It was only a matter of time, but Mazda has formally announced that by next year, the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup will move over to the more powerful 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G motor.

Last week, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country gave a sneak peek of the 2019 MX-5, Mazda6, and CX-9. Collectively known as the “2019 Mazda Collection” they were finally shown to the public at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

Mazda has always espoused a lasting bond between man and machine, and while it sounds more like a marketing tagline, things just got real—way real at the Philippine International Motor Show.

At a gathering of its 6 recognized car clubs, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country showcased its newest “Mazda Collection.” This year, the collection consists of the 2019 Mazda6, MX-5, and CX-9 models. These three will take centerstage at Mazda’s display at the Philippine International Motor Show or PIMS running from October 24 to 28, 2018.

Mazda’s parts re-supply program for the first-generation MX-5 is now firing on all cylinders. After initially limiting it to big ticket items such as the 14-inch tires, canvas top, and the Nardi wooden steering wheel and shift knob, the Japanese carmaker has now expanded the available parts for the 29-year old “NA” roadster.

In August 2017, Mazda joined the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Porsche in offering a restoration program for their iconic models. Naturally, the first model to benefit from this is the first-generation Roadster (aka MX-5 or Miata).

Serendipitous circumstances would mean that it’s only now that we get to sample the Mazda MX-5 in its purest form: the one equipped with a manual transmission. While some may say that the era of driving with three pedals is almost over, Mazda begs to differ. As great as the new “ND” is with the 6-speed automatic, it becomes alive when equipped with a manual. Spending a week driving around in this Snowflake White MX-5 MT, there are 7 random thoughts that popped into our heads.

Mazda has finally confirmed that their more powerful, higher-revving MX-5 won’t be a Japanese only offering. It’s going to be made available for overseas markets as early as the September of this year.

Mazda, why you do this to us? Just a few days after Mazda Philippines announced the availability of the limited edition Dark Cherry soft top, Japan just had to one us and come up with a revised MX-5 which, among others, is now available with a brown-colored top which the company calls “Caramel.” Cute.

True to form, Mazda is using its Bundled Product Planning to add a host of dynamic improvements and upgraded safety appointments to its best-selling MX-5 sportscar for 2018.

The 2018 season of the Miata Cup takes off this April as members of the Miata Club Philippines race for championship points in the five different classes of the series. The first two rounds of the season were held at the Clark International Speedway.

Mazda is about to give the world a more powerful MX-5 and it’s coming real soon. According to a set of leaked documents courtesy of Road & Track and Mazda Canada (via Autoblog), Mazda is about to offer a sizeable 26 horsepower bump on the world’s best-selling roadster.

Mazda is finally accepting original MX-5 (NA) for restoration work in Japan. But there’s a very interesting catch: your car has to be worthy.

Quick: what’s the most raced brand America’s grassroots racing scene? If you’re thinking Toyota, Nissan, or Subaru, then you’re wrong. It’s Mazda. According to 2015 figures of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Mazda is the preferred brand by grassroots racers a whopping 55 percent of the time (it’s closer to 60 percent now); and at the cornerstone of all that is the MX-5.

Who says people with disabilities can’t enjoy driving? Mazda is bringing its “fun-to-drive” philosophy even to those who’re bound to a wheelchair. Launched for the Japanese market today, this special MX-5 is specifically targeted to users who have difficulty using their feet.

A few weeks back, I happened to experience what I thought was one of the best balanced sportscars in the world: the Porsche 718 Boxster. At the time, I thought Stuttgart’s effort would be hard to beat. That was, until I snuggled into the driver’s seat of a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. Now, I can unequivocally say that if I were in the market for an open-top two-seater sportscar (and had all the budget in the world), I would choose the Mazda.

As Mazda zooms in on its centennial year in 2020, the Hiroshima-based automaker announced a classic car program last year. Today, they have announced the first model to benefit from this program: the MX-5 NA.

