THE PURSUIT OF BALANCE
Since its debut, the MX-5 has developed a devoted following across the globe. Today, the all-new MX-5 still continues the Jinba Ittai tradition
The Mazda MX-5 possibly best symbolises Mazda’s overriding philosophy and tireless pursuit of driving pleasure. Since its rst introduction as the Eunos Roadster in Japan in 1989, this lightweight sportscar has placed driving fun front and centre, and has won acclaim and admiration from millions round the world. It has raked in over 200 global design and performance awards, and holds the record for being the bestselling open-top two-seater sportscar (more than a million units have been produced).
At the core of its development concept is the philosophy Jinba Ittai (which means “rider and horse as one”), which continues to symbolise each new generation of MX-5 and ensures that it will always remain true to Mazda’s original dream of an accessible, lightweight sportscar.
FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
Compact sportscars have been around since the end of World War Two, when a demand for a ordable, fun-to-drive cars soon developed. By retro tting sedan engines into light vehicle bodies, manufacturers could provide exciting performance with agile handling. However, higher safety standards and emissions controls meant that cars gradually became heavier and made use of smaller engines to improve frugality. This hampered performance and, by the 1980s, the lightweight sportscar was all but extinct.
That is until an engineer at Mazda considered that the company needed a unique product in the market and that a lightweight roadster was the answer.
Despite signi cant resistance from senior executives, the company’s R&D department instigated development of a new type of sportscar. Many di erent drivetrain and layout options were considered, but eventually the engineers settled on rear-wheel drive with a front-mounted engine, given that this con guration would best deliver the desired driving fun, despite the added costs and development di culties that it posed. The engineers christened the development concept of the MX-5 Jinba Ittai to represent the type of fun-to-drive roadster they intended to build. And the rest is history…
JINBA ITTAI
Jinba Ittai places the driver at the centre of the driving experience and considers the car equally integral to achieving driving pleasure. The engineers’ original focus was to strip the car of everything that was not deemed necessary, while also developing the character of the vehicle. These experts restrained their desire for greater engine output and more features. It required balance. For example, to improve mass distribution and lower the centre of gravity, they used aluminium in the body. To further reduce weight and improve exhaust gas ow, they opted for stainless steel in the exhaust over cast iron. They knew that the MX-5 needed to be di erent.
The rst engine was a 1,6-litre inline four-cylinder unit with modest performance gures, but a wonderfully linear driving feel and responsiveness. The transmission o ered short, secure shifts, and the steering was precise without exhibiting nervousness. Everything was in balance.
Despite experiencing initial resistance from senior executives, tough market conditions and design challenges, Mazda’s compact roadster nally saw the light of day in 1989 when it went on sale in Japan (and in the US). It was an instant success.
GEN 1: 1989-‘98
The original Eunos Roadster was initially sold through dedicated Eunos dealerships in Japan before being exported as the MX-5/ Miata. It was powered by a 1,6-litre four-cylinder engine and paved the way for the MX-5 to become the world’s bestselling two-seater roadster. In 1993, the facelifted MX-5 bene ted from a boost in engine capacity (to 1,8 litres) and enhanced braking ability and body rigidity; while in 1995, a further facelift o ered enhanced engine performance.
GEN 2: 1998-2005
The second generation MX-5 again adopted a 1,6-litre engine and re ned its predecessor’s singular qualities into a more rounded, delightful package. This vehicle found even more sales success, including in South Africa.
GEN 3: 2005-’15
The third-generation MX-5 was developed under the same Jinba Ittai concept as the original roadster. It featured a new, compact 2,0-litre inline four-cylinder engine that improved the performance of Mazda’s lightweight open-top sportscar. This generation included a derivative with a retractable hard top and, in 2008 and 2012, underwent facelifts that included a freshened exterior and interior with enhanced quality and functionality.
GEN 4: 2015-PRESENT
The latest MX-5 is completely new from the ground up, and is lower, lighter and better balanced than its predecessor. The current World Car of the Year makes use of a 2,0-litre four-cylinder SKYACTIV engine that pushes out 118 kw and 200 N.m of torque. At R441 700, which includes a three-year/unlimited km warranty and three-year service plan, it represents incredible bang for buck.