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2016 Mazda MX-5 Specs and Miata History


PHOTO
2016 Mazda MX-5

SEE ALSO: Mazda Buyers Guide

2016 Mazda MX-5 Product Release

Message from the Mazda MX-5 Program Manager

Innovate in order to preserve – a 25th anniversary resolution

It is with great pleasure that we are now ready to introduce the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, (Japanese name: Mazda Roadster). As a member of the MX-5 development team and a passionate sports car enthusiast, I am deeply grateful to all the people who created, fostered and supported this car over the years. To see that so many people around the world continue to admire the MX-5 even now, 25 years after its launch, makes me happier than I can express. It is thanks to their passion, and the different ways owners and fans enjoy this car, that the MX-5 has matured and evolved over the last quarter century. I also wish to express my gratitude and heartfelt respect to the European carmakers that originally pioneered the fun-to-drive lightweight sports car, to our staff in the U.S. who hatched the MX-5 plan more than 25 years ago and to the many Mazda employees in Hiroshima and around the world who helped refine it and supported its evolution over the years.

Features that have been handed down from generation to generation

The Jinba Ittai driving experience – meaning “to become one with the vehicle” – exemplified by Mazda’s brand icon, the MX-5, is no longer the exclusive domain of lightweight sports cars. Rather, it has become the essence of every vehicle that Mazda builds. As symbolized by the challenge of developing the world’s first mass-production rotary engine, the spirit of constantly striving to meet new challenges is very much part of the Mazda DNA. The passion of the engineers and designers who were carrying on that spirit is what directed the development of the original MX-5, which in turn became the starting point for the Jinba Ittai driving experience. This evolved further and played no small role in the development of SKYACTIV Technology, the KODO−Soul of Motion design language and other innovations. Over its 25-year history, the Mazda MX-5 has brought drivers and cars closer together in its never-ending quest to deliver a faithful response and an enjoyable driving experience, whether cruising at slow speeds or enjoying a day at the racetrack. At the same time, it helped establish the Mazda brand’s unique reputation for providing driving pleasure.

An open-top sports car that all drivers can truly enjoy

Right from the first generation, our philosophy for the MX-5’s development has remained the same: create a car that delivers true driving pleasure and is an irreplaceable partner for the people on board – and onlookers, too – brightening their mood. In addition to lessons learned from our predecessors, we carried out advanced research into human sensitivity, developed new technologies, met a wide range of challenges, broke through barriers and finally realized the pleasure of the lightweight sports car as best suits the times. This includes Mazda’s hallmark Jinba Ittai, the feeling of oneness between car and driver as the driver enjoys a fresh breeze in an open-top sports car, and the “Lots of Fun” characteristics that go beyond ordinary driving pleasure. These two themes have been the unchanging watchwords guiding the MX-5’s development as we continued to enhance the model’s driving pleasure while meeting increasingly pressing customer demands for comfort, safety and environmental performance.

It is the reason why all generations of the MX-5 have preserved the principal requirements of building a lightweight sports car, featuring a compact open-top, two-seater body, a front-midship engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, a low yaw inertia movement and an affordable price. Equally as important has been to evolve its value proposition as an open-top sports car that all drivers can truly enjoy anywhere and at any time.

Engineering devoted to taking our original aims into the future

By Nobuhiro Yamamoto,

Mazda MX-5 Program Manager

Development of the fourth-generation MX-5 marked a challenge to connect the MX-5’s celebrated 25-year history to the coming 25 years and beyond. Over the past quarter century, the demands for greater environmental performance and safety have grown increasingly more stringent. Each successive model of the past three generations has seen slight increases in body size and weight in response to these demands. In developing the fourth-generation MX-5, we returned to the original aims of the first-generation roadster that had restored the culture of the lightweight sports car and then took on the challenge of embodying the fundamental pleasure of driving an open-top lightweight sports car in a product suited to today’s needs. In other words, Mazda firmly believes that the fun of being one with the car – the exhilaration felt by any driver on any kind of road – must be maintained. To do this, Mazda considers it essential to realize a different kind of innovation that goes far beyond mere product refinement. This is clearly summed up by the maxim “innovate in order to preserve,” which expresses the challenge behind the development of the fourth-generation MX-5.

