The MX-5 is arguably the bestselling car in the sports car, with around 748,904 cars sold till 2005. 2006 saw the introduction of the third generation model and reinforced its leadership position. Expect for Japan it was marketed as the MX-5, however in the USA it is still fondly referred to as the Miata.

The designers of MX-5 had a very simple vision of a small roadster that didn’t have the unnecessary complications and weight. It is perhaps a direct descent of the small English roadsters like the Porsche 550 Spider, Triumph Spitfire, Lotus Elan and the MG Midget. Early in the 1980, most of the roadsters had vanished due to strict anti pollution and security norms across the globe. So, in many ways the MX-5 made a comeback of sorts with the usage of latest technology yet retaining the age old tradition.

This is the reason why the MX-5 still has a traditional FR layout and a 4-wheel suspension (independent double wishbone). Even the body of the car is very conventional, only the weight has gone down further. The MX-5 is truly a beautiful mix of tradition and cutting edge technology that manages to bring back the lost roadsters. 

With an incredible number of 748,904 cars sold by 2005 end, the MX-5 is among the best selling sports cars of the world. The MX-5 was designed on the similar lines of Triumph Spitfire, MG Midget, and Porsche 550 Spider and was meant to be small roadster with minimal weight and complexity. With roadsters sent into the oblivion because of the various regulations, the MX-5 with its modern technology would mark a return for them.

The MX-5 would have the traditional FR layout. With 4-wheel independent suspension and four cylinder engine, the sports car would have manual as well as automatic transmission as an alternative. The body of the MX-5 is very conventional and has the Powerplant Frame which creates a responsive feel. There are also antilock brakes and slip differentials available in some of the MX-5s. There are also some models which have the traction option in them. With a history spread over three generations, the car has more than 150 awards to its name.

It also has its name registered in the Guinness Book of Records for being the best selling sports car of the world. The car has undergone many changes in term of both interior and exterior and also in its mechanical components in its three generations. An internal Mazda competition between the Design Studios located in Japan and the USA led to the wonderful design of the MX-5. The car made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 and had an optional hardtop available for the car lovers.