'It's A Shame:' Mazda Laments UK Emissions Rules Killed The Miata's Bigger Engine

• As in the European Union markets, the Miata is now sold in the UK exclusively with the 1.5-liter engine.
• The smaller engine gets a minor power bump, but it doesn’t make up for the loss of the 2.0-liter.
• The next-generation Miata could get a larger engine when it arrives in a few years.

Miata aficionados know Mazda developed the ND generation primarily with the 1.5-liter engine in mind. It wasn’t until the company realized Americans would want more power that it changed its plans, engineering the roadster to accommodate the 2.0-liter unit as well. Having previously owned an ND2 RF with the larger engine, I can comfortably say the Japanese automaker made the right call.