AutomotiveAffairs's video: The History of the Mazda MX-5 - Part 4 ND Miata Featuring: Demi Chalkias Automotive Affairs

And now... we reach to the part of the current generation model of the Mazda MX-5. The video is presented by racing driver, Demi Chalkias. The detailed description below is written by Nauman Farooq: New car models are introduced every year, but very few go on to achieve cult like status! Thirty years ago, just such a car entered the marketplace, and it was called the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The idea for the MX-5 was actually given to Mazda by an American automotive journalist by the name of Bob Hall, who wrote for Motor Trend magazine. Hall, who spoke fluent Japanese, was having a discussion with Kenichi Yamamoto and Gai Arai, who headed the research and development department at Mazda. Yamamoto and Arai asked Hall, what kind of car Mazda should make in the future? Hall replied, a fun-to-drive roadster, just like the ones that the British auto manufacturers have been offering since the 1950’s, but with a big difference – make it reliable. Car companies are given “bright ideas” by auto journalists on a regular basis, but hardly anything is remembered by the following day, but Yamamoto and Arai took Hall’s advice seriously, and in 1982 work started on this concept. Seven years later, at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the world was introduced to the first production ready version of the Mazda MX-5 (NA) Miata, and it combined stunning looks with reliability, and the promise of topless fun in the summer – all for just under $20,000. The MX-5 was an overnight success, and has since gone on to become the most successful two-seat convertible ever made – with over one-million units having rolled off the production line since 1989. 2019 marks a very important year for the MX-5, as it is its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Mazda came up with the car you’re seeing on this page here, the 30th Anniversary Edition of the MX-5. Only 3,000 units of this special edition were made for the global market, with 165 examples coming to Canada – essentially, one per Mazda dealer. So, does the 30th Anniversary Edition of the MX-5 possess some special specification, or is it a simple appearance package? Let’s find out! Styling: The styling of the fourth-gen MX-5 (also known as the, ND Miata) has not changed since this model was introduced back in 2015. For the 30th Anniversary Edition, you can choose between two body styles – the soft-top convertible, or the folding hard-top targa model called the RF – but you don’t get a choice with colors, as they all come in this awesome Racing Orange paint. You also get unique 17-inch alloy wheels by Rays, which have been given a dark finish, with the words “30th Anniversary” etched in them. All Anniversary Edition models also get orange brake calipers, and piano black rearview mirror caps, plus a numbered badge showing just what number your car is out of the 3,000 units built. While this Anniversary Edition doesn’t sport any unique skirts and spoilers, the subtle changes thanks to the color and wheels makes it instantly recognizable as a 30th Anniversary model. I really liked the way it looked, and judging from onlookers, so did just about everyone else, this car got a lot of positive comments from the public. Interior: Step inside and you’re greeted by exclusive Recaro sport seats that are finished in Nappa leather and alcantara, featuring orange stitching and piping – you won’t find this exact seat in any other MX-5. You’ll also find alcantara on the door trim and lower instrument panel, plus orange accents on the air vents. Wait, there more! You also get a leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking brake – with orange stitching. Otherwise, the interior is the same in the Anniversary Edition as it is in other ND Miata, which means a cozy cabin for two, and a useful infotainment system that features just about everything you’d want from such a unit, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. For a little roadster, the MX-5 gives you more than most would expect – I like that! Powertrain: Only one engine is offered on the 2019 MX-5 (at least, in North America), and that’s the one you’ll find on the 30th Anniversary Edition. It’s a 2.0L inline-four cylinder unit that produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to just the rear wheels via either a six-speed automatic gearbox, or a six-speed manual gearbox – as fitted to my tester. Link to full article: https://weeklyvoice.com/2019-mazda-mx-5-30th-anniversary-edition-an-automotive-icon/ Hope you enjoyed this video - please subscribe to our YouTube channel, and also find us on Facebook and Instagram - thank you!