Mazda MX-5 MK1 (NA)

The first-generation Mazda MX-5, also known as the Mazda MX-5 MK1 or NA, ran in the UK from 1990 to 1997 and is widely considered a modern classic. Light, low to the ground and built around a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, the MK1 was designed to deliver the kind of immediate, exhilarating drive that British sports cars had largely abandoned by the late 1980s. The weighted gearknob gives a positive shift that defines the cabin experience, and the chassis is brilliantly engineered: the car’s modest weight means the springs and dampers aren’t loaded too hard, so the ride stays smooth and compliant yet taut and controlled. Power-assisted steering was fitted to early MK1 models, although not all post-1994 models were fitted with power-assisted steering as different trim levels were released.

Mazda also released a collection of memorable special editions over its UK lifespan, from the Le Mans limited edition through to the UK Launch special edition. Our Mazda MX-5 complete guide covers every single special edition in more detail.

Origins and history of the MX-5 MK1 

The concept of the MX-5 started as an internal competition between two Mazda design teams, one in Tokyo and one in California, to fill the gap left by the disappearance of affordable British sports cars like the Triumph Spitfire and Lotus Elan. The Californian team won, with a design built around a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout that would become the car’s defining characteristic.

To develop the prototype, codenamed V705, Mazda turned to West Sussex-based International Automotive Design. The British firm shaped the exterior and interior style and built local prototypes ahead of mass production in 1989. The MX-5 name itself is a condensed form of Mazda Experiment, Project 5.

The car made its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, launching in the US and Canada as a soft-top weighing just 980kg. UK sales followed in 1990.

MX-5 MK1 at Launch

The UK Launch MX-5 MK1 was a single-spec car, offered in four colours: Crystal White, Silver Stone Metallic, Classic Red and Mariner Blue. It weighed in at just under 1,000kg and sat on 14-inch steel wheels, with retractable halogen headlights giving the car its instantly recognisable face.

Key Features

Inside, it launched with high-back reclining bucket seats finished in black cloth, a Momo leather steering wheel and power-assisted steering as standard. Other standard equipment included interior lights, sun visors, door-mounted speakers, a detachable stereo radio cassette player and heating.

Engine

Between 1990 and 1994, the only engine offered on standard MK1 models (special editions aside) was a 1.6-litre four-cylinder paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

MX-5 MK1 1994-1997

In 1994 the MX-5 received significant upgrades, with a new 1.8-litre engine joining the range, and the trim structure expanding to three levels: 1.6i, 1.8i and 1.8iS. The 1.8-litre is the punchier of the two engines, with a slightly lower fuel economy.

New colour options were added: Chaste White, Brilliant Black, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