Mazda MX-5 Models Over the Years

by Brett Fraser

We have the Americans to thank for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, the Mazda MX-5. It was their enduring passion for the concept of the classic English roadster that persuaded Mazda to update the formula, critically adding reliability to the mix. The company regarded it as a bit of a gamble at the time, but combined production of its four generations topped the million mark back in 2016, and sales of the little Japanese convertible are still going strong.

In fact, so popular was the first Mazda MX-5 Miata, that it directly inspired Toyota to turn its third-gen MR2 into a roadster, and for BMW to create the Z3.

Today, the early versions of the first-generation MX-5 (also known a the Miata in the US and the Eunos in Japan), are significantly older than the flawed two-seat British roadsters that inspired them (MGB, Triumph Spitfire, etc) were when the Mazda was first conceived. In fact, many consider them now to be a classic in their own right.

But while early MX-5s were still pretty basic cars, the model has had plenty of high-tech upgrades over the years, including a retractable hardtop model in the third-generation ‘NC’ car, and the sleek Mazda MX-5 RF ‘retractable fastback’ coupe of the fourth-generation ‘ND’ car.

The modern MX-5 also still features many of the creature comforts we’ve come to expect in our cars, including DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay, sat-nav and lane-keep assist.

Mazda MX-5 Generations

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK4 Exterior

Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (2015-present)

Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk4

  • Remains small and lightweight – it’s 100kg lighter than the Mk3 car
  • RF Targa-style folding hard-top model introduced in late 2016
  • 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines available; 2.0 uprated from 158bhp to 181bhp in 2019
  • 2021 sees introduction of ‘Kinematic Posture Control', which helps cornering by braking individual rear wheels.
  • Referred to internally as the MX-5 ND

The Mk4 MX-5, known as the ND internally, demonstrates the importance Mazda places on its popular little roadster in attracting attention to the brand as a whole. It’s even more compact than the original and almost as light despite a plethora of safety-related equipment. Its Skyactiv-G engines – a 1.5 and a 2.0-litre, the latter uprated in 2019 to 181bhp – are refined and lovers of high revs, in true sports car fashion. They’re superbly economical, too, keeping running costs low: even when driven hard you’d be unlucky to see less than 40 mpg. And the chassis is so flickable, so responsive to steering inputs, that you’re having a ball whatever the road, whatever the speed.

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK4 Interior

Oh, and if you don’t fancy a Mazda badge, then this generation of MX-5 also happens to be the basis for the Fiat/Abarth Spider – although that model was not as popular as the evergreen Mazda, and Fiat canned the car after just three years on sale.

Downsides? The cabin is on the tight side for taller and bulkier folk, and the boot is bijou, but sometimes that’s the price you pay for an outstanding driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Mk4 review

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK3 Exterior

Mazda MX-5 Mk3 (2005-2014)

Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk3

  • Top-spec engine grew to 2.0 litres
  • Folding hardtop RC Roadster Coupe joined the line-up
  • 2009 facelift sharpened up the steering and restored handling to its lively best
  • Referred to internally as the MX-5 NC

When the third-generation MX-5 (NC) was launched in 2005 there was outcry from the MX-5 faithful – it was wider, longer, heavier, plusher. A betrayal of the model’s core values, some said. Mazda argued it was what buyers wanted, however: a roomier, more modern MX-5. Fans snapped back that despite more powerful engines (a 124bhp 1.8 and 148bhp 2.0), some of the car’s joie de vivre had gone walkabout.

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK3 Interior

Actually, it’s not so much a lack of sparkle from the engines that’s the issue with early Mk3s, it’s woolly steering that steals the immediacy from the handling. Facelifted models from 2009 onwards sorted out the chassis deficiencies and brought extra zip to the 2.0-litre engine – if you’re on the hunt for a sports car that gives the full MX-5 experience yet feels contemporary in terms of convenience (central locking, good air-conditioning, decent headlights, and on some versions a retractable metal roof rather than the traditional soft-top), then these later Mk3s are the ones to look for.
Mazda MX-5 Mk3 review
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Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK2 Exterior

Mazda MX-5 Mk2 (1998-2005)

Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk2

  • Pop-up lights no longer a feature
  • Mazdaspeed special edition model (not sold in the UK) was only official turbo model
  • 2001 facelift brought sharper front-end styling
  • Referred to internally as the MX-5 NB

We’ve detailed the core strengths of the Mk1 because they’re the fundamental building blocks of the subsequent three generations. At least, their dynamics and soul. The second generation MX-5, or NB, debuted in 1997, and its underpinnings – chassis and engines – are updated versions of those of its predecessor. Unsurprisingly the driving experience is familiar but, thanks in part to a stiffer bodyshell, it feels more sophisticated and is faster point-to-point.

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK2 Interior

But with that refinement comes a sense that the original’s edge has been lost, a few degrees of driver involvement and purity. On the other hand, the Mk2 is more amiable on long journeys, with scant sacrifice of fun. It doesn’t look as charming as the Mk1, though, the pop-up headlights victims of safety legislation, the cutesy door handles ditched, and the overall styling evolved but not in an entirely successful manner.

Top-spec models featured 16-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, leather seats, Bilstein dampers and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Mazda MX-5 Mk2 review
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Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK1 Exterior

Mazda MX-5 Mk1 (1989-1997)

Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk1

  • S Special model introduced with stiffer chassis and Bilstein dampers
  • A more powerful 1.8-litre engine came along in 1993
  • BBR aftermarket turbo kit offered
  • Referred to internally as the MX-5 NA

What made the original MX-5 an instant winner when it was launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 was the fact that Mazda got every element right first time. Its styling evoked the past but wasn’t a slave to it, and has since proven timeless. The detail touches are superb. Chromed finger-pull door handles. Teardrop door mirrors. Alloy wheels that perfectly suit the car. Pop-up headlights: who doesn’t love those?

The attention to detail continues under the bonnet – the camshafts’ cover is styled to ape that of the Lotus Elan, a further example of how the designers wanted everything just-so. The interior is basic yet not Spartan, and the early UK cars boasted electric windows and a Momo leather steering wheel, but no clock. The cabin is cosy but comfortable, and with judicious packing you can stuff a reasonable amount of clobber in the boot. And once you’ve unzipped the plastic rear screen, the hood can be flicked back one-handed.

Automotive Anniversary: 30 Years of the Mazda MX-5 MK1 Interior

What seals the deal for the MX-5 Mk1 (also referred to as the NA, Mazda’s internal code for the car) is that it’s a cracking good drive and remains as much so today as it did back in the late eighties. At less than a tonne it’s light, too, which always helps, rear-wheel drive, which makes it entertaining, and it possesses quick, precise steering. And even though the 1.6-litre engine has a puny 114bhp, that’s enough in a car so nimble and thrilling – and very much not a bout top speed. (The later 1.8-litre produced 128bhp.) The Mk1’s other great talent is feeling joyously spirited at low speeds, whilst also being composed and rewarding – and really quite quick – in the hands of experienced drivers.
Mazda MX-5 Mk1 review
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A lifelong motoring enthusiast, Brett Fraser began his writing career at Car magazine and has since worked for Performance Car, evo, Octane, 911 & Porsche World, Total MX-5 and others. A serial car buyer, he writes used car reviews and advice articles for CarGurus.

Now a regular contributor to CarGurus, Matt Rigby's career has covered everything from road testing and reporting for weekly magazines such as Auto Express and Autocar, to writing for hugely enthusiastic online communities such as PistonHeads.

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