Mazda MX-5 Miata – a sports car that hasn’t gotten boring even after 35 years
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Mazda MX-5 Miata – a sports car that hasn’t gotten boring even after 35 years

The Japanese Mazda Motor Corporation has a very long history, going back more than a century. At first, this bankrupt enterprise was bought out by a group of investors (including the son of a simple fisherman - Dzujiro Matsudo).


Later, its dynamic development took place, which included three main stages:

✅ 1927 – production of mechanical tools began
✅ 1931 – tricycle assembly began
✅ 1960 – the first appearance car Mazda brands

Sure, it was just a modest rear-engine microcar in a coupe body. But in the next almost six and a half decades, a grandiose path was passed, leading to worldwide fame and popularity.

Mazda MX-5 Miata – a sports car that hasn’t gotten boring even after 35 yearsMazda MX-5 Miata traces its history back to 1989. Photo: youtube.com

At the end of the "noughties" of our millennium, the assembly shops of the concern successfully functioned in 21 countries of the world. And the export of products was carried out to more than 120 countries located on different continents of the globe. Later, a number of administrative changes took place, and 5 years ago, assembly began electric vehicles from this Japanese brand.

The best offer for the early 90s


But let's go back three and a half decades, to the end of the 80s. Then the company received its current name and an assembly shop opened in the suburbs of American Detroit (1987). It was this period that became the time of the appearance of one of the most popular models of the concern, love for which has not faded even today.

The Mazda MX-1989 sports roadster, which appeared in 5, turned out to be a very successful solution, impressing many. It was also liked by American users, for whom it was named Miata.


Although the Japanese were the main driving force in the creation of the car, they would hardly have achieved such notable results without British help. It was the engineers at Lotus Cars who were able to give the future Miata the features of classic English sports cars. This was perfectly reflected in:

✅ the most simple design of the car
✅ its small mass
✅ rear-wheel drive version
✅ installation of the engine inside the wheelbase

The project, prepared by Japanese designer Yasushi Nakamuta, started as a two-door convertible built on the Mazda NC chassis platform. From the very beginning, its assembly variability included the following points:

✅ engine displacement – ​​1,8/2 liters
✅ 5-speed manual transmission
✅ 6-speed automatic transmission

The latest (fourth) generation, which is still being produced by the company today, features other engines: 1,5 and 2,0 Skyactiv. The latter has a capacity of 161 hp, and the 1,5-liter has 127 "horses". But let's go back to the beginning of the model's history.

First generations of Mazda MX-5


The car that was later labeled as NA premiered at the Chicago Auto Show on February 10, 1989. It is now called the first generation Miata, whose successful history continued until 1997.

It looks very impressive in a convertible body. Photo: youtube.com

The company immediately demonstrated its prerogatives, because during the premiere the pleasant new product went to conquer the local and American markets. But European users had to wait until the beginning of the next decade.

Nevertheless, the car caused an enthusiastic reaction from specialized journalists, and the initial demand for it very quickly exceeded the supply. Let's say more - the production capabilities of the Japanese company.

The situation has changed little today. In the sense that sports cars that rolled off the assembly line more than 27 years ago are already confidently moving towards the status of sought-after classics. Accordingly, their market value is constantly creeping up. Here's what they are:

✅ weight - approx. 950 kg
✅ first 115-horsepower version
✅ the most powerful option – 1,8l/131 hp
✅ 1,6-liter cheaper modification with a 90-horsepower engine

At the turn of the century, for eight years, Mazda offered the second generation of the car, which received the factory index NB. It appeared as a slightly modernized analogue of the original design. Perhaps, all the main alterations will fit within the framework of one proposal: as an option - a 6-speed manual transmission, a slightly increased weight and the rejection of turning headlights, which positively affected the overall aerodynamics.

In the second half of the 20s, the manufacturer assembled the third generation of sports cars. And the 5th anniversary of the release was marked by a limited series of MX-2 in the amount of only XNUMX thousand copies. It was distinguished not only by its strict limitation, but also by a poor choice of colors:

✅ white
✅ purple metallic
✅ red tone

The history of model No. 3 lasted about 10 years, until the middle of the next decade. Although the third generation became larger and had increased weight characteristics, its operating safety also increased. In 2015, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the most modern generation No. 4, which has survived on the conveyor to this day. It achieved a number of important goals:

✅ reduction in dimensions
✅ weight loss
✅ use of lightweight modern materials
✅ exterior design with sharp shapes in the Kodo style

Today's modifications of the popular line of the Japanese concern continue to enjoy success, finding their customers in different parts of the world. They have a number of ultra-modern elements and are often designed for the most demanding and sophisticated consumer.

MX-5 RF Fastback


One of these can safely be called the MX-5 RF version. It combines not only a high level of comfort, but also a rigid roof-transformer. Its contour lines gracefully flow into an elegant top. But a change in the owner's mood, the weather or anything else can turn the car into an open and romantic roadster in just 13 seconds.

Mazda MX-5 powertrain. Photo: youtube.com

And so we get the perfect option for weekend trips in the warm season. And the graceful lines of the Mazda MX-5 RF silhouette are a fastback style plus a teardrop-shaped interior. A nimble car with a sporty character can offer:

✅ good performance
✅ precision control
✅ sufficient power
✅ almost perfect weight distribution, close to 50/50

The driving dynamics can make the driver feel like the car is an extension of him. And all this is thanks to the philosophy of Jinba Ittai, which can be considered the link between the car and its driver.

The Skyactiv-G engines also contribute to the pleasant sensations, allowing you to enjoy a light, sporty ride. These petrol engines with direct fuel injection also have excellent fuel economy.

The updated exterior design of the car, first of all, includes a full set of LED lighting: headlights, taillights and DRLs. They not only improve overall visibility in the dark, but also have a more pleasant, lively style of light flow. And the modernized rear panel strengthens the feeling of muscularity of this entire part of the sports car.

Mazda MX-5 dashboard. Photo: youtube.com

There are other positive aspects as well. For example, the "DSC track" mode, which is suitable for maximum control over the vehicle even on a race track. And stability in turns and during various maneuvers is provided by the asymmetric limited-slip differential.

Winner of a prestigious international competition


The designers also thought through the interior of the model. The seat design perfectly maintains the driver's original position in the event of sudden braking or long turns. The seats in the cabin are made of luxurious Nappa leather. Along with the two-tone fixed folding roof, this emphasizes the exclusivity of this modification of the Mazda MX-5.

For ease of use and an enjoyable ride, the cabin is equipped with an 8,8-inch infotainment system with a central touchscreen. It is paired with a high-quality premium Bose audio system.

The car has the outlines of a classic sports car. Photo: youtube.com

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the fourth-generation 1,5-liter Mazda MX-5 won the Euro NCAP award. Experts acknowledged that this car has proven to be the best among other "classmates" to date. It received four stars out of five possible. This means that the model's history is far from over.
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