MAZDA MX-5 TURNS 30
30 REASONS TO CELEBRATE
AN ICON
MAZDA MX-5 TURNS 30
30 REASONS TO CELEBRATE
AN ICON
In 1989 Mazda were confident the first generation of Mazda MX-5 would be a popular sports car. What followed in the next 30 years was a most remarkable evolution, propelling MX-5 to icon status and into the Guinness Book of Records.
As the special 30th Anniversary Limited Edition model is unveiled for the world to see at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, we’re celebrating with our top 30 facts, figures and finer moments of Mazda MX-5 from 1989 to today.
A legend is born
1. The first Mazda MX-5 was unveiled to the world at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, exactly 30 years before the unveiling of the 30th Anniversary Edition this February.
2. The idea of the MX-5 was first sold to Mazda well before 1989. Bob Hall, a journalist at the time, came to Mazda with a sketch of an affordable, lightweight sports car in 1982. The result of that meeting saw Bob become a Mazda employee.
3. Two prototype models were built in the mid 80s and for various reasons were rejected. The third prototype went on to become the first Mazda MX-5.
4. The intent of MX-5 was to create an inherent harmony between car and driver. This harmony is as ‘Jinba Ittai’ - a traditional Japanese concept meaning ‘horse and rider as one’.
5. The original MX-5 concept used a 1.6L engine from the Mazda 323, a gearbox from the Mazda 626 and the diff from the RX-7.
6. The first generation was an instant hit, celebrated for its simplicity and connectedness to the driver as well as its rounded design featuring pop-up headlamps.
THE EVOLUTION BEGINS
7. The first generation was in production from 1989 – 1997.
8. The first generation went from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds. The current generation gets to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
9. The second-generation MX-5 was built from 1997 – 2005. The most notable change was the inclusion of fixed headlamps instead of retractable ones in order to pass pedestrian safety tests.
10. This second-generation MX-5 SE was the first to feature a special turbocharged engine.
11. In 2000 the Guinness Book of Records first listed MX-5 as the world’s best-selling two-seater convertible sports car.
12. The third generation was in production the longest, from 2005 – 2015, and was the first model to come with the option of a power retractable hard-top.
RECORD BREAKER
13. The current generation was launched in 2015 and has won more accolades than any other.
14. Mazda MX-5 has been built adhering to a rare 50/50 weight balance between front and rear, allowing the driver to feel more connected to the road.
15. In May 2016 the one-millionth Mazda MX-5 rolled off the production line.
16. This MX-5 then went on a global tour with one million fans from around the world adding their signature to the duco.
17. The MX-5 has won almost 250 international motoring awards in more than 20 countries including the ultimate World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year in 2016.
GLOBAL AWARD WINNER
18. One of the world’s largest private collections belongs to Andrea Mancini. His collection of 32 MX-5s has been turned into an attraction called Miataland in central Italy.
19. The latest generation is almost 100kg lighter than the previous generation.
20. MX-5 is now available with a telescopic steering wheel, meaning taller drivers can experience the same level of driving pleasure.
21. There are seven MX-5 car clubs across all 7 states of Australia with some clubs boasting over 1,000 members.
22. Mazda MX-5 is the world’s most raced car.
23. The Global MX-5 Cup is the world’s biggest MX-5 competition held in the USA where purpose-built MX-5 cars compete across 6 races to win $200,000 in prize money.
RACING PEDIGREE
24. In the USA the Mazda MX-5 is called the MX-5 ‘Miata’. Miata means ‘reward’ in an obscure language called ‘Old High German.’
25. Some celebrity owners of MX-5’s include American talk show host Jay Leno and British comedian Steve Coogan.
26. The appeal of MX-5 is universal. The balance between male and female owners is quite even with male owners slightly in the lead.
27. The 2017 MX-5 Fan Fest, held in Melbourne, was the biggest ever gathering of MX-5s in the southern hemisphere with 477 MX-5s and over 1,500 participants.
28. The current Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) has a folding hard-top roof that goes from closed to open in a staggering 13 seconds.
29. The current model MX-5 GT includes specially placed Bose speakers in the headrest delivering optimum sound when the roof is down.
30. The 2019 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 is available in a one-off colour called ‘Racing Orange’.
As you can see there’s a lot to love about Mazda MX-5. That’s why is the world’s favourite roadster. Mazda would love to say a huge thank you to all our Australian Mazda MX-5 owners and fans. You’re the reason for the stunning success of Mazda MX-5 and we promise to keep delighting you with some of the world’s best driving experiences for another 30 years.
