Overview

Mazda MX-5 offers roadster driving at its best. Its original concept has been so successful that Mazda has never changed it: affordable to buy and use, lightweight, Jinba Ittai 'onewith- the-car' handling, and classic roadster looks. The third generation launched in 2005 was developed with a strict 'gram strategy' which helped to keep the weight at the same level while offering an even stiffer body and more equipment. This year Mazda introduces a facelift of the current third-generation Mazda MX-5 with enhancements that will attract even more people tothis unique, pure roadster.

Year 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling twoseat sports car ever (currently at 850,000 units). In fact, 855,000 Mazda MX-5 have been produced since launch in 1989, and 254,000 units were sold in Europe (through November 2008). The Mazda MX-5 has won a total of 178 major automotive awards in these two decades. The current third generation is no exception and carried home 58 awards - including Japan Car of the Year 2005-2006 and Top Gear magazine's Roadster of the Year 2005.

In 2006, Mazda launched the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe featuring a power retractable hard top while keeping the unique roadster styling. The hard top weights only 37 kg including its folding mechanism and takes no additional luggage space, ensuring the same ideal 50:50 weight distribution and the same boot volume (150 litres) as the soft top. Now there were two agile open-top sports cars to choose from.

The facelift model of the third-generation Mazda MX-5 carries the popularity of this expanded line-up forward. Both body styles have a design enhanced to be more dynamic and strong, and harmonised with Mazda's next-generation line-up. Both soft top and Roadster Coupe deliver an evolution of Jinba Ittai driving fun and have more equipment. With these updates the Mazda MX-5 soft top version will continue to appeal to customers looking for a pure roadster experience. The retractable hard top has always appealed to customers looking for a more coupe-like and premium roadster experience.

To underscore its upgrade nature, the facelift Roadster Coupe now has special exterior design details and a quieter cabin than the original Roadster Coupe with the top up.

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