Mazda MX-5 history
The essence of Mazda MX-5
Over the last two decades, the MX-5 has evolved by becoming more like itself; purifying its essence by increasing driving enjoyment rather than straight line speed.
Like nothing else
The original idea was simple. Classic car looks, but reliable and affordable. The classic British roadsters that inspired the MX-5 had fabulous charisma and were fun to drive. Why not make a modern roadster you could use every day? A few years after motoring journalist Bob Hall mentioned this idea to a Mazda executive, the first MX-5 was unveiled.
First generation MX-5. Bracing simplicity
When the first generation MX-5 was launched in Europe in 1990, it was like no other car. In an era of sharp lines and wedge shapes, the MX-5 was curvy, cute, loads of fun.
Introduced with a 1.6 litre engine producing 120 bhp, the original MX-5 was capable of extraordinarily nimble performance, thanks to its bracing simplicity. 1.8, 1.8 turbo and 2.0 engines followed, offering more power and more thrilling performance.
Soon, other car manufacturers were making their own back-to-basics roadsters.
1998. The second generation MX-5 - change as little as possible
Each evolution of the MX-5 is a purer expression of the original idea. Only the headlights have radically changed. Although there was outcry when the first generation model's pop-up lights disappeared, few would argue with the way the subsequent designs embody the roadster ethos.
2005.The third generation MX-5- more power, less weight
Responding to consumer demand and advancing technology, the third generation MX-5 was offered with a coupe cabriolet roof, for anyone wanting an alternative to the classic soft top, without compromising the profile of the original design.
Each increase in engine size has added virtually no weight, thanks to Mazda's 'gram strategy'. By using technology to reduce the mass of the car where possible, the MX-5 has improved with each generation without becoming heavier or thirstier. After all, this is a no-fuss sports car, and fuss adds weight.
2010. Twenty years of driving thrills
Mazda is a company with a proud heritage in sports car design and racing: this passion for high performance vehicles is demonstrated in abundance in the roadster on sale today. Twenty years later, the MX-5 is stronger than ever, with over 850,000 cars sold so far. Every other rival has come and gone, unable to beat the MX-5, the world's most popular two-seat roadster.
Visit our video gallery and experience 20 years of the MX-5.