Mazda MX-5, 35 Years of Joy

The MX-5 is much more than a phenomenon sold in 1.2 million units across four generations since its debut on February 9, 1989.

35 years ago, the Mazda MX‑5 made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show with a simple but magical recipe: a classic rear-wheel-drive sports car with a front-mounted engine, ensuring optimal weight distribution. Light and compact, the Mazda MX-5 redefined the joy of open-top driving. To achieve this, the brand’s engineers applied the principles of Jinba‑Ittai, a traditional Japanese philosophy promoting perfect harmony between rider and mount. Translated to the Mazda MX-5, it allows the driver to become one with the roadster.

The MX-5 has continuously evolved through four generations, respectively named “NA,” “NB,” “NC,” and the latest “ND.” The current generation, launched in 2016, has improved by adding a fastback variant and an electric retractable roof system alongside the traditional soft-top version. To date, 1,256,745 units have been produced at the Hiroshima factory.

To celebrate this 35th anniversary, the small Japanese sports car features new front and rear lights, an upgraded infotainment system, and a new “Track” sport mode. In addition to the 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine producing 184 hp/135 kW, the lineup also includes a 1.5L Skyactiv-G engine with 132 hp/97 kW, boasting a fuel consumption of 6.3 l/100 km.

Available as a soft-top roadster or the retractable roof RF version, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 aims to continue its tradition as a happiness machine that has driven its success. Waiting for an electric version?

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