Remember that friend whose birthday was practically a national holiday? The one who believed the universe revolved solely around them, at least for 24 glorious hours? The <strong > Mazda MX5</strong> shares that insatiable thirst for attention, demanding to be driven, adored, and celebrated every single day.
First launched in 1989, the world’s best-selling roadster rapidly became a source of immense pride for Mazda.
The year was 1999. Mazda, riding high on the MX-5’s decade of dominance, unleashed the 10th Anniversary Edition – a pumped-up NB Miata, bursting with visual flair and enhanced mechanics. Forget the polite golf clap; this was a full-blown confetti cannon of automotive celebration.
Thirty-five years of wind-in-your-hair thrills. The MX-5 Miata’s birthday bash must have been legendary because Mazda’s been throwing an anniversary edition celebration every five years since its inception. This 35th Anniversary edition? The latest, and arguably most stylish, piece of the open-top puzzle.
Now, with age comes maturity, and that’s no different with the MX-5.
Forget the neon fanfare. The 35th Anniversary edition whispers luxury, not shouts it. Cloaked in an exclusive Artisan Red, it’s a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Picture this: bespoke wheels gliding under a creamy beige soft-top, the warm hues mirrored in plush beige carpets and custom floor mats. Sink into the embrace of tan Nappa leather, the scent of quality filling the air. And, because driving should be an experience, not just a commute, a manual transmission puts you in complete control.
Australia’s lucky 50 can now snag this exclusive model, starting at $51,140 (before on-road costs). Consider it a head-turning upgrade – a $2,350 leap beyond the Roadster GT manual, delivering exclusivity that few will experience.
Hold your horses! The 35th Anniversary edition? Vanished faster than a mirage. Consider yourself officially teased.
Dust off your detective hat: Is chasing a barely-used ND MX-5 in the pre-owned market a treasure hunt worth undertaking? Or, anniversaries aside, has Father Time finally caught up with the decade-old roadster, leaving it unfit for the roads of 2025?
How much does the Mazda MX-5 cost?
Ten years after the ND MX-5’s 2015 debut, a shadow has fallen: creeping price increases. That beloved roadster now costs 24% more than its original sticker price, a hard pill for enthusiasts to swallow.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Roadster manual | $42,140 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT manual | $48,790 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT automatic | $50,290 | |2026 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 35th Anniversary manual|$51,140| | 2026 Mazda MX-5 Roadster GT RS manual | $51,790 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF GT manual | $53,290 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF GT automatic | $54,790 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF GT Black Roof automatic | $55,810 | | 2026 Mazda MX-5 RF GT RS manual | $56,290 |
Marking 35 years of automotive legend, the Special Edition hits the road at $51,140 (before on-road costs). That’s a slim $650 saving compared to the top-tier soft-top, but a bolder $9,000 leap over the entry-level manual. The price of celebrating heritage!
However, all 50 examples of this special edition have already been accounted for.
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Mazda MX-5 like on the inside?
The 35th Anniversary makes up for a lack of mechanical upgrades with an interior that’s suitably special.
Mazda, defying expectations, has swathed its latest model in a sea of beige. Imagine: not just beige seats, but a symphony of beige – trim, carpets, the whole interior whispering understated luxury (or questionable taste, depending on your perspective). This isn’t just a car; it’s a beige statement.
Sink into the embrace of supple Nappa leather, now adorning the seats – a tactile celebration of craftsmanship. A subtle yet striking "35th Anniversary" emboss graces each headrest, a quiet testament to legacy. Below, plush anniversary floor mats offer a luxurious welcome. Beige stitching dances across the landscape of the interior, a delicate counterpoint to the deep black leather that wraps the steering wheel, manual shifter, and handbrake boot, creating a cockpit that’s both elegant and undeniably driver-focused.
Sunlight kisses the Artisan Red metallic door trims, igniting them in a flash of vibrant color. Matching vents echo the fiery exterior, a seamless dance of design that catches the eye.
However, the 35th Anniversary edition isn’t just another badge slapped on a familiar face. It dares to be different. Past MX-5s flirted with tan or whispered of maroon, but this limited edition throws open the doors to a richer, bolder interior palette.
Yet, stepping inside, you’d hardly know you’re piloting a rare bird. A few commemorative plaques – subtle reminders of its limited-edition pedigree – are conspicuously absent.