There is no doubt that the key to realizing this lays with the effective implementation of SKYACTIV Technology, which strikes the right balance between reduced weight and environmental performance and safety. It also includes KODO design, which brings the presence of a living creature and a strong sense of vitality to the car. At the same time, we also went back to the original intention of the first generation. We asked ourselves how best to awaken the driver’s innate sensibilities as we aimed to further enhance the MX-5’s Jinba Ittai driving experience and raise the level of fun associated with every detail when it comes to owning, viewing, customizing and gathering with friends.

Toward this purpose, we delved further into the concepts of Kansei Engineering employed since the first generation as we made a concerted effort to appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars and thereby realize an unprecedented level of driving pleasure. We fully adopted Mazda’s SKYACTIV Technology and its related theories as part of a thorough effort to achieve the ideal structure for a lightweight sports car. The result is the most compact body size of any MX-5 generation combined with a weight reduction of approximately 150 lbs. compared to the third-generation model.

The MX-5 has steadily evolved in a way that is only possible thanks to an unchanging passion shared between Mazda and countless MX-5 owners and fans around the world. As the current program manager of this product, I am both profoundly appreciative and keenly aware of the great responsibility I bear. This explains why we can never take a break from “innovating in order to preserve” if we want the MX-5 to continue to be the recipient of such passionate adoration for the next 25 or 50 years. This is our duty as the developer, and at the same time it’s an exciting dream, a source of happiness and something we are proud of. It is also a conviction that will surely be inherited by the next generation of engineers who work on the MX-5. We are ready for the challenges of the next quarter century and beyond, always inspired by the passion of our fans around the world.

 

Product Concept

Joy of the Moment, Joy of Life

– Appealing to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars –

The significance given to maximizing the Jinba Ittai and “Lots of Fun” experiences means that Mazda did much more than simply develop a compact sports car. Rather, the MX-5 was made to be looked at, to perform and respond faithfully to the driver’s will, to deliver a pleasing tactile experience, to emphasize the owner’s character and to enjoy with friends. Just having an MX-5 makes life more pleasant and more colorful. Mazda built the MX-5 with the hopes that it would become a presence that transcended its existence as a mere car. To carry on the MX-5’s rich tradition while more purely than ever embodying the essence of what appeals to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars, the development team made every effort to further evolve the product. Particular effort went into advancing the following three elements.

First was to create a design that would set anybody’s heart pounding with excitement. Just one look at the fourth-generation MX-5 should get one’s pulse racing. Sitting in it should bring a smile to the driver’s face and instantaneously spark an urge to take the top down and go for a drive. And it should become a cherished part of the owner’s life as time passes. These joyful attributes are what the development team aimed to express in an even purer state with the fourth-generation MX-5. In pursuit of them, the development team worked to add greater depth to the KODO design language, to embody beautiful proportions that make the occupants stand out and look even better and to make the open-air roadster experience all the more enjoyable. Specifically, development focused on the following:

  • Beautiful proportions that make occupants stand out and look good.
  • A deeper expression of the KODO design language that conveys agility.
  • Body surfaces that richly express the Japanese sense of contrast between stillness and motion.
  • An interior design that melts away the boundaries between the inside and outside of the car.
  • A snug feeling cockpit with symmetry and a singular axis that enables concentration on driving.

The second element is to deliver a driving experience that will captivate any driver. For every generation of the MX-5, importance was placed on appealing to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars, rather than focusing merely on sheer performance. With “sensation” as the keyword for the fourth-generation MX-5, development efforts focused on making the car even more enjoyable to control and faithful in its response. When driving in typical daily situations, the car responds directly to the driver’s will, as though it were extension of the driver’s own body. When enjoying a sporty run along winding roads, it responds faithfully to the driver’s actions in pleasingly light fashion. Every effort went into further refining these attributes to realize the ultimate Jinba Ittai driving experience that will captivate any driver. Specifically, development focused on the following.

  • The latest SKYACTIV Technology and Mazda’s “gram strategy” combine to significantly reduce weight by approximately 150 lbs. compared to the third-generation model.
  • Front-midship engine rear-wheel-drive configuration achieves an ideal 50:50 front-rear weight distribution.
  • The engine is located closer to the vehicle’s center, the hood, trunk lid, front fender and front and rear bumper reinforcements are made of aluminum, and the weight of the soft top is reduced. These combine to realize a lower yaw inertial moment and a lower center of gravity.
  • The pedals, controls, meters and all equipment are optimally positioned to enable the driver to maintain a straight posture and drive comfortably.
  • The height of the hood is lowered, and the A-pillars and windshield header are moved rearward and made thinner to create a panoramic view with greater visibility of road conditions and peripheral movement.
  • New lightweight, yet highly rigid, suspension fully leverages the know-how of SKYACTIV Technology, with a double-wishbone suspension in the front and multilink suspension in the rear.
  • The brake system is designed to maximize controllability and deliver reassuring effectiveness, plenty of braking power and an optimized posture when braking.

