Mazda Miata MX-5 Evolution 1989-2019

It has been almost thirty years since the introduction of the first Mazda Miata MX-5 generation, and since then this vivid roadster lives through four generations of upgrades and facelifts. All the time Mazda engineers kept the original concept of lightweight vehicle powered by a medium size engine. The reason why this concept works is that there was no need for expensive multi-liter engine in order to enjoy that rush that comes after you have pressed the gas pedal.

Light body and a low center of gravity allow secure and fun cruising along both straight and curvy roads. It is not usual to see a car model stay true to its roots for so long, even though the exterior design took some serious changes, one could always recognize Mazda MX-5 on the spot. So let us look at what kind of changes Miata went through during these 30 years and why it got the Guinness World Record award as the best-selling two-seater car.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (NA) 1989-1998

Engine: 1.6-litre four cylinder / 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol
Power/torque:
1.6: 85 KW @ 6500 RPM /116 HP @ 6500 RPM / 114 BHP @ 6500 RPM / 100 lb-ft @ 5500 RPM / 136 Nm @ 5500 RPM
1.8: 96 KW @ 6500 RPM / 131 HP @ 6500 RPM / 129 BHP @ 6500 RPM / 111 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM / 150 Nm @ 5000 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Weight: 950kg (1.6) / 990 kg (1.8)
0 to 100km/h: 8.8 secs (1.6) / 8.2 secs (1.8)

The first generation of MX-5 came in with a bang. A small, lightweight roadster had no problem demonstrating everyone that size really doesn’t matter. Its most recognizable feature are retractable headlights, which didin’t stick in the next generation making it exclusively NA trademark.

Although compact and small, it could easily be useful as a commuter vehicle or your means of transport when you are heading for groceries. The first generation MX-5 was one of the most successful and most selling car of the entire Mazda fleet for a decade. In 1994, the car experienced some minor changes like dual airbags, and a bit more powerful engine.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (NB) 1998-2005

Engine: 1.6-litre four cylinder(Europe & Japan) / 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol
Power/torque: 
1.6: 81 KW @ 6500 RPM / 110 HP @ 6500 RPM / 109 BHP @ 6500 RPM / 99 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM / 134 Nm @ 5000 RPM
1.8: 103 KW @ 6500 RPM / 140 HP @ 6500 RPM / 138 BHP @ 6500 RPM / 119 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM / 162 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Transmission: 5/6-speed manual / 4 speed auto (optional)
Weight: 990kg (1.6) / 1026kg (1.8)
0-100km/h: 9.7secs (1.6) / 8.6secs (1.8)

The second generation came on the wings of the success that NA established all around the world. It kept the original vibe with rounded edges, compact design and the low center of gravity. The second generation also opt for lightweight medium size engine that distributed high power, enough to make your blood run faster once you feel those revs.

The second generation features some more notable upgrades such as optional hardtop, and standard 15-inch wheels. The beginning of the new century brought a more powerful 113KW S-VT engine and 16-inch wheels, while the next year, in 2001, a six-speed manual transmission was introduced as a logical outcome due to the last year’s engine upgrade.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (NC) 2005-2015

Engine: 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol / 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol
Power/torque:
1.8: 93 KW @ 6500 RPM / 125 HP @ 6500 RPM / 125 BHP @ 6500 RPM / 123 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM / 167 Nm @ 4500 RPM
2.0: 118 KW @ 6700 RPM / 160 HP @ 6700 RPM / 158 BHP @ 6700 RPM / 139 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM / 188 Nm @ 5000 RPM
Transmission: 5/6-speed manual / 6-speed auto (option)
Weight: 1129kg (1.8) / 1155 kg (2.0)
0-100km/h: 9.4secs (1.8) / 7.9secs (2.0)

Most of the things that would initially be expected from an MX-5 were changed in the third generation that kept coming of the assembly line for ten years. The engine was a 2.0 liter, four cylinder petrol fueled and it went perfectly with 6-speed transmission. The NC series gained a few kilos, weighting 1129kg, which didn’t reflect on the performance features.

The exterior design took some serious changes, most notably the introduction of sharp edges, 17-inch wheels, and somewhat wider chassis. One could say that the third generation Miata looks more robust, comparing to compact and tiny look of its predecessors. However, once inside the car, the good old Miata feel takes in. As the new century dictated, NC generation included some additional features such as cruise control, limited slip differential, and a bit more space in the cabin space.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND) 2015-present

Engine: 1.5 liter four cylinder/2.0-litre four cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 96Nm/150Nm (1.5L)/ 118kW/200Nm (2.0L)
Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed auto (optional), RWD
Weight: 1009kg (1.5L); 1033kg (2.0L)
0-100km/h: 8.5s (1.5L); 7.1s (2.0L)

A lot of time has passed since 1989 and Mazda MX-5 truly reached its maturity with the coming of the fourth generation model. The design solutions kept the original concept even though the latest model introduces complex lines and transitions. It looks and feels bigger; however, the body is lighter than both NB and NC generations, leaning towards the original weight.

What is impressive about the fact that this model is so light is the amount of equipment and features that come in such a feathery vehicle. As a sort of tribute to its original version, the fourth generation MX-5 offers a small engine that distributes respectable amount of power, reminding everyone where it all started.

Mazda Miata MX-5 (ND2) 2019+

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine would get a power bump, from 155 to 181 net horsepower, these are improvements of 26 hp and 3 lb-feet of torque. As per Road & Track, the engine will spin faster than its current 6,800 rpm redline (which is 400rpm below the redline of the previous-generation NC Miata.) and feature lightweight pistons and connecting rods, as well as a new crankshaft.

The intake and exhaust ports will be larger, and the camshaft will be more aggressive. The new MX-5 will have a dual-mass flywheel which is heavier and usually more complex but Mazda claims that this will handle some of the noise, vibration, and harshness issues brought on by the more powerful 2019 engine. Finally, a new throttle body will make proper use of the revised intake and exhaust ports.

Aside from the powertrain, the 2019 Miata will get Smart City Braking System, detecting a potential front-end collision and applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a potential crash at speeds up to 19 mph. The ND2 will get a telescoping steering wheel also as a rearview camera and the CD player will be gone in the new car.