Beyond the celebratory trim and visual flair, the 35th Anniversary edition delivers the raw, unadulterated experience of the manual GT at its core.
The refreshed seats offer a blend of comfort and support, though they stop short of full-blown racing buckets. Think supportive, not sculpted; the forgiving bolsters and generous padding make long hauls a breeze. And when the weather bites, the three-stage seat heaters are still there to keep you cozy.
Instead of race-ready Recaros, Mazda swathed the 35th Anniversary edition in GT seats, hinting at a grand touring focus rather than outright performance. This decision suggests Mazda prioritized refined comfort over aggressive bolstering for their celebratory model.
The ND MX-5: a snug cockpit, even for giants. While broader builds now find a slightly friendlier fit behind the wheel, headroom remains the final frontier. Truth be told, this roadster has always been a haven for those of more compact dimensions. Tower over 6’3" and you’ll be intimately acquainted with the headliner – top up, that is. Prepare for a cozy, maybetoocozy, experience.
The MX-5’s cockpit is snug, a driver’s embrace. Legroom rarely cramps the pilot, but passengers beware! Riding shotgun can be a squeeze, especially if you’re leggier than a flamingo. The passenger footwell? Think economy class on a puddle jumper – narrow, shallow, and unforgiving to extended limbs.
While you can tweak the front seats and steering wheel, let’s be honest, the cabin’s dimensions offer a cozy experience that manual adjustments can only slightly alleviate.
Forget stashing road trip snacks or even a rogue pair of sunglasses. Storage in this MX-5 is practically nonexistent. Glovebox? Door pockets? Think again. The center console is a mirage. Your options dwindle to a sliver of space under the armrest – good for flat objects only – and a smartphone-sized tray precariously perched behind the shifter, hoping your device doesn’t eject mid-corner.
That beautiful gearstick? Almost unusable. The culprit? A tragically placed cupholder island between the seats. It begs the question: Why even offer a manual if every shift becomes a clumsy ballet of elbow jabs and phone-crunching theatrics?
Tucked discreetly between the seat backs, a lockable storage compartment awaits – a haven perfectly sized for service books and other bulky essentials. Consider it the most genuinely practical storage solution you’ll discover.
Forget practicality. The MX-5, especially the 35th Anniversary edition, is pure desire on wheels.
It’s not like the MX-5 is a complete pain in the arse to live with, either.
Stepping inside the cabin feels instantly familiar, yet refreshingly modern. The 2024 ND3 update didn’t just tweak the tech; it catapulted it forward. Thankfully, they kept the wonderfully tactile rotary dials for climate control – a welcome respite from screen-only madness. And speaking of screens, last year’s facelift bestowed upon us a proper touchscreen infotainment system, now stretching to a generous 10.25 inches, breathing new life into the dashboard.
While size isn’t everything, this system’s revamp delivers a cleaner, faster, and thoroughly modern experience. Ditch the cables and effortlessly stream your smartphone’s best – Waze, Google Maps, Spotify – via standard wireless mirroring. Prefer a hardwire connection? Dual USB-C ports have you covered.
But the MX-5’s charm goes beyond the drive. For three years, you’re plugged into Mazda Connected Services – a digital co-pilot accessible through the MyMazda app. Think of it as your car’s sixth sense, offering remote control and peace of mind. Lock your doors from afar, pinpoint your MX-5’s location in a crowded lot, or set geofencing boundaries for added security. And in case of an emergency, SOS emergency calling is at your fingertips. Mazda eCare keeps an eye on your car’s health, while stolen vehicle assistance acts as a silent guardian. It’s not just a car; it’s a connected experience.
Drop the top and crank it up! The 35th Anniversary edition boasts a premium, nine-speaker Bose sound system, transforming every drive into a personal concert under the open sky. Get ready to redefine your favorite road trip playlist.
The interior tech might boast modern enhancements, but the instrument cluster offers a refreshing counterpoint. It’s a delightful blend of old and new: classic analog gauges surrounding a small, customizable digital display. Some might call it outdated, but there’s an undeniable charm in watching the needle dance around the central tachometer – a visceral connection to the car’s performance that no digital screen can truly replicate.
The MX-5’s trunk? Let’s just say packing light isn’t a suggestion, it’s a necessity. While the trunk opening teases with ample width, the space inside is more of a shallow, oddly-shaped puzzle. Forget bulky luggage; think strategically Tetris-ed soft bags. With a mere 127 liters of cargo capacity, it’s dwarfed by practically every other car on the market. This isn’t a grand tourer; it’s a weekend escape artist, luggage limitations and all.
