Used Mazda MX-5 for Sale

First unveiled by Mazda in 2014 at the Paris Motor Show and with production and sales commencing in 2015, the 4th Generation Mazda MX-5 has already been awarded the World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title and the World Car Design of the Year title in 2016. This generation of MX-5 is both shorter and lighter than all of its predecessors, but it is also packed full of design, safety and road handling features which make it the very best version of the MX-5 to date.

The MX-5 RF is the current model sold in South Africa, with the letters RF standing for Retractable Fastback. The rigid roof and buttresses give this version of the MX-5 a silhouette which is more coupé-like and is different in appearance to the soft-top convertible which is sold in other countries*. This makes the RF similar in many ways to the Targa Top vehicles, which are named after the first vehicle to use the roof design, which was the 1966 Porsche 911 Targa.

Did You Know? This was the second Mazda to be awarded the title of World Car of the Year in the space of 8 years, as the Mazda2 won the same award in 2008.

*The Convertible MX-5 is not available in South Africa at this time.

Power Train

Engine

• 1.5 L SkyActiv-G (Not in South Africa)
• 2.0 L SkyActiv-G

Transmission

• 6-speed SkyActiv-Manual (Not in South Africa)
• 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive Automatic

Wheelbase

• 2,130 mm

Length

• 3,915 mm

Width

• 1,735 mm

Height

• 1,235 mm

Winning the Car of the Year Award in Japan at its introduction in 2005, the 3rd generation Mazda MX-5 was a critical and commercial success right from the outset. It was designed to resemble the original MX-5, but went through a number of upgrades and even a facelift in the following years:

• 2008 MX-5 Facelift
• 2013 MX-5 Update

There were numerous special editions released during its production run which included:

• Troy Lee Designs MX-5 (2005)
• 3rd Generation Limited (2006)
• MS-R Package (2007)
• 2008 Special Edition
• MX-5 Superlight Version (2009)
• Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary (2009)
• MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition (2010)
• MX-5 Miyako (2010)
• MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition (2010)
• 2011 Special Edition
• Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED (2011)
• MX-5 Miata Special Edition (2012)
• MX-5 Venture Edition (2012)
• Senshu MX-5 Roadster Coupe (2012)
• BBR Mazda MX-5 GT270 (2013)
• MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition (2014)

Did You Know? The 3rd generation MX-5 was the first to offer a retractable hardtop model variant. The roof could fold away within 12 seconds and was designed so as not to compromise any boot space.

Power Train

Engine

• 1.8 L petrol
• 2.0 L petrol

Transmission

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

Wheelbase

• 2,329.18 mm

Length

• 4,000 mm – 4,020 mm

Width

• 1,720 mm

Height

• 1,240 mm – 1,255 mm

The redesigned 2nd generation Mazda MX-5 was a complete break from the original version (including the removal of the iconic MX-5 retractable lights due to pedestrian safety legislation) and had vastly improved performance features when compared to its predecessor. It was released for sale globally in early 1998 and the entire vehicle generation manufacturing run included two iconic limited or special editions:

• MX-5 10th Anniversary Model (1999)
• Mono-Posto (2000)

There was a 2001 facelift made to the MX-5, which updated its looks in a “sportier and more forceful” styling.

Did You Know? If you’re looking for a MX-5 Sportscar then this is the vehicle generation for you, because it is the only generation to include a none modified factory-built turbocharged MX-5 model variant, which was named the Mazdaspeed MX-5.

Power Train

Engine

• 1.6 L petrol
• 1.8 L petrol

Transmission

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

Wheelbase

• 2,270 mm

Length

• 3,940 – 3,950 mm

Width

• 1,680 mm

Height

• 1,220 – 1,230 mm

Launched early in 1989, the demand for the Mazda MX-5 quickly outstriped the ability to supply these vehicles as their popularity soared. It is this version of the MX-5 which helped it become the world’s best-selling sports car and resulted in numerous special editions which were sold throughout its production run. These included, but were not limited to, the:

• Special Edition (1991)
• Sunburst (1992)
• Limited Edition (1993)
• M-Edition (1994)
• M-Edition (1996)
• M-Edition (1997)
• Special Touring Option (1997)

Did You Know? The original design for the Mazda MX-5 was inspired by post-war era British sports cars such as the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, the MG B and the Triumph Spitfire. It is credited with reviving interest in the roadster vehicle class and launched a motoring icon that has become the best selling sports car in the world.

Power Train

Engine

• 1,598 cc petrol
• 1,839 cc petrol

Transmission

• 5-speed manual
• 4-speed automatic

Wheelbase

• 2,265 mm

Length

• 3,950 mm

Width

• 1,675 mm

Height

• 1,230 mm