The
Mazda MX-5, also known as
Miata ( ) in North America and
Roadster ( ) in Japan, is a sports car built by
Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, since 1989. Its introduction was a significant development in the motor car industry that revived the roadster segment of sports cars, with other companies promptly introducing roadsters to their model ranges, such as the
MG F, and the third-generation
Toyota MR2.
There have been three generations of the MX-5, consisting of major stylistic and mechanical upgrades. The first generation, designated NA, sold over 400,000 units. It was produced from 1989 to 1993 with a 1.6-litre straight-4 engine, and from 1994-1997 with a 1.8-litre engine. The NA can be recognized by its distinctive pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights, and the glass rear window. The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0-litre engine; it can be recognized by the fender bulges over the wheel wells.