Past experience suggests a weekend escape only requires some soft luggage. However, ditch the hard suitcases and golf clubs, or you’ll be leaving something behind. Four soft bags can be squeezed back there, but space is definitely at a premium.
Forget impractical exotics. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are therealeveryday heroes of the sports car world. Need to grab groceries after carving canyons? The BRZ’s trunk holds 201 liters. The GR86 boasts even more, with 237 liters of cargo space. Weekend getaway on the horizon? Fold down those rear seats and suddenly you’ve got room for luggage, camping gear, or whatever adventure calls for. These aren’t just sports cars; they’repracticalsports cars.
| Dimensions | Mazda MX-5 Roadster | | — | — | | Length | 3915mm | | Width | 1735mm | | Height | 1230mm | | Wheelbase | 1505mm | | Cargo capacity | 130L |
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The 35th Anniversary edition keeps the spirit alive under the hood, delivering the same eager four-cylinder punch, channeled exclusively through a satisfyingly precise six-speed manual gearbox – a pure, unfiltered driving experience for purists.
| Specifications | Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L naturally aspirated 4cyl petrol | |Power| 135kW | |Torque| 205Nm | |Transmission| 6-speed manual | |Drive type| Rear-wheel drive | |Weight| 1070kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 6.5 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 6.8L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 6.9L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 45L | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |CO2 emissions| N/A | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 |
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Mazda MX-5 drive?
The 35th Anniversary drives no different to any other soft-top, manual MX-5, and that’s no bad thing.
Forget breakneck speeds and law-bending antics. The MX-5 is your ticket to pure, unadulterated driving joy within the confines of the posted limit. It’s about savoring every curve, feeling the wind, and rediscovering the thrill of the open road, all without a single point on your license.
This engine’s a charmer, eager to please without being reckless. It’s got spirit, urging you onward, but never egging you into the danger zone. But go ahead, give it the boot! The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre heart sings its sweetest song when you push it, soaring to a glorious crescendo at a thrilling 7000rpm.
The MX-5 begs for a bolder voice. Where’s the raspy snarl of a Honda, the turbocharged bark of an Abarth? Mazda, you’ve built a dancer, now give it a song! The silence is deafening, a missed opportunity to amplify the thrill. Imagine a soundtrack as exhilarating as the drive itself…
Mazda’s manual transmission? A masterpiece. Each gate clicks into place with satisfying precision. The shifter? Light as a feather, dancing in your hand. The clutch? Forgiving, though its high bite point demands a moment of acclimatization. Once mastered, however, the gearbox transforms into an extension of your will, a joyful partner in every gear change.
Similarly, the stop and go pedals are easy to modulate.
The ND MX-5 broke tradition, embracing electric power-assisted steering for the first time. While Mazda refined the EPAS system over time, seasoned drivers often lament the diminished road feel compared to the more intimate hydraulic steering of the NC generation.
Yet, that slight compromise is obliterated by the car’s electrifying agility. It dances to your every whim, pivoting with an eagerness that’s pure delight – a responsiveness that transforms every drive into a thrilling ballet.
Caged or unleashed? With the roof up, a go-kart spirit whispers. Drop the top, and it screams. Thankfully, transforming from one to the other is ludicrously easy – a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair that demands little more than a shrug.
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Forget navigating aircraft carriers down country lanes. Today’s sports cars are bloated behemoths, a far cry from the nimble roadsters of yore. Except, thankfully, for one glorious rebel: the Mazda MX-5. While others bulk up, the MX-5shrank. This act of defiance isn’t just quirky; it’s pure genius. It transforms tight, twisting roads into your personal playground, letting you dance with the car’s limits without ever flirting with the center line. The MX-5 is a reminder that sometimes, less truly is more. More fun, more connection, more exhilarating smiles per mile.
"That razor-sharp front end grants delightful freedom, because let’s be honest, while undeniably crisp, the MX-5 isn’t exactly a track weapon masquerading as a street car."
Forget tame. This nimble beast waltzes into corners with a cheeky body roll, then, egged on, pirouettes into a controllable oversteer. Translation: Prepare for giggle-inducing fun on winding backroads.
