A HISTORY OF THE MX5

A Revolutionary Idea

Creators Tom Matano and Bob Hall set out to create world’s first, true lightweight sports car. The very first MX-5 showcased in 1989 with 14-inch wheels that were made as light as possible, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, retractable headlamps for preserving its iconic curvy exterior, and a short, direct gear shift that made changing up a joy. The MX-5 was unlike anything before it.

The roadster has now travelled through four generations of design evolution, and without straying too far from its winning formula, Mazda designers have explored every inch of potential to ensure MX-5 remains the poster car for convertibles. Since 1989, the lightweight sports car has maintained its near-perfect balance, agility and jinba ittai spirit.

In its journey to one million, the MX-5 has won over 200 awards, with accolades ranging from Most Fun to World Car of the Year. American magazine, Car & Driver, featured the MX-5 in its ‘10 best’ list a grand total of 14 times over the last 25 years.

Loyal followers and an increasing number of fans means that production has now reached one million. The fun roadster has surpassed itself and its creators’ wildest dreams by shattering the initial record time and time again and maintaining its prestigious title as the world’s best selling two-seater sports car.

Here is a brief history of the Mazda MX-5, including the design process for each of the models:

Model Updates: The first year of production for the NA model was 1989, and it was initially only available with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 116 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. However, in 1994, Mazda updated the NA model with a larger 1.8-liter engine that produced 128 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque.

Throughout its production run, the NA model received several other updates, including the addition of power steering in 1990, a limited-slip differential in 1991, and a driver's side airbag in 1994. In 1995, Mazda released a special edition of the NA model called the M Edition, which had unique features such as tan leather seats, a wood shift knob, and alloy wheels.

Legacy: The Mazda MX-5 NA was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its handling, performance, and overall design. It was praised for its affordability, reliability, and fun-to-drive nature, and it quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The NA model also helped to revive the market for small, lightweight sports cars, which had been in decline since the 1970s.

Today, the Mazda MX-5 NA is considered a classic sports car and a collectible among enthusiasts. Its timeless design and engaging driving experience have made it a favourite among car enthusiasts around the world, and it continues to inspire new generations of sports cars today.

Chassis and Suspension: The NB model had a stiffer chassis than the NA model, which improved handling and reduced body roll. The suspension was also revised, with larger anti-roll bars, firmer springs, and more responsive shock absorbers. These changes gave the NB model a more composed and balanced ride than the NA.

Interior: The NB model had a more modern and refined interior than the NA, with improved ergonomics and more comfortable seats. It also had a standard CD player and optional air conditioning, power windows, and leather seats.

Special Editions: In addition to the MX-5 SE, Mazda introduced a number of other special editions of the NB model. These included the 10th Anniversary Edition, which had a unique Sapphire Blue Mica paint job and special badging, and the Mazdaspeed MX-5, which had a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that produced 178 horsepower and a number of performance upgrades.

Overall, the Mazda MX-5 NB was a significant improvement over the NA model and helped to solidify the MX-5's reputation as a fun and engaging sports car. Its sleek design, improved performance, and refined interior made it a popular choice among drivers who valued style and performance.

The NC had several new features that were not available on previous generations, including a keyless entry system, a six-disc CD changer, and an optional Bose sound system. The NC also had a more refined interior with higher quality materials and more comfortable seats.

Special Editions: Like previous generations, the MX-5 NC had several special editions, including the Grand Touring, Club, and Special Edition models. The Grand Touring model had leather seats, a Bose sound system, and a power-retractable hardtop. The Club model was designed for performance with sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, and larger brakes. The Special Edition models included the 20th Anniversary Edition, which was only available in Japan and had a unique white and black paint scheme, and the Sport Black, which was only available in the UK and had a black exterior with a red roof and red leather seats.

Legacy: The MX-5 NC was a successful generation of the MX-5, with over 200,000 units sold worldwide. It won several awards, including the 2006 Japan Car of the Year award and the 2006-2007 Car of the Year Japan "Most Fun" award. It was also praised for its improved performance, refined interior, and modern features.

Overall, the MX-5 NC was a significant departure from previous generations, but it still embodied the spirit of the MX-5 with its fun-to-drive nature and focus on handling. It was a successful generation that continued the MX-5 legacy and paved the way for the current generation, the MX-5 ND.

Engine: The ND is powered by a 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The ND also features Mazda's i-Activsense safety technology, which includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a rearview camera.

Special Editions: Mazda has released several special editions of the ND, including the Launch Edition, which was a limited-edition model that was only available in 2015. The Launch Edition featured a unique Soul Red paint job, special badging, and a host of other exclusive features. In 2019, Mazda released the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition, which featured a Racing Orange paint job, special badging, and a number of performance upgrades.

Reception: The ND has been well-received by both critics and car enthusiasts, who praise its agile handling, responsive steering, and classic roadster design. The ND has won numerous awards, including the 2016 World Car of the Year and the 2016 World Car Design of the Year. It has also been praised for its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway.

Overall, the Mazda MX-5 ND is a worthy successor to the iconic roadster that has been popular with car enthusiasts for over three decades. Its lightweight construction, agile handling, and classic design make it a joy to drive, while its fuel efficiency and safety features make it a practical choice for everyday use.