Happy Zoom-Zoom, MX-5

Feb. 10 - On February 9, 1989, Mazda Motor Corporation revealed a sporty little roadster at the Chicago Auto Show. This month Mazda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the MX-5, the world’s best-selling lightweight two-seat roadster.

Today, the Mazda MX-5’s popularity is unchallenged – more than 850,000 MX-5s have been sold on all continents of the world, except Antarctica – and to this day it remains the only two-seat roadster to combine the traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout, an affordable price, and the joy of driving.

Mazda considers the MX-5 the purest exponent of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy. The diminutive roadster holds a special place in the hearts of Mazda employees and car enthusiasts alike. 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."

The MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine is capable of revving to 7,500rpm and makes 118kW of power. It can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. And, where the original sported 14-inch alloy wheels, the 2009 model wears visually arresting 17-inch alloy wheels.