The third element is a pleasantly refreshing roadster experience that anyone can enjoy. It embodies the feeling of openness only possible with an open-top lightweight sports car, a feeling that can quickly lift anybody’s spirits anywhere and at any time while enjoying a drive with the top down. To achieve this, development focused primarily on the following:

  • The MX-5 is designed to be beautiful even with the top down.
  • The interior is designed to maximize the pleasure of driving with the top down.
  • The soft top can be operated easily while remaining seated.
  • Wind control makes the drive pleasurable when the top is down.
  • Headrest speakers enhance the enjoyment of driving with the top down.

In addition to the three aforementioned elements, the fourth-generation MX-5 further evolves to suit the driver’s connectivity needs and wants. Satisfying the demands of the day are Mazda’s latest-generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Mazda Connect, Mazda’s next-generation car connectivity system that efficiently links the driver to the car and the outside world. A human-centric perspective was adopted in the pursuit of developing advanced safety performance based on the Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy to appeal to the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars and enable the driver to fully enjoy the driving experience.

 

Overview

Design

A design to set the heart racing

For the fourth-generation MX-5, the development team was not going to be satisfied with a mere facelift. Nor were they prepared to aim for a design that simply accommodates current trends. Mazda’s only desire was to satisfy its vision of how an open-top lightweight sports car should look. It had to light a fire of excitement in the hearts of all those who relate to the stance Mazda assumed in developing the model over the past quarter century and who were anticipating the launch of an even purer embodiment of Mazda’s signature roadster.

Mazda’s first thought in aiming for the ultimate MX-5 design was to create beautiful proportions that make the occupants stand out and look good. True to its Japanese name – Mazda Roadster – the basic form of the MX-5 makes those riding in the car the stars when seen with the top down and windows lowered. As such, the packaging engineers assigned to the development team worked closely together to examine a wide variety of elements related to achieving a beautiful design, to emphasize the driver’s seating position and embody beautiful proportions that best convey the exhilaration of driving the MX-5. This resulted in refinements such as moving the cabin farther back to create the appearance that the occupants are sitting at the body’s midpoint and lowering the hip-point of the seats in conjunction with the new design’s low center of gravity.

Based on the MX-5’s proportions objectives, the development team took on the challenge of adding greater depth to the KODO design language. This includes embodying KODO design’s characteristic stance with an expression of stability that makes the vehicle appear as though it is firmly gripping the road surface and creating an image of agility that makes the MX-5 appear ready to move instantly in any direction. The fine craftsmanship of Mazda’s renowned clay modelers created contours that cause reflections off the body’s surfaces to change in a stunning fashion as the car moves. It makes the car look alive while, at the same time, creating a sense of emotional attachment that evokes a desire to stroke the surface with the palm of one’s hand. In addition, the lines traveling from the headlamps, peaking at the front fenders and converging in front of the rear tires before sweeping upwards over the rear fenders, create a sense of motion at varying speeds. Reminiscent of Japanese calligraphy, this represents the Japanese sensibilities bred into the MX-5.

The aim for the interior was to create a cockpit design that brings a smile to the face and gets the heart pounding just by looking at it, or by simply sitting in the driver’s seat. One example is how the body panels wrap around to extend right into the door trim, dissolving the visual boundaries between the vehicle’s interior and exterior. When sitting in the cockpit, the driver sees a ridge line that extends in powerful fashion from the upper part of the door trim to the top of the front fenders. In addition to providing a feeling of open space as only possible with an open-top body, the lines emphasize a feeling of oneness between driver and car.

Careful attention was also paid to the shape of the door trim and to making the quarter windows more compact aims to actively control the flow of air that reaches the cockpit. The result is a pleasant cockpit environment with just the right amount of wind blowing in when driving with the top down. In addition, positioning the tachometer and small-diameter steering wheel on the same axis creates perfect symmetry between the round air-conditioning louvers to the right and left of the meter cluster. This serves to establish a single axis throughout the cockpit, while at the same time creating a pleasantly tight feeling to the cockpit that enables the driver to concentrate on driving. With attention to every detail, Mazda focused on building the MX-5 to transcend its existence as a mere automobile and become a sports car that owners will truly love.