The MX-5’s forgiving suspension doesn’t just soften bumps; it whispers away road imperfections. Where rivals like the GR86 and BRZ transmit every pebble and crack, the MX-5 floats, offering a ride that’s surprisingly plush – a stark contrast to the bone-jarring experience often found in more aggressive, track-bred machines.
Forget the speed bump anxiety! I spent a week navigating a concrete jungle, throwing everything from aggressive inclines to nasty speed bumps at it, and guess what? Not a single scrape. Consider your driveway conquered.
However, sustained highway speeds transform the MX-5’s cozy cabin into a surprisingly noisy environment. While not ideal for cross-country hauls, every modern MX-5 offers cruise control, a welcome addition that mitigates some of the tedium associated with longer journeys.
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
Dressed in a one-of-a-kind Artisan Red, this 35th Anniversary edition turns heads. Imagine cruising with the top down – a luxurious beige soft-top complementing bespoke wheels. Sink into tan Nappa leather, your feet nestled in plush beige carpets. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement.
2026 MX-5 Roadster equipment highlights:
- 17-inch black metallic alloy wheels – black metallic
- Cloth soft-top
- LED daytime running lights
- Automatic LED headlights
- Piano black mirror caps
- Power-adjustable mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Climate control
- Black cloth and suede upholstery
- Soft-touch ‘Maztex’ centre console and armrests
- Body-coloured inner door trim (previously GT and above)
- 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 6-speaker sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite navigation
The MX-5 GT adds:
- 17-inch machined alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Body-colour mirror caps
- Heated mirrors
- Black leather seat trim
- Heated seats
- Bose 9-speaker premium sound system with 203-watt amplifier
- Keyless entry
The new MX-5 35th Anniversary adds:
- Bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels
- Exclusive Artisan Red premium metallic paint
- Beige soft-top roof
- Tan Nappa leather upholstery
- Beige carpet and floormats
- 35th Anniversary headrests
- DSC-TRACK mode (stability control calibration)
The MX-5 RF GT Black Roof adds (over the GT):
- Black retractable roof
- Tan Nappa leather
The MX-5 GT RS adds (over the GT):
- 17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels
- Bilstein suspension dampers
- Brembo front brakes
- Suspension front tower brace bar
- Power mirrors – piano black, heated
- DSC-TRACK mode (stability control calibration)
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Mazda MX-5 safe?
The Mazda MX-5 is currently unrated by ANCAP, as the ND-generation’s five-star ANCAP safety rating expired on January 1, 2024.
Before its latest upgrades, this sports car boasted a five-star ANCAP safety rating earned in 2016. Under the then-current testing, the Japanese speedster achieved an impressive 35.20 out of 37, proving its mettle even by older safety standards.
Standard saefty features include:
- 4 airbags
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward, reverse
- Pedestrian detection – front
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Hill-start assist
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Seatbelt warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Mazda MX-5 cost to run?
The MX-5 is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years of roadside assistance.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda MX-5 | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| 5 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| Up to 7 years | |Average annual service cost| $556.86 | |Total capped-price service cost| $3898 |
To see how the Mazda MX-5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary
If you can somehow get your hands on a 35th Anniversary, it’s definitely worth the price of admission.
The MX-5: an anomaly in today’s car market. Now, imagine it splashed with a throwback palette and dripping with exclusivity. This limited edition isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, a nostalgic wink, and it’s yours for a mere $2350 premium over the GT. Prepare to turn heads and ignite envy.
Having said that, I wish Mazda went a little further with this milestone model.
Imagine this: the road unfurls before you, an asphalt ribbon promising pure driving bliss. But you’re waiting, aren’t you? Waiting for the next evolution, the fifth chapter of the MX-5 legend. What if, while you wait, you could inject your current ride with a shot of adrenaline? A 35th Anniversary edition: Picture a snarling exhaust note echoing through canyon walls, a suspension that carves corners like a hot knife through butter, Recaro seats hugging you tight, and an engine that roars with newfound life thanks to a perfectly tuned remap. Stop dreaming. Start driving.
They could have slapped a $60,000 price tag on it, and I bet buyers, starved for a taste of affordable, open-air thrills, would’ve lined up to pay it.
The 35th Anniversary edition? A ghost of a chance. Down Under sold out in a heartbeat. But don’t mourn what you can’t have. The regular MX-5 still packs a punch. After my recent spin, I’m convinced: snag a manual soft-top. 2025 is your year for open-road bliss.
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