When it comes to roadsters, there are few that have the presence, history and honours of MX-5. With 246 worldwide awards (and counting) under its belt, the roadster has proved its popularity a million times over.

Here are some of the award highlights across its illustrious 27-year career.

Gen 4: 2015 to today

New from the ground up, the fourth generation set the standard for what a roadster should be – nimble, affordable and the epitome of pure driving pleasure. Since its launch, it’s been the fastest selling MX-5 to date and it’s been recognised globally as being World Car of the Year 2016 by 73 motoring journalists from 23 countries.

Award highlights:

• 2015/2016: Japan Car of the Year
• 2016: World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year
• 2016: Australia Wheels Car of the Year
• 2016: UK Car of the Year

Gen 3: 2005 to 2014

With a face that stimulated a new generation of drivers – leaner, meaner and more determined – the Gen 3 kicked goals on reliability, affordability and enjoyment, recognised globally as one of the top convertibles by everyone from Car and Driver (10 Best Cars of 2011) to swap out to another award. In total, the mark three drove off with 97 awards in its boot.

Award highlights:

• 2005: Australia Wheels Car of the Year
• 2005: Japan Car of the Year 2005/2006
• 2006: Australia Wheels Automotive Design Awards – Overall Outstanding Automotive Design
• 2008: USA Car and Driver 10 Best Cars of 2008
• 2009: Australia Wheels Gold Star Cars Awards: Best Sports Roadster Under $150k
• 2014: USA News Auto Rankings: #1 in Affordable Sports Cars (2014)

Gen 2: 1998 to 2004

In eight years, the second generation MX-5 scored itself 40 awards, many of which rewarded its performance and overall dedication to providing the driving experience MX-5 drivers had come to expect from Mazda. With curves in all the right places and a focus on the details, the Gen 2 said to the world’s automotive industry that the MX-5 wasn’t a flash in the pan – it was a force to be reckoned with.

Award highlights:

• 1998: New Zealand AutoCar 1998 Best Sport Car
• 1999: USA 1999 All-Stars: Best Entry Level Sports Car
• 2000: USA MotorWeek Driver Choice Award: Best Convertible
• 2001: USA Automobile 2001 All-Star

Gen 1: 1989 to 1997

The original MX-5 was unveiled to the world in 1989 – a time when the world had all but given up on the roadsters of old pioneered by manufacturers like MG and Austin. What started as a sketch and a traditional Japanese idea – Jinba Ittai (or ‘horse and rider as one’) – ignited the passions of roadster enthusiasts across the globe. The voice of those same passionate motorheads was heard across the globe – leading it to 79 awards.

Award highlights:

• 1989: Wheels Car of the Year
• 1989: USA Autoweek: Most Fun, Chicago Auto Show Awards
• 1990: Japan Nihon Keizai Shimbun: Design of the Year
• 1991: Germany Auto, Motor and Sport readers’ poll: Best Import Convertible
• 1992: USA Automobile 1992 All-Star
• 1995: UK Auto Express Best Sports Car 1995
• 1997: USA Automobile 1997 All-Star