While paying due respect to the British as the pioneers of the roadster and to the first-generation MX-5 as the car that rebuilt it in the modern age, the design aim for the all-new MX-5 was to create the ideal image of a Mazda lightweight sports car. Every inch of the MX-5 reflects this desire and the pleasure it intends to give to all who drive it.

History of the Mazda MX-5

A perpetual quest for driving pleasure that all can enjoy

Mazda announced the first-generation MX-5 at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 1989. At that time, virtually no open-top lightweight sports cars were available. The segment, which blossomed in England in the latter half of the 1940s, gained popularity thanks to the agile handling, characteristic style and affordability of such vehicles. But after the 1960s, the market focused more on safety and comfort, and the segment had all but disappeared.

The aim of the engineers and designers at Mazda who produced the first-generation model was simply to bring back a fun-to-drive, lightweight sports car for people around the world like themselves – people who just love cars and love to drive. To build a car that satisfies this passion for driving, they developed the MX-5 based on the principle requirements that it would combine a lightweight, compact open-top two-seater body with a front-midship engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, a 50:50 front-rear weight distribution, low yaw inertia and an affordable price. The simple, familiar nature of its compact sports car styling, the light feeling and faithful, linear response Mazda defined as Jinba Ittai, along with the open feeling it offered, resonated with car lovers around the world. It soon won a number of awards, gained widespread popularity and fan clubs began to spring up worldwide. The second-generation model was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1997, and the third-generation model debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2005. Production reached 900,000 units in February 2011, and the MX-5 broke its own Guinness World Record as the world’s “best-selling two-seater sports car,” a title it had first achieved in May 2000.

Merely looking at the MX-5 will make any car lover happy. All drivers, from beginners to those with racing experience, will be able to enjoy the best drive of their lives. Putting the top down and enjoying the refreshing feel of the breeze rushing by can bring a smile to anyone. With the 2016 MX-5, all drivers will experience a world of driving pleasure as only Mazda’s roadster can offer.

Major specifications of Reference display vehicles.

U.S. Specification Model (values show development targets)

Body type

Open-top sports car

Seating capacity

2 persons

Overall length* x width x height

154.1in X 68.1in X 49.0in

Wheelbase

91.1in

Engine

SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct-injection gasoline engine

Power

155 HP

Torque

148 lb-ft

Transmissions

SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, six-speed automatic

Front suspension

Double wishbone

Rear suspension

Multilink

Steering

Electric Power Assisted Rack & Pinion Steering (EPAS)

Brakes (front/rear)

Ventilated discs / Solid discs

Tires

205/45R17 Club and GT

195/50R16 Sport Trim

Inquiries:
Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6144
Jacob Brown, Mazda North American Operations, (949) 727-6751

Mazda Media Site: http://www.mazdausamedia.com

Mazda MX-5 History

1983-

 

Mazda begins considering the development of an open-top lightweight sports car

NOV

Development project begins

1986

FEB

Development for mass production begins

1987

SEP

Final design is set

1989

FEB

World debut of the “Mazda MX-5 Miata” at the Chicago Motor Show

MAY

Sales begin in the U.S.A

SEP

Sales of the “Eunos Roadster” begin in Japan

OCT

Sales begin in Australia

1990

FEB

Sales begin in Europe (U.K., the Netherlands)

1993

JUL

Minor revision: Revised product with 1.8-liter engine replacing the 1.6-liter engine

1997

OCT

Second-generation Mazda MX-5debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show

1998

DEC

“Mazda MX-5 10th Anniversary Model” introduced

• A special limited edition model with the same specifications worldwide to commemorate the model’s 10th anniversary

• Production numbers: 7,500 units worldwide (500 for Japan and 7,000 divided between North America, Europe and Australia)

2000

MAY

Certified by the Guinness World Records as the world’s “best-selling two-seater sports car” (total production of 531,890 units)

JUL

Minor revision to the second-generation MX-5

• Significant improvements to the product, including changes to both the exterior and interior, improved output from the 1.8-liter engine, increased body rigidity, etc.

