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Mazda builds 1 millionth MX-5

Mazda produced its 1 millionth MX-5 Miata on April 22. Known alternately as the Miata, the Mazda Roadster, or the Eunos Roadster, the MX-5 has long held the record as the best-selling open-top two-seat sports car. It topped half a million at the turn of the millennium, and hit 800,000 less than a decade ago. The MX-5 recently entered its fourth generation over 27 years, which only promises to drive that record number higher. While it's not one of the most prolific automobiles in history – Ford has made over 34 million F-Series pickups and Toyota produced over 40 million Corollas – the Miata stands as a rather notable exception among niche performance vehicles. Related Video: Mazda Produces One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation announced today that production of the Mazda MX-5 (Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached one million units on April 22, 2016. The milestone figure was achieved over 27 years, with mass-production of the MX-5 starting at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima in April 1989. "From the first generation through to today's fourth-generation model, the reason we have been able to continue selling the MX-5 all these years is due to the strong support of fans around the world," said Masamichi Kogai, Representative Director, President and CEO. "Mazda was founded in Hiroshima 96 years ago, and as we move toward our centennial year we will continue offering customers the joy of driving with this model, which has become a symbol of our brand. Mazda aims to create a special bond with customers and become a 'one-and-only' brand they will choose again and again." As a way of expressing thanks to MX-5 fans and owners, the One-Millionth MX-5 will be displayed at fan events in Japan and around the world. The tour begins on May 3 at the Hiroshima Flower Festival where the car will participate in the Flower Parade. The MX-5 is a symbol of Mazda's car-making philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its debut in 1989, the model has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced in a lightweight sports car and won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures and age groups. The MX-5 is also critically acclaimed, with over 200 awards from around the globe to its name. The fourth-generation model released last year has won a string of awards, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan, World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year 2016.

2019 Mazda3 shows off factory bodykit, Miata gets a hardtop at Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2019 Mazda3 wasn't exactly lacking in the sporty style department when it was shown last month in L.A. But everyone, including Mazda, knows that doesn't mean it can't be even sportier. As such, the company is showing off a version of the new compact hatchback at Tokyo Auto Salon, a modified car and aftermarket parts show, with a body kit. It's a subtle one, consisting of a black front lip spoiler, black side skirts, and a longer, slightly upturned rear spoiler. Its low-key design fits in well with the Mazda3's taut, clean lines, and it makes the car look lower and more purposeful. The Mazda3 isn't the only car getting some love at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company will display an MX-5 Miata with a removable hardtop made of carbon fiber. Now, you may remember that Mazda does offer a hardtop, but just for racing drivers. That top is a bit odd looking with a really high rear-end to clear motorsports-spec roll bars and cages. This top follows the lines of the roadster's soft top, looking much more sleek. Neither sets of parts here have been announced for production, but we wouldn't be surprised to see them show up as Mazda accessories. The Mazda3 body kit in particular seems a shoe-in, since the previous generation Mazda3 had a very similar appearance package available. The Miata top certainly seems as though it was designed with regular consumers in mind. Its future is less certain, though. For one thing, Mazda can point to the Miata RF if you want a solid roof. Then again, Mazda still offered a removable hardtop for conventional Miata roadsters even after the original power-retractable hardtop model was introduced. If it does come to market, though, expect it to be made from more affordable fiberglass and be painted in factory colors. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Mazda pits 2016 MX-5 Miata against the original

Mazda has toiled admirably to keep the latest MX-5 Miata true to the spirit of the original. But just how close did the team come? To find out, the Japanese automaker brought two bookending examples of its iconic roadster down to a racetrack in Spain and put them in the hands of a couple of endurance racing drivers – Jade Paveley in the original, Owen Mildenhall in the new model. Whichever crossed the finish line first at the end of one lap would win. And because 25 years of progress wouldn't exactly make it a fair match, they gave the original a four-second head start. Watch the video above to see how it went down. Related Video: