Even though the MX-5 is the most popular Japanese sports car on the planet it is more often than not overlooked by those drivers who are looking for a big horsepower car. On the surface this may seem natural, but delve a little deeper and you’ll start to see the potential the MX-5 has to offer.

Now in its third generation, the MX5’s first generation, the NA, sold over 400,000 units from 1989 to 1997 with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) straight-4 engine to 1993, a 1.8 L (110 cu in) engine thereafter (with a de-tuned 1.6 as a budget option in some markets) – recognizable by its pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0 L (120 cu in) engine.

The first generation MX-5 came with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 90 kW (120 bhp) at 6,500rpm, and 136 N·m (100 lbf·ft) of torque at 5,500rpm this was followed in 1994 with a 1.8 L (110 cu in) engine producing 98 kW (131 bhp), which was then increased by 1 kW (1.3 bhp) for the 1996 model year.

In 1998, Mazda released the second-generation MX-5, production code NB, for the 1999 model year. The NB featured a more powerful engine. The BP-4W engine remained at 1.8 L (110 cu in) but received several minor updates resulting in a power output of the new engine to be quoted at 106 kW (142 bhp) with 116 lbf·ft (157 N·m) of torque.

Also introduced to the second generation 2001 facelift model was a limited slip differential with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2002 saw the launch of the MX5 SP. The MX-5 SP was developed and sold in Australia and its turbocharged engine produced 157 kW (211 bhp) at 6800 rpm.

The 2004 model year saw the introduction of the official turbocharged Mazdaspeed MX-5, Roadster Turbo in Japan. It featured an IHI RHF5 VJ35 turbocharger equipped variant of the BP-4W engine that produced 178 bhp (133 kW) at 6000 rpm with a front-mounted air-to-air intercooler

Production of the third-generation MX-5, code NC, began May 17, 2005, for delivery in August, for the 2006 model year. In Europe, two engines were offered the 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR rated at 158 bhp (118 kW) and 188 N·m (139 lbf·ft), coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission; and a new 1.8 L (110 cu in) MZR, rated at 126 bhp (94 kW) and 167 N·m (123 lbf·ft), coupled to the 5-speed manual transmission.

Over the last 20 years the Mazda MX-5 has won its place in Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling roadster of all time. To this day, Mazda has produced around one million copies of the MX-5, when adding together all three generations.

First Generation

Production:

• 1989-1997

Platform Mazda NA

Engine(s):

• 1.6 L (98 cu in) B6ZE(RS) I4
• 1.8 L (110 cu in) BP I4

Transmission(s):

• 5-speed manual
• 4-speed automatic

Second Generation

Production:

 

• 1999-2005

Platform Mazda NB

Engine(s):

• 1.6 L (98 cu in) B6-ZE I4 (Europe/Japan)
• 1.8 L (110 cu in) BP-5A I4 (Japan)
• 1.8 L (110 cu in) BP-4W I4
• 1.8 L (110 cu in) BP-Z3 I4
• 1.8 L (110 cu in) turbocharged BPT I4 (Mazdaspeed)

Third Generation

Also called Mazda MX-5 Miata (United States)

Production Start:

• 2006

Platform Mazda NC

Engine(s):

• 1.8 L (110 cu in) MZR I4 (Europe)
• 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR I4

Transmission(s):

• 5-speed manual
• 6-speed automatic
• 6-speed manual

In 2009, Automotive critic Jeremy Clarkson wrote:

“ The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14 ”