2005

MAR

Third-generation Mazda MX-5 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show

MAR

“Mazda MX-5 3rd Generation Limited Edition” debuted at the New York International Auto Show to commemorate the debut of the third-generation MX-5 (Production limited to 500 units)

APR

Guinness certification updated after production reaches 700,000 units

2007

JAN

Total production reaches 800,000 units

2008

OCT

Minor revision to the third-generation MX-5 introduced

• Improvements to the product, including changes to both the exterior and interior, improved output from the 2.0-liter engine, increased body rigidity, etc.

2009

JUL

“Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Model” goes on sale

2011

FEB

Total production reaches 900,000 units

2014

APR

Chassis of the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 and “Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition” debuted at New York International Auto Show

• A special limited edition with the same specifications worldwide to commemorate the model’s 25th anniversary

2014

SEP

Fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 unveiled at simultaneous event in Japan, Spain and U.S.

Awards list of the Mazda MX-5

Year

Country/Region

Award (Granter)

2013

U.S.A.

U.S. News Auto Rankings: #1 in Affordable Sports Cars (2014)

2013

Chile

Chilean Car of the Year 2014: Sport Car of the Year 2014

2013

U.S.A.

2013 U.S. IQS Compact Sporty Car segment award

2012

Canada

Golden Key: Best sports car - under $50,000

2012

Canada

Le Guide de l'auto (the Car Guide): Best new roadster under $50,000

2012

Canada

2013 Convertible of the Year: Mazda MX-5

(The 4th annual Auto123.com Awards)

2012

U.S.A.

KBB.com: 10 Best Road Trip Convertibles

2012

Indonesia

2012 Autocar Indonesia Reader's Choice Awards: Favorite Convertible

2012

Germany

AutoBild: Best brands in all categories

2012

Singapore

Singapore Car of the Year 2011 (SGCM EDITOR'S PICK)

2012

Germany

First Place, sports car category (up to 50,000 km and 100,000 km), in the DEKRA used car report 2012

2011

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars of 2012

2011

U.K.

Auto Express: New Car Awards Best Roadster 2011

2011

U.K.

J.D. Powers Customer Satisfaction Surveys 2011: Winner, sports car segment

2011

Hungary

Playboy Car of the Year 2011: Open-top sports car category

2011

U.K.

CarBuyer Car of the Year 2011: Best Convertible

2011

U.S.A.

2011 J.D. Power U.S vehicle dependability study: Highest ranked compact sporty car

2010

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars of 2010

2010

Germany

Auto Trophy 2010: Best imported convertible under €30,000

2010

U.K.

2010 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study: Best sports car

2010

U.S.A.

Edmunds 2010 lowest True cost to own vehicles: Convertible under $35,000

2010

Slovakia

Auto Motor a Sport: Best cars 2010 (B-section)

2009

Germany

Auto Trophy 2009: Best imported roadster/convertible under €30.000

2010

U.S.A.

Edmunds 2010 New Car Buying Guides: Top recommended convertibles under $25,000

2010

U.S.A.

Cars.com: Play Car of the Year 2010

2009

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars 2010

2009

Australia

Wheels Gold Star Cars Awards: Best Sports Roadster under $150,000

2009

Ireland

New car magazine 2009: Best roadster

2009

U.K.

Auto Express New Car Awards: Best Roadster 2009

2009

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports Top Picks 2008: Fun to Drive

2008

Philippines

2008 Philippines Car of the Year: Sexiest Car Award

2008

U.K.

Auto Express Used Car Honours 2008: Best Roadster

2008

U.K.

Auto Express New Car Honours 2008: Best Convertible

2008

U.S.A.

Road and Travel 2008 Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide: Top ten

2008

U.S.A.

J.D. Power Initial Quality Study 2008: Highest-Ranked Compact Sporty Car

2008

Thailand

Thailand Car Of The Year 2008: The Best Roadster

2008

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports Top Picks 2008: Fun to Drive

2008

Canada

World of Wheels Editor's Choice: Best Convertible of 2007

2007

Germany

Auto Trophy 2007: Best imported convertible under €30,000

2007

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars 2008

2007

U.S.A.

Edmunds 10 Most Affordable Convertibles 2007 (1st place)

2007

U.S.A.

Luis Vuitton: Top Ten Sports Cars

2007

Scotland

Scottish Car of the Year 2007: Best Drop-Top

2007

U.S.A.

