Mazda’s lovely little MX-5 celebrates 30 years

New releases

OKAY, IT’S OFFICIAL – we’re all getting old. As if any of us needed reminding, the fact that the Mazda MX-5 has reached the milestone of 30 years in production should bring the message home to us.

To celebrate, Mazda has released a 30th Anniversary Edition with startling Racing Orange paintwork.

In florid prose typical of Japanese car companies, the MX-5 30th “eclipses three decades of open-top driving fun; the anniversary model’s colour scheme was inspired by the breaking of dawn, signalling the beginning of a new era in the history of the world’s favourite sports car.”

The limited-edition model is one of 3,000 produced for global sale, and one of only 30 to be offered in Australia. Fervent MX-5 fans were quick to snap up the Australian allocation, with demand exceeding supply within a few hours of the on-sale announcement to loyal Mazda customers, so by the time you read this, if you haven’t already placed your order, you’re too late.

They sold out so fast Mazda could only get a shot in their carpark

The eye-catching roadster will make for a rare site on Australian roads, but Victorians will be the most likely to spot one, with 10 of the 30 purchased by fans in the south-east state.

Nine models are headed for New South Wales, four for Queensland, three for the Australian Capital Territory, two for South Australia and one for Tasmania.

Based on the manual 2.0L Roadster GT, the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition features forged alloy wheels (Rays ZE40 RS30) developed exclusively for the MX-5 in cooperation with Rays Co., Ltd. and inspired by those seen on MX-5 Global Cup Cars.

Peeking through the wheels, Racing Orange painted Brembo front callipers and rear Nissin callipers, plus a special anniversary badge, accentuate the MX-5’s exclusive exterior.

Inside, the sporty colour palette is carried through to orange piping and stitching on the Recaro seats, stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever, dash and door. Alcantra trim on the doors and dash is another unique touch to differentiate this special model.

The anniversary model’s arrival coincides with the rollout of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all Mazda MX-5 models, which are on sale now.

Of course, even though you’ve missed out on the 30th Anniversary edition, regular MX-5s, which are great fun in their own right, are still readily available.

Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition exclusive features:

  • Racing Orange body colour
  • RAYS forged alloys wheels (RAYS ZE40 RS30)
  • “30th Anniversary” build plate ornament (with serial number)
  • Colour scheme with orange accents
    (brake calipers, vent surround, seat piping and stitch, steering wheel stitching, door trim stitching, dashboard decoration panel stitching, and shift / handbrake parking lever stitching)
  • Alcantara material (door trim, dashboard decoration panel and seat centre)
  • RECARO seats
  • Bilstein dampers
  • Brembo front brake calipers (orange painted)
  • NISSIN rear brake calipers (orange painted)