A Sports Car that Stretches Beyond Generations: The Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is championed by different names worldwide, but its appeal has always been the same. It is a sleek and elegant two-seater that celebrates the art of driving. The sports car’s simplicity is its beauty, with an agile inline-four engine under the hood and an open-top design that invites the sky to join the journey.

In a world where cars are getting bigger and heavier, the MX-5 Miata remains lightweight, a testament to Mazda’s commitment to an unadulterated driving experience. It is the world’s best-selling roadster, but what’s truly remarkable is that it is attainable for enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of driving without breaking the bank or flouting speed limits. 

Mazda’s MX-5 Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago auto show and quickly became the center of attention among legends like the Acura NSX and the Nissan 300ZX. The idea for the sports car began as an internal debate at Mazda in the late 70s between the allure of a mid-engine variant and the pull of a front-wheel-drive design, resulting in the birth of a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster inspired by vintage British sports car aesthetics.

The Miata’s charm wasn’t just skin-deep; beneath its hood, a sprightly 1.6-liter engine delivered 116 horsepower, which later evolved into a zippier 1.8-liter powerhouse boasting 133 horsepower. Initial enthusiasts experienced its thrill with a five-speed manual, though the Japanese automaker eventually introduced an automatic version for a broader appeal. Those whimsical pop-up headlights truly sealed its iconic status, animating the roadster with an almost sentient smile. As years passed, Mazda celebrated its success with limited editions, including the 1991 British Racing Green edition and the Sunburst Yellow variant of 1992, which became coveted collectibles.

The second generation of the MX-5 Miata christened as NB, marked a pivotal turn in the car’s narrative. In 1999, the roadster shed its innocent charm and embraced a more muscular, daring, and curvy body, signaling its maturation. A pair of fixed, fiery eyes replaced the iconic flip-up headlights. The Miata’s once delicate silhouette transformed into a more pronounced and sophisticated shape. 

Under the hood, Mazda’s dedication to performance was evident. The 1.8-liter engine underwent enhancements, seeing its vigor rise to an enthusiastic 140 horsepower and further boosted to an impressive 155 horsies by 2001. The Miata’s commitment to catering to varying driver preferences was shown by offering both a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission. Keen drivers rejoiced when a six-speed manual transmission was introduced, initially reserved for the crème de la crème of the NB range. 

The NB era of the Miata was marked by special editions, with the most notable being the 10th Anniversary Edition. Dressed exclusively in Sapphire Blue Mica, the special edition celebrated a decade of automotive excellence. The Sapphire bullet sported a flamboyant blue-and-black interior theme and boasted features like a Bose audio system, stainless-steel door-sill plates, and the coveted Nardi wheels.

The NC MX-5 came to be by Mazda in 2006, and it was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The 2006 model temporarily abandoned the ‘Miata’ badge but eventually couldn’t do without the badging. The car’s lineage echoed the original Miata’s charm, as seen in design details such as the central hood bulge, recognizable headlights and taillights, and the noticeable windshield frame.

2007 proved a turning point for the NC model of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The engineers introduced the Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT) model, showcasing remarkable feats. Despite the added mechanics, the PRHT remained slender and lightweight, weighing only 100 pounds more than its soft-top counterpart. The retractable hardtop performed seamlessly and became an instant sensation, quickly dominating the Miata sales charts.

By 2016, the Japanese automaker introduced the ND generation of the Miata. The Mazda sports car was an audacious and aggressive iteration of the roadster. Unlike its predecessors, it was no longer just a cute little car, presenting a more upscale demeanor. The 2.0-liter engine was barking and delivered a bite with 155 horsepower. In 2019, it was further improved to produce an impressive 181 horsepower, making it the fastest Miata to hit the roads.

Mazda’s relationship with the Miata is prosperous, celebrating the roadster’s 30-year legacy in 2019 by releasing the Racing Orange Anniversary Edition. The vibrant, limited-edition model was an instant hit, showcasing Mazda’s commitment to making timeless works of art that stretch beyond generations. As the Japanese automaker closes in on a century, rumors about the future of the Miata began to circulate. The next generation will incorporate hybrid technology. In a constantly evolving world, the MX-5 Miata represents Mazda’s unwavering commitment to driving purity.

Come Test Drive Your 2023 Mazda Miata at Kenny Ross Mazda

A 2023 Mazda Miata is impatiently awaiting your arrival at Kenny Ross Mazda. If you don’t make it in time for your MX-5, we offer many new vehicles and quality pre-owned vehicles to choose from. Additionally, our finance managers are sure to find you the right program at the most competitive rates. So if you want to get a headstart on that new car smell, you can apply for auto financing at any given second. But if you aren’t ready to give up your most prized possession, don’t worry. Our technicians are here to take on your next service or auto repair. So make your way over to Kenny Ross Mazda. Whether a deeply discounted car, aggressive lease payment plan, routine maintenance, or a significant overhaul, sixty years of business should let you know you’ve come to the right place. Ask a neighbor and see what Kenny Ross Mazda has in store for you.

Photo Source/ Copyright: Mazda USA