Mazda · 2005–2015

Mazda MX-5 (NC)

The Mazda MX-5 (NC) is the third generation of the Mazda MX-5 manufactured from 2005 to 2015. At its introduction in 2005, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award and made Car and Driver's 10Best list from 2006 to 2013. The NC is the first MX-5 generation to offer a retractable hardtop variant, with its roof able to fold or deploy in 12 seconds without reducing trunk space.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Mazda MX-5 (NB) · Successor: Mazda MX-5 (ND)

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2005—2008 (NC1)

Yasushi Nakamuta designed the exterior of the NC, reusing no components of the NB, except for the fender-mounted turn signal lights on non-U.S. models, and rear differential internals. The chief designer of this model generation was Moray Callum. The 2003 Mazda Ibuki concept served as a preview of the new model. The suspension changed from a four-wheel double wishbone setup to a front wishbone/rear multilink setup, shared with the Mazda RX-8. NC models had traction control and stability control. According to Car and Driver, the NC has a skidpad number of 0.90g. For the U.S., the engine was the 16-valve, 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR LF-VE DOHC I4, producing 124 kW (166 hp) and 190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) of torque coupled to either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual transmission, or 118 kW (158 hp) with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission. A limited-slip differential was available with the 6-speed manual option. In Australia, the 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR was offered, rated at 118 kW (158 bhp) and 188 N⋅m (139 lbf⋅ft) of torque and the 6-speed manual transmission and LSD are standard. In Europe, two engines were offered: the 2.0 L (120 cu in) MZR LF-VE rated at 118 kW (158 bhp) and 188 N⋅m (139 lbf⋅ft) of torque, coupled to the 6-speed manual transmission; and a new 1.8 L (110 cu in) MZR L8-VE, rated at 94 kW (126 bhp) and 167 N⋅m (123 lbf⋅ft), coupled to the 5-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, was optional. A test by Car and Driver magazine revealed a 0-97 km/h (60 mph) time of 6.5 s for the 2.0 L (120 cu in) U.S.-spec NC. Manufacturer figures for the European-spec model are: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.4 s for the 1.8 and 7.9 s for the 2.0. As of this generation, the car no longer complies with Japanese law's maximu

2009 facelift (NC2)

The MX-5 facelift was presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and Science Museum in London, and later at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The Japanese model went on sale on December 9, 2008, at Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers. Revisions included a restyled front incorporating elements from Mazda's newer models like the larger grille and new head and fog lights. Further restyled elements include the side skirts, rear bumper and the tail lights. The soft-top Touring and Grand Touring models had a mesh grille bordered by a chrome frame. The hardtop PRHT Roadster Coupe had a mesh grille bordered by a chrome frame and chrome elements inside the headlamps and outer door handles. The instrument panel had darker features and redesigned graphics for the gauges. To create more leg space in the cabin, a protrusion from the door pockets was eliminated. The 2.0 L; 122.0 cu in (1,999 cc) I4 engine was rated 125 kW (167 bhp) at 7,000 rpm and 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm for the 5-speed manual transmission, 118 kW (158 bhp) at 6,700 rpm with the fuel cut-off at 7,200 rpm and 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm for the automatic transmission. Engine redline was raised by 500 rpm to 7,200 rpm in manual model and fuel cut at 7,500 rpm. The suspension and gearbox have been fine-tuned; with the latter offering smoother shifts and an automatic transmission will be introduced in Europe for the first time. Special editions (2009—2012). MX-5 Superlight version (2009) The MX-5 Superlight is a concept car commemorating the 20th anniversary of MX-5 production, designed at Mazda's studio in Frankfurt, Germany. It is made of lightweight materials to improve performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions and does not include a windshield. It was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehic

2012 update (NC3)

