Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition 2019 review
Tim Barnes-Clay takes the Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition for a spin.
Everybody loves a Mazda MX-5, don’t they? Well, it seems that way to me. I remember the car being unveiled not long after I’d passed my driving test. I wanted it so badly back in 1989.
And guess what? I've never owned one, but I've managed to borrow a few test cars over the years – and that has almost been enough to satisfy my appetite. But the best yet is the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition. The model does what it says on the tin – it’s a special edition of the roadster, made to celebrate its 30th birthday.
What's different about this one?
So, as well as what Mazda calls the 'Racing Orange' colour, the 30th Anniversary Edition sports forged aluminium Rays wheels, made solely for the MX-5 in collaboration with Rays Co Ltd. Then there’s (surprise, surprise) a 30th anniversary badge exhibiting the car’s serial number. Then there’s more orange. Yes, even the brake callipers are that colour – and they’re not any old brakes – for the first time in Britain the MX-5 gets Brembo brakes – well up front, anyway.
What about the interior?
And the engine?
Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.0-litre petrol unit – pushing out 184ps. This is same amount of horsepower produced by all 2019 MX-5s using the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. Additionally, both the RF and the Convertible 30th Anniversary body types come with a six-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein dampers, limited-slip differential and a strut-brace.
Underneath it all, it’s still an MX-5
I think even Mazda was surprised by how well the MX-5 took off. The car is now recognisable everywhere - and it seems there are as many on track as on tarmac these days. The beautiful thing about the car is that it appeals to everyone. Yes, I've mentioned enthusiasts, but it also attracts people from all genders and walks of life. Got a family? No problem, you can still have solo – or two-up laughs by buying a cheap and cheerful second car – in the form of a used MX-5. Or you can save up for a brand new one – or better still, get your order in for a special edition, like this 30th Anniversary model. Whatever the case, there will be an MX-5 with your name on it somewhere.
30 years of fun
He added: ‘And with its generous equipment levels, unique detailing, exclusivity and bold Racing Orange paintwork, the MX-5 30th Anniversary is the perfect way to mark 30 years of this iconic sports car.’
So, three decades on, the MX-5 has managed to outlive the likes of Oasis, Girls Aloud and Westlife. And over that period, Mazda has sold 1 million units. It’s a real success story because the MX-5 is the best-selling two-seater roadster in the world.
You may be too late to buy a rare 30th Anniversary Edition, but there are many MX-5s to choose from – and, who knows, maybe, just maybe you’ll spot a Racing Orange model on the second-hand market somewhere one day. Whatever the case, if you’ve never driven an MX-5 before, I urge you to do so. It’ll do more for you can possibly imagine.