Mazda's MX-5 is turning 20 - and how the revolutionary little sportster has grown in that time, says Alastair Sloane
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The latest iteration of the Mazda MX-5 sports car is expected to arrive in New Zealand later this month - only weeks after the two-seater's 20th birthday.
The original was launched at the Chicago motor show on February 9, 1989. Since then more than 850,000 MX-5 variants have been sold worldwide, making it the world's best selling lightweight two-seat roadster.
Mazda considers the MX-5 to be the purest exponent of the Japanese carmaker's "zoom-zoom" philosophy.
The rear-drive model holds a special place in the hearts of Mazda specialists.
None more so than Takao Kijima, Mazda MX-5's long-standing programme manager.
"I have been involved with the Mazda MX-5 since the project was first approved in 1986, and was lucky enough to be a chassis engineer on the first model that established the MX-5 roadster's reputation as an exciting and affordable lightweight sports car," said Kijima.
"For me, there is no greater joy than to look back on 23 years with the Mazda MX-5 and I look forward to 23 more."
Through two full redesigns in 1998 and 2005, Mazda engineers focused on keeping the Mazda MX-5 lightweight and balanced plus the famous "rider and horse as one" concept as the guiding principle since the original model.
The first-generation Mazda MX-5 went on sale in New Zealand in November 1989 with a price tag of $35,990. It was powered by an 88kW, 1.6-litre engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Like most cars of that era, the MX-5 did not have power steering, anti-lock brakes, traction control, airbags or a CD player.
Accordingly, its kerb weight was 960kg.
The upcoming facelift of the third-generation MX-5 reflects the high levels of safety and technology expected of 21st century cars.
It has all those features missing from the first generation, including an iPod jack, cruise control, and even a hardtop roof which folds in 12 seconds.
The MX-5's 2-litre engine develops 118kW and can rev to 7500rpm.
It is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
And, where the original MX-5 sported 14-inch wheels, the 2009 model wears 17-inch alloys.