In July 2012, for the 2013 model year, Mazda began using coordinated black and silver features to the respective soft-top and power retractable hardtop cars, a larger front bumper grille opening as well as a revised fog lamp design and new lip spoiler, a new luxury tan color interior option, Active Bonnet for pedestrian protection, a re-designed front bumper that reduced weight, and new 17-inch aluminum wheels. While no modifications were done to the powerplant, Mazda did retune the ECU on the manual transmission MX-5 to provide a more linear throttle response. Braking performance has also been altered, with the brake booster being modified to better modulate braking performance on the roadster. U.S. market Touring trim was replaced by Club trim with addition of black headlamps, black side mirror covers, 17x7-inch gun metal black alloy wheels, Bilstein dampers, limited-slip differential, body color dash trim, red stitched black cloth seats, MX-5 decals, and more pronounced front and rear aerodynamic splitters. Colors for the new Club trim were limited to True Red, Brilliant Black, Crystal White Pearl, and Liquid Silver Metallic. There are only two choices for tops: black cloth top or black PRHT. The suspension tuning, dampers and differential from the Club trim could be optioned on the Grand Touring trim as the available Suspension Package. The Japanese market model went on sale in Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers. Special editions (2013—2014). BBR Mazda MX-5 GT270 (2013) Brodie Brittain Racing (BBR) of Brackley, England, is providing a limited-edition run of 100 cars modified with an intercooled turbocharger, remapped ECU, and suspension upgrades. Available for the 2.0-liter Sport Tech Roadster Coupe models, this package increases power output to 200 kW (268 bhp). The to

Motorsport

In August 2019 in the United States, Mazda Motorsports and Winding Road Racing announced Spec MX-5, a racing class structure based around the MX-5 NC that is designed to be an affordable, tech-able, reliable and fun-to-drive option for club racers. Race cars in the division will have Roush Performance cylinder heads, Penske Racing shocks, Eibach springs and sway bars, Pagid brake pads, Toyo tires, and more, and will have a curb weight of 2,500 lb (1,100 kg). Spec MX-5 will have select events starting in 2020.

Reception

The third generation MX-5 was met with positive reviews. Jeremy Clarkson, in his "Driving" column of The Sunday Times, wrote that the MX-5 "represents better value for money than any other car on sale in Britain today." He went on to say: "You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I'm giving it five stars is because I can't give it 14." Sam Philip of Top Gear magazine gave the car a score of seven out of 10, saying that "if it’s rear-drive retro you need, the Mazda would like to remind you it’s still got its groove on…" Jack Baruth of Road & Track praised the value of late-model MX-5 NCs for their reliability and affordability compared to NA and NB models.

Accolades

2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan Award. Car and Driver's 10Best list from 2006 to 2013. 2006 World Car of the Year Awards: "World Car of the Year" Finalist. 2012 Autocar Indonesia Reader's Choice Award, Favorite Convertible. What Car? Magazine 2014 Used Car of the Year - Best Fun Car. == References ==

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Mazda MX-5 (NC)

Manufacturer

Mazda

aka

Mazda Roadster (Japan), Mazda MX-5 Miata (U.S.)

Production

2005–2015

Model years

2006–2015 (North America)

Assembly

Japan: Hiroshima (Ujina Plant No. 1)

Designer

Yasushi Nakamuta (2003), Moray Callum

Class

Roadster, sports car (S)

Body style

2-door convertible, 2-door folding hardtop roadster

Layout

Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Related

Mazda Ibuki, Mazda RX-8, Mitsuoka Himiko

Engine

1.8 L MZR L8-DE DOHC I4 (Europe), 2.0 L MZR LF-VE DOHC I4

Transmission

5-speed manual, 6-speed Aisin AZ6 manual, 6-speed SJ6A-EL Activematic automatic

Kerb weight

1110 kg (soft-top), 1153 kg (PRHT)

Wheelbase

2330 mm

Length

4000 mm (soft-top), 4020 mm (PRHT)

Width

1720 mm

Height

1240 mm (soft-top), 1255 mm (PRHT)

Predecessor

Mazda MX-5 (NB)

Successor

Mazda MX-5 (ND)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55622563CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5_(NC)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1371628088 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2005-2009_Mazda_MX-5_(NC_Series_1)_hardtop_03.jpgPublic domain · Photo: OSX · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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