J.D. Power U.S vehicle dependability of 2004 model year

(Compact Sporty Car)

2007

Thailand

Thailand Car of the Year 2007: Best roadster

2007

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports Top Picks 2007: Fun to Drive

2007

U.S.A.

2007 Cars.com Lifestyle Awards: Best Deal for Empty Nesters

2006

U.K.

Top Gear Awards: Roadster of the Year 2006

2006

Australia

Drive Car of the Year 2006: Best Convertible

2006

U.S.A.

Environment Protection Agency: Most Efficient Two Seaters 2007

2006

Scotland

Scottish Car of the Year: Best Drop-Top

2006

U.S.A.

Edmunds Editor's Most Wanted Awards: Convertible under $25,000

2006

New Zealand

National Business Review: Sports Car of the Year

2006

Australia

Wheels Automotive Design Awards: Overall Outstanding Automotive Design

2006

Germany

autoscout24.com Internet Auto Award 2006: Best Imported Convertible

2006

U.K.

Auto Express New Car Honours: Best Roadster

2006

U.S.A.

Forbes Best Convertibles 2006: Best entry-level roadster

2006

U.S.A.

Forbes Best Cars for the Bucks 2006: Best Convertible For The Bucks

2006

World

2006 World Car of the Year: one of the top three finalists

2006

U.K.

Auto Express: Best used Roadster money can buy

2006

Canada

World of Wheels Best Sport Coupe/Convertible

2006

Thailand

Thailand Car of the Year 2005: Best Roadster

2006

New Zealand

Driver Magazine: Driver Sports/Performance Car of the Year

2006

Hungary

Playboy Car of the Year 2006: Sports Car/Convertible (price value category)

2006

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars of 2006

2006

Hong Kong

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars of 2006

2006

U.S.A.

Playboy: Most Fun on Wheels

2006

Australia

Wheels 2005 Car of The Year

2006

U.K.

What Car? Car of the Year 2006: Best open-top

2006

New Zealand

2005 New Zealand Car of the Year

2006

Japan

Sport Nippon: King of Car

2005

Croatia

2006 Roadster of the Year

2005

New Zealand

2005 New Zealand Herald Car of the Year

2005

U.S.A.

Car of the Year 2006 Top 10

2005

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best Cars 2006 (Best Roadster)

2005

Japan

Fashion Color Award (Galaxy Gray Mica Body Color/Tan Interior Color)

2005

Japan

Goods of the Year (Vehicle Category)

2005

Japan

Best Design Award

2005

U.K.

Top Gear: Roadster of the Year 2005

2005

Japan

RJC Car of the Year 2006: 2nd Place

2005

Japan

Car of the Year Japan 2005-2006

2005

Canada

Golden Key: Best Sports car under $50,000

2005

U.S.A.

Best Buy in Sport/Performance Car Class

2005

Japan

2005 Good Design Award (G-mark)

Second-generation MX-5

Year

Country/Region

Award (Granter)

2005

U.K.

2006 Auto Express Used car Honours: Best Used Roadster Money Can Buy

2004

U.K.

Autocar: Excellent Second Hand Buy

2004

Thailand

Thailand car of the Year 2004: Best Roadster

2004

Denmark

Bil Magasinet: Best Roadster

2003

Israel

Auto Magazine: 2003 Sports Car of The Year

2003

U.K.

Autocar: Best Handling Car

2003

Portugal

Best Speed trophy in Portugal

2003

Thailand

Thailand Car of the Year 2003: Roadster

2003

Denmark

Bil Magasinet: Best Roadster

2003

New Zealand

Best Mid Size Car

2002

Australia

Wheels: Most significant car of the 1980s

2002

Hungary

Playboy Car of the Year

2002

Thailand

Thailand Car of the Year 2002: Roadster

2001

Portugal

Best Speed trophy in Portugal

2001

U.K.

Autocar: Top 10 Performance Car

2001

Japan

Auto Color Award 2001 Grand Prix

2001

U.K.

Auto Express Used Car Awards: Best Roadster

2001

Canada

Automobile Magazine’s only “11 time All-Star winner"

2001

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 10 Best

2000

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports Top picks for 2000: Fun to Drive

2000

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine 2000 All Star

2000

U.S.A.

Motor Week TV Driver Choice Award: Best Convertible

2000

U.S.A.

