In the sports car world, few have caused such a stir as the Mazda MX-5.
Frequently regarded as the world’s favourite sports car, it also holds the crown of the best-selling two-seats sports convertible ever. Over 1,000,000 MX-5s have been built since 1989, with more than 350,000 of those being sold in Europe.
Now in its fourth generation, the MX-5 continues to be a huge success, with an incredibly loyal fanbase committed to the car. Its lightweight philosophy is a hit with buyers, but here’s why the model has been such a success.
1989 – First-generation model unveiled
Mazda pulled the wraps off its first-generation MX-5 at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show – seven years after the idea was first drafted. According to CAR Magazine, the idea was first drafted by a motoring journalist asking for an inexpensive Mazda sports car.
It was a challenge for the model to be given the green light for production, but soon after its unveiling, it became apparent that a lightweight, stylish and affordable convertible was exactly what buyers wanted.
Nearly 500,000 examples of the first-generation model were built.
1997 – The difficult second album
Mazda brought the formula back with the second-generation MX-5 in 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was no easy task producing a follow up to a such a hugely popular and acclaimed model, and buyers were initially a bit disappointed – most noticeably with the absence of pop-up headlights, which had to be dismissed amid tightening safety regulations.
Since then though, low second-hand values and great aftermarket support has made it a cult favourite.
As with the first-generation model, a huge swathe of special editions were offered – including the Jasper Conran, Isola and California, to name but a few.
While the second-generation didn’t sell in as big numbers as the first, by 2005 the total number of MX-5s built had exceeded 700,000.
2005 – A faster, more muscular third-generation car
While the previous MX-5s had been very back-to-basics, Mazda introduced a new level of luxury and comfort into this car.
Increased power came from two higher capacity engines – either 1.8- or 2.0-litre units. Despite it looking bulkier, further weight was shaved from the model, with the final car weighing a fraction over 1,000kg.
Mazda also altered with the original formula, as it pushed the engine towards the centre and its new shell offered further stiffness to the chassis. And to respond to demand from customers wanting a hard top, Mazda introduced the ‘Roadster Coupe’, which had a roof that could fold in just 12 seconds, and impressively conserved the MX-5’s perfect weight distribution.
2014 – The stylish fourth-generation MX-5
Mazda introduced a more aggressive-looking model at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and despite having to comply with a whole range of emissions and safety regulations, the model’s proportions, lightweight stance and enjoyment all remained.
As with all of them, rear-wheel-drive makes it exceptionally playful. A small 1.5-litre petrol was introduced as the lowest-capacity MX-5 engine ever, with its 129bhp engine being a hark back to the original. By 2016, the 1,000,000th example had rolled off the production line, with fans all over the world having the opportunity to sign the model.
The RF was also introduced in 2016 as the folding hard-top model, commanding a £2,000 premium over the Roadster.
2019 – 30 years of MX-5 anniversary model unveiled
Almost 30 years to the day after the original MX-5 was first unveiled, Mazda showcased the 30th Anniversary Edition at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. Offered as either a Roadster or an RF, the limited-edition model comes in a striking shade of Racing Orange, along with Brembo front brakes and forged aluminium Rays alloy wheels. Just 3,000 are being sold globally, with 600 of these coming to the UK.