Monday 25th April 2016

Millionth MX-5 heads for Goodwood

Mazda has apparently just built the 1,000,000th MX-5 in Japan

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Your reaction to this piece of news depends entirely on where you fall on the great MX-5 divide. Fans will be delighted to hear it has, after 27 years of production, reached the seven-figure production milestone, with the one-millionth car set to appear at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Haters will take the opposite view - that this is at least 999,999 too many, maybe going on to wonder how many of the total production run have already oxidized into their component molecules.

Still, regardless of where you stand, it's a significant achievement for a car that was reckoned to be of minority interest when it was first introduced, and which has gone onto be the world's most successful two-seat sports car. It's also vindication of Mazda's decision to keep the faith and keep the same basic recipe for all four generations, a fact referenced by the sticker being worn by the millionth car. This was apparently built in Hiroshima last Friday and - to judge from the picture - is a completely standard right-hooker, although one presumably destined for the company's museum.

Before then it will be at Goodwood and also at various other international events around the globe, with its UK debut alongside the MX-5 Speedster and Spyder concept cars that are making their first appearance outside north America.

[V8RX7]

And long may the numbers keep rising.

[Kawasicki]

Congrats to Mazda.

[Davey S2]

Saw one of the new models up close yesterday and thought it looked great.

[griffdude]

That's great! I'm a total convert to these feisty little cars.

[JockySteer]

I reckon their numbers are short.. I see at least 1,000,000 'slammed' MX-5's every day.

[Honeywell]

I can't see how anybody interested in the dynamics and fun of driving (a pistonhead) could possibly lament such a bright and colorful thread in the tapestry of modern motoring.

I'm certainly going to have a Mk4 in red with the sand colour interior and spend a couple of grand at BBR tuning it up to 190bhp.

After years of growing indifference to sports cars and the expensive and the power wars I'm excited about a car again. I think these will be a sales success of high order. carWow already has given me quotes for dealers that will know £2,000 off the new price. In a world of £29,000 Golf GTi's the MX5 is a steal as well as a hoot.

[kambites]

JockySteer said:

I reckon their numbers are short.. I see at least 1,000,000 'slammed' MX-5's every day.

They're not "slammed", the turret tops have rusted through and the suspension has collapsed.

Seriously though, it's great that Mazda have stuck so faithfully to the idea of "fun" while everyone else has gone chasing power figures and 'ring lap times. Long may it continue.

[Arbs]

1 million is that it? Doesn't seem a lot. With the news last week that the facelift evoque had been released and they have sold 500,000. I would have presumed that Mazda would have been into the millions especially after 4 models.

[kambites]

Arbs said:

1 million is that it? Doesn't seem a lot. With the news last week that the facelift evoque had been released and they have sold 500,000. I would have presumed that Mazda would have been into the millions especially after 4 models.

The sports car market is pretty tiny, in the grand scheme of things.

[JMF894]

Drove my first MX5 last weekend at a drift experience day. Not the best example to judge them by as it was very 'baggy' but I can understand the fun factor.

The only one I ever saw being driven enthusiastically on the road was clearly modded but the driver decided to overtake 3 abreast approaching a blind crest because I was keeping up in my lowly Octy vRS..........................

Ultimately not for me, but the car world is a better place for them because it gives us choice.

Jimbo

[V8RX7]

Arbs said:

1 million is that it? Doesn't seem a lot. With the news last week that the facelift evoque had been released and they have sold 500,000. I would have presumed that Mazda would have been into the millions especially after 4 models.

I'm shocked they've sold 500k Evoques.

I suppose the MX5 success has to be judged against it's rivals how many MR2, Z3/4, MGF, S2000 etc have been sold ?

[Jam12321]

Well done Mazda, puts a smile on my face when i see an MX5 of any age buzzing down the road. To be honest most of them seem to be driven by middle aged woman but do see the odd few driven enthusiastically on B roads!

[MC Bodge]

I had my first MX5 driving experience this week (late Mk2). I was encouraged to drive it quite enthusiastically.

It felt nicely balanced and I have to say that I really enjoyed it.

[xRIEx]

Arbs said:

1 million is that it? Doesn't seem a lot. With the news last week that the facelift evoque had been released and they have sold 500,000. I would have presumed that Mazda would have been into the millions especially after 4 models.

I don't know if it's particularly comparative, but Porsche sold about 820,000 911s in 50 years.