The 2017 Mazda Miata Cup takes off with another exciting season as 17 MX-5s of all four generations race in this year’s first two rounds held at the 4.2-kilometer Clark International Speedway last May 12th.   Organized by the Miata Club Philippines and run exclusively by its members, the series showcases the club’s special fascination for motor sports and serves as a venue for MX-5 owners to truly experience the true nature of their cars.

People agree that the new Mazda MX-5 RF is a sexy looking machine. But now, designers and critics can both agree as this sleek retractable hardtop has just been conveyed with The 2017 Red Dot Award: Best of the Best Award in Production Design. This isn’t the first time the fourth-generation ND model has been bestowed with the honor as the soft top version scooped it up in 2015. This makes the MX-5 an award winner in product design in both hard- and soft top flavors.

Who isn’t a fan of the Mazda MX-5 RF? We know we are. So it was a rare treat for us to be able to meet, greet, and sit down with Mr. Masahashi Nakayama, the former Chief Designer of the MX-5 ND and currently MX-5 Program Head, right here in Manila. We admit – we were tongue-tied and starstruck, simply from being able to shake the hand of the man who designed such an extraordinary vehicle. However, it was more interesting to listen to the insights behind the design and how Mazda stayed true to the philosophy of jinba-ittai in its quest for the perfect sports car.

Twenty years ago, the first MX-5 roadster hit the streets and grew an incredible fan base. The Miata was the epitome of jinba-ittai – without even starting the engine, the connection it evoked between the driver and the car can be felt immediately. The cocoon-like interior and elegantly curved bucket seat is snug and comfortable, with the wheel and controls positioned within ergonomic angles. What is often ignored, though, is the fact that these unique details extend to the passenger, as well. As a companion, you are treated to almost the same experience, sans the driving.

The MX-5 RF is the version of the bestselling roadster that features a retractable hardtop and fastback styling. Hence, “RF.” But what exactly inspired Mazda to design a hardtop when soft tops are most iconic for convertible sports cars, even until today? According to Nakayama-san, it was a requirement that came with the times.


Over the years, the following for the MX-5 grew. But as with any product, the consumer base plateaued, especially with the evolution of automotive standards. Security is one of them. The answer to this challenge is the RF – a more protective targa hardtop, but with a 2-way retractable mechanism that cleanly tucks away to maintain overall weight balance and keep the well-loved top-down Miata design uncompromised. Interestingly enough, the design of the MX-5 RF was also improved. Its center of gravity was adjusted to be right where the driver is seated, resulting in equal distance between the driver to the front and back wheels. This keeps the driver secure and in control at all times.

We’re not surprised. As Mazda Philippines CEO, Steven Tan quipped, “The goal is to create a more perfect car with every generation.” More perfect, but consistent in its foundation of making the car feel like a natural extension of the driver’s body.

Following this train of thought, the MX-5 RF is already the fourth generation of the Miata line and has addressed challenges without sacrificing design. We couldn’t help but wonder – what’s next for the iconic Japanese roadster, given the demands in global automotive safety standards and the rising popularity of SUVs? The answer from Nakayama-san was simple and engaging.


The MX-5 was built on three principles that has been consistent through the years – first, its short-wheel base, which makes the sports car light and easy to maneuver on city streets, yet stable enough for that coveted burst of speed. Second, the MX-5 features a lightweight structure, regardless of whether it has a soft top or a hardtop installed as roofing. And third, it maintains enough trunk space for the carry-on of two people (because, of course, a roadster is meant for a sweet ride out of town). These three principles allowed Mazda to deliver the expectations of Miata fans through the ages, without compromising function and practicality.

And so Nakayama-san threw the question back. What do we think should be next? How else can the Roadster be improved? Remember – what made the Miata one of the most iconic, coveted, fun-driving sports car for decades, is its foundation of delivering a perfect unity between man and machine, and in evoking a sense of awe with every drive. In this regard, it makes sense that it is only with the insight of a new generation of customers that Mazda can create an even more perfect Roadster. And it is also this openness to engage that reassures us MX-5 fans that the well-loved convertible is here to stay and it can only get better.

Words and Photos by Gen Tiu.