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Mazda MX-5 NA (1989 - 1998) The first generation of the Mazda MX-5 (also known as the NA version) was first revealed to the public in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, and by 1990 it was sold across the world. Although it was a roadster and henceforth featured a soft top an optional hard top was made available and Mazda could not initially keep up with demand with stocks falling low and selling out completely in many instances, such was the initial success of the MX-5. Initially the first generation Mazda MX-5 NA was powered by a 1.6 litre dual overhead cam in-line four cylinder engine complete with fuel injection.
The classic design won many hearts with the sprightly handling and sporty acceleration making it a true drivers vehicle. The fixtures and fittings were impressive for such an affordable vehicle, the NA Mazda MX-5 came complete with double independent wishbone suspensions on all four wheels, anti-roll bars, four disc brakes and alloy wheels complete with high quality radial tyres.
Mazda produced a number of special editions of the MX-5 from 1993 complete with a variety of unique finishes (both interior and exterior). For instance the 1500 LE model was complete with red leather interior, new fixtures and fittings, power windows and mirrors, power steering, ABS, and a new door trim. Eventually sales began to decline somewhat so in order to attract new customers Mazda mated the MX-5 with an automatic gearbox. Whilst the vehicle was suitably impressive sales still continued to decline.
The first generation NA Mazda MX-5 was gradually phased out in 1997 despite a few special editions that continued to be sold from this production line.
Mazda MX-5 NB (1999 - 2005) In order to revitalise the brand and encourage new sales Mazda produced a new version of the MX-5 for the 1999 model year. This new NB version came complete with a more powerful engine, and Mazda also took the opportunity to redesign the exterior somewhat, borrowing some cues from the now obsolete classic RX-7. Comparing the NA and NB versions of the Mazda MX-5 the major differences are obvious; the headlights no longer retracted as newer more stringent safety requirements were introduced in the year before the NB version was released. Mazda had also widened the NB version slightly and this increased weight somewhat, although the newer more streamlined body helped offset this added weight.
Whilst the suspension of the NB Mazda MX-5 remained unchanged the wheels and brakes were altered quite radically; a new ABS system was offered as an optional extra and a choice of alloys were now available in order to offer the customer more choice when purchasing. The engine was updated somewhat as well including the introduction of Mazda's own Intake Control System that regulated the air taken into the engine in order to maximise breathing and performance. Although the 1.6 litre engine remained available for the NB Mazda MX-5 the 1.8 proved the best seller and offered a much better 0-60mph time compared to the previous version.
In 2001 Mazda updated the exterior of the second generation MX-5, this resulted in an altogether more aggressive looking vehicle. Some of the dashboard instruments were also updated and changed, and new seats were installed for better driver comfort. Thanks to the introduction of new technologies the body was stiffened up by quite a considerable amount in order to improve handling even further. With this new version of the NB Mazda MX-5 the company launched a brand new marketing campaign in order to make the vehicle appeal to a whole new audience.
Mazda MX-5 NC (2006 - Present) The most modern version of the Madza MX-5 bears the NC code and was sold as a 2006 model year vehicle. Declining sales of the NB second generation version spurred Mazda on to tweak and change their classic design resulting in a brand new MX-5 for a new audience. Whilst the exterior appearances shares much in common with previous versions almost no components are shared between the NC and NB versions making it a brand new vehicle in many ways. Even the previously unchanged suspension has been updated and is now a front wishbone and a rear multilink setup. A number of new technologies have also been implemented into the Mazda MX-5 design such as traction control and stability control.
Generally speaking two engines are offered in the new Mazda MX-5, a 2.0 litre version and a 1.8 litre version, connected to a six and five speed gearbox respectively. This new version of the Mazda MX-5 is even faster with the 0-60mph time clocking in at 6.5 seconds for the more powerful US engine, whilst the other versions are slightly slower.
Compared to the NA and NB versions of the Mazda MX-5 the NC model offers a far greater degree of customisation for the customer. More things can be selected at purchase such as the colour of the soft top, and the latest innovation in the Mazda MX-5 story is the addition of an NC model complete with a folding hardtop, known as the Roadster Coupe. In a masterpiece of engineering even when folded down the roof does not take up any of the existing space in the boot, and although performance is slightly hindered by the additional weight of the folding hard top the different is not substantial at all.
The NC Mazda MX-5 was updated for the 2009 model year, a more aggressive and angular exterior was introduced that demonstrated a degree of commonality with other Mazda vehicles on the market, and the new instrument panel has been updated for the 21st century. The gearbox has been tweaked to offer much smoother shifts and more leg space is available inside the cabin.
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