IntelliChoice 2000 Best Overall value of the Year Award: Best Base Sport model

1999

U.S.A.

Sports Compact Car: Eight Great Rides

1999

U.K.

Used Car Buyer: Best Sports Car under £10,000

1999

U.K.

Good housekeeping: Sports & Coupe winner

1999

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports: Best Buy

1999

U.K.

Auto Express: Used Car winner Sports car

1999

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine 1999 All Star Best Entry-Level Sports Car

1999

U.S.A.

Car and Diver: 1999 Ten Best Cars

1998

U.K.

Autocar & Motor: Best Sports Car

1998

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: 1998 Ten Best Car

1998

Scotland

Scottish Sports Car of the Year

1998

U.S.A.

Consumers Digest: Best Buy

1998

U.K.

IBCAM Auto Design Award

1998

U.K.

Auto Express: 1998 Best Convertible Car

1998

New Zealand

NZ Autocar Magazine: Sports Car of the Year

1998

U.K.

Autocar: 1998 Best Sport Car

1998

U.S.A.

Consumer Digest: Best Buy in Sport Coupes/Sedan Category

First-generation MX-5

Year

Country/Region

Award (Granter)

1997

Australia

Wheels Magazine Top 10 of '97

1997

Israel

Auto Magazine 1997 Sports Car of the Year

1997

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine 1997 All-Stars

1996

Australia

Wheels Magazine Top 10 of '96

1996

Israel

Auto Magazine 1996 Sports Car of the Year

1996

U.S.A.

Consumer Digest: Best Buy in Sport Coupes/Sedan Category

1996

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine The Ten Most Significant Automobiles From the First Ten Years: Perfect Ten

1996

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports: 1996 Cars Reliability, Sports/Sporty Cars Category

(2nd Place)

1996

U.S.A.

Consumer Reports: MY96 Most Fun to Drive Car

1996

U.S.A.

IntelliChoice: Best Value in the Base Sports Car

1996

Israel

Auto Magazine: Car of The Year

1996

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine 1996 All Stars

1995

Australia

Wheels Magazine Top 10 of '95

1995

U.K.

Auto Express: Best Sports Car in 1995

1995

U.S.A.

J.D. Power: Most Problem-Free in Class

1995

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine: 1995 All Stars

1994

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '94

1994

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine: 1994 All Stars

1993

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '93

1993

Germany

Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll: Best Import Convertible

1993

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine: 1993 All Stars

1993

Germany

Auto Trophy 1993 Best Fun Car

1992

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '92

1992

Australia

Best Buys of 1992 Sports Car under $47,280

1992

Germany

Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll: Best Import Convertible

1992

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine: 1992 All Stars

1992

Germany

Auto Trophy '92 Best Fun Car (readers' poll)

1992

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: Ten Best Cars

1991

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '91

1991

Hong Kong

Automobile Magazine: Best Five Exterior Design Award

1991

Australia

Best Sports Car under $45,000

1991

U.S.A.

Motorweek TV: Driver's Choice Awards

1991

U.K.

What Car? Best Sports Car of the Year '91

1991

Germany

Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll: Best Import Convertible

1991

Germany

Auto Trophy '91 readers' poll: Best Fun Car

1991

U.S.A.

Playboy: Sexiest Car For Your Girlfriend

1991

U.S.A.

Automobile Magazine: 1991 All Stars

1991

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: Ten Best Cars 1991

1990

U.S.A.

Road & Track: Ten Best Cars in the World & Best Sports/GT ($13,000-21,000)

1990

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '90

1990

New Zealand

Car of the Year '90

1990

Australia

Best Sports Car

1990

Denmark

Prize of Honour '91

1990

U.S.A.

Motor Trend: Top Ten Trouble-Free Cars

1990

U.K.

Buying Cars: Best Value Sports Car of the Year

1990

U.K.

Middlesborough North Eastern Gazette: Sporting Car of the Year

1990

U.K.

Newcastle Journal: Best Sports Car

1990

U.K.

Autocar & Motor: Best Handling Car in the World

1990

U.S.A.

J.D. Power Initial Quality Study: Most Trouble-Free Sports Car

1990

U.S.A.

Motorweek TV: Best Sports Car, Driver's Choice Awards

1990

U.S.A.

Edison Best New Products

1990

U.S.A.

