid-life facelift, which is believed to be slated for 2010.

Compared to the current car, the headlights have become more angled and the car has gained a front splitter. The radiator grille takes on a more trapezoidal form, in keeping with other models in the current Mazda line-up, and the front fog lights are now inset into deeper recesses.

The evolutionary styling changes are in keeping with Mazda’s long-standing approach to MX-5 updates. The current car has been on sale since 2005 and this mild facelift will take it through to about 2012, when it will be replaced by a lighter and more driver-focussed model.

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The Mazda MX-5 is still great fun, and more grown up in its third generation. For pure driving fun, little gets close

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