since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE Mazda MX-5 Roadster, for which many enthusiasts might fondly relate to as the Miata, is probably among the more iconic models from this Japanese carmaker. Since its launch in 1989, the Miata received high accolades for its spirited body styling, power and handling dynamics as it evolved over the last 35 years.
To capture the imagination of its fanbase, Mazda introduced many special editions of the MX-5 to celebrate new milestones or events with exciting body colours and dedicated equipment/specification. To continue this trend and maintain strong appeal, the fourth-generation MX-5 is now celebrated with the 35th Anniversary Edition.
Mazda sees this as a tribute to more than three decades of ‘driving exhilaration and timeless design’, from the iconic first-generation NA to the modern fourth-generation ND model. The MX-5 clearly upholds Mazda’s single-minded commitment to a ‘pure, driver-centric experience’ from the day this Roadster was introduced.
In its latest 35th Anniversary Edition offering, the MX-5 is introduced with only one body colour and it’s a special one too; an exclusive Artisan Red Premium that is described as Mazda’s fourth special hue created through the brand’s ‘unique Takuminuri painting technology’.
Artisan Red Premium, an advanced three-layer finish, is said to deliver a fine-grained, transparent red that ‘radiates brilliance with deep, rich tones that create a striking contrast and profound sense of depth’. It is meant to enhance the Mazda’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy and complement the brand’s Jinba-Ittai pursuit of driving perfection.
To stamp its exclusive limited-production status, a serialised 35th Anniversary Edition badge is featured on the rear fender next to the door, along with the 35th Anniversary Edition logo being ‘elegantly embroidered’ on the floor mats and being embossed on the headrests. Enhancing its striking presence are the body-colour door mirrors ‘blending seamlessly with the body design’ and 17-inch Bright Metallic alloy wheels to add a touch of sophistication and sportiness.
The interior sees a ‘beautifully coordinated’ Sports Tan aura; the dashboard trim, carpeting and floor mats all feature a matching Tan finish to complement the Tan leather seats. Other exclusive touches are in the Artisan Red Premium colour-matched trim accents for the air-conditioning vents and door panels.
Basically, the MX-5 2025 model line-up comes enhanced with new design updates, features and upgraded connectivity. The headlamps come with a recessed circular low beam to create a ‘dynamic eye-like effect that shifts between a dignified and compassionate gaze’. Mazda says the daytime running lights (DRL) provide a mature feel to set the MX-5 apart from other models. When the turn indicator is activated, the outer DRL flashes orange.
At the rear, the combination lamp cluster now features a concave lens that is said to enhanced the ‘afterburner’ effect and harmonise with the car’s rear motifs. All the lamps are upgraded to LEDs (light emitting diodes) to improve visibility and extend lifespan. The rear bumper is also updated with reflectors and rear fog lights.
All MX-5 variants now come with a newly-designed meter cluster that offers improved legibility and readability with a darker dial face and updated pointer shape. It is also equipped with a frameless, auto-dimming rearview mirror. For enhanced connectivity, the latest MX-5 has a new 8.8-inch infotainment system that features voice recognition, USB-C charging port and high-definition reverse camera.
In safety equipment, the 2025 MX-5 now includes an additional i-Activsense feature in the Rear Cross Traffic Alert to further enhance driver confidence and awareness.
For those who revel in manual transmission driving, the new MX-5 2.0L manual model has a few new tricks up its sleeve - DSC-Track (Driving Stability Control Track Mode) and Asymmetric LSD (Limited Slip Differential). Mazda says the DSC-Track delivers a more engaging and less intrusive driving experiences, especially during spirited drives, by allowing greater driver control while still offering a safety net when needed.
Complementing this is the Asymmetric LSD that is described as a cutting-edge technology that enhances vehicle stability by ‘intelligently adjusting’ the differential limiting force during acceleration and deceleration to ensure optimal traction and control in various driving conditions.
Another update is the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to enhance ‘nimbleness and precision’. In reducing friction on the steering rack by five per cent, Mazda says the system provides smoother operation. Improved control of the assist motor, achieved through revised control logic, is said to result in more linear steering characteristics for a more natural and responsive driving experience.
Powering the new MX-5 variants is a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine with variable valve control. It is undersquare in configuration with a long 91.mm stroke and 83.5mm bore to displace an exact 1998cc. Typical of the Mazda Skyactiv engines, compression ratio is on the higher side at 13.0:1. Power output is 133kW (181hp) at 7000rpm and 205Nm at 4000rpm.
The six-speed automatic transmission comes with manual shift mode, which is mostly typical of such transmission these days. The manual transmission is also a six-speed unit. The top speed for the automatic models is given as 200km/h while the MX-5 manual has a higher top end of 220km/h. The MX-5 is a mid-engine rear-wheel drive Roadster.
Being fully imported, the MX-5 35th Anniversary edition is yours for RM316,154 on the road without insurance. As there are only five models allocated for Malaysia, it would definitely be a collector’s item. The standard MX-5 2025 models have prices starting from RM293,000. Like most Mazda models, there is a five-year or 100,000km manufacturer warranty and free maintenance.
Specification list here
Price list here