Playboy: Most Fun to Drive, Cars for 1990

1990

U.S.A.

Motor Trend: 1990 Import Car of the Year (2nd place)

1990

Japan

Cosmopolitan Best Car '89: Best New Model

1990

Japan

Super Goods of the Year '89: Golden Award

1990

Australia

Modern Motor: Best Car '89/90 & Best Sports Car '89/90

1990

Germany

Auto Motor und Sport readers' poll: Best Import Convertible

1990

Japan

Best Car: Grand Prix Exterior

1990

U.S.A.

TIME Best and Worst of the Year '89: Best (one of)

1990

U.S.A.

Newsweek Best of the Decade: Best Design (one of)

1990

U.S.A.

Business Week: Best Products of '89

1990

Australia

Car Australia: Best Sports Car 1989

1990

Australia

Car Australia: Car of Australia '89

1990

Australia

Modern Motor: Best Car of 1989/90

1990

Australia

Wheels Car of the Year 1989

1990

U.S.A.

1990 Automobile of the Year (inaugural award)

1990

U.S.A.

Car and Driver: Ten Best Cars

1990

Japan

Nikkei: Design of the Year

1989

Japan

Trendy Goods '89 Grand Prize (hobby & play category)

1989

U.S.A.

Life: Hot Products for 1990

1989

U.S.A.

Business Week: The holiday gift-giving section

1989

U.S.A.

Automotive News: Coupe of the Year

1989

Japan

Best Sporty Car, Kings of the Cars '89

1989

Japan

Promoters' Cup, My Best Choice '90

1989

Australia

Wheels Magazine: Top 10 of '89

1989

U.S.A.

Popular Science: Best 100 Products

1989

Japan

First prize, Smash Hit Goods '89

1989

U.S.A.

Motor Trend: Top Ten Import Buys '90

1989

U.S.A.

Road & Track: Five Best Cars in the World (inaugural awards)

1989

U.S.A.

Autoweek: Most Fun, Chicago Auto Fair awards

Mazda MX-5 production and sales figures 

Production figures

CY

Total

1988

12

1989

45,266

1990

95,640

1991

63,434

1992

52,712

1993

44,743

1994

39,623

1995

31,886

1996

33,610

1997

27,037

1998

58,682

1999

44,851

2000

47,496

2001

38,870

2002

40,754

2003

30,106

2004

24,232

2005

29,950

2006

48,389

2007

37,022

2008

22,886

2009

19,341

2010

20,554

2011

14,995

2012

15,400

2013

11,639

2014 Jan-Sep

9,150

Total

948,280

Sales Figures

CY

North

America

Europe

Japan

Australia

China

Others

Total

1989

25,879

0

9,307

657

-

-

35,843

1990

39,850

9,267

25,226

1,455

-

-

75,798

1991

34,196

14,050

22,594

698

-

-

71,538

1992

27,241

6,632

18,648

499

-

-

53,020

1993

23,089

4,824

16,779

453

-

-

45,145

1994

22,573

5,019

10,828

404

-

-

38,824

1995

21,108

7,174

7,171

196

-

-

35,649

1996

18,966

9,585

4,409

241

-

-

33,201

1997

17,812

10,480

3,537

206

-

-

32,035

1998

20,890

16,831

10,174

1,310

-

-

49,205

1999

18,936

21,130

4,952

1,354

-

30

46,402

2000

19,627

19,268

4,644

1,038

-

33

44,610

2001

17,757

16,368

4,211

924

-

6

39,266

2002

15,622

19,670

2,934

698

-

34

38,958

2003

11,999

18,934

1,520

540

-

11

33,004

2004

10,501

13,885

1,646

483

-

248

26,763

2005

10,658

9,852

3,657

743

-

353

25,263

2006

18,479

19,402

4,067

1,468

-

827

44,243

2007

16,888

18,899

3,845

1,170

-

772

41,574

2008

12,384

13,252

1,858

639

-

610

28,743

2009

8,767

9,709

1,947

521

720

475

22,139

2010

7,106

10,317

1,120

440

652

431

20,066

2011

6,286

8,147

1,104

315

284

446

16,582

2012

7,016

7,207

941

159

75

438

15,836

2013

6,334

6,113

768

178

46

331

13,770

2014 Jan-Sep

4,335

5,149

491

87

14

282

10,358

Total

444,299

301,164

168,378

16,876

1,791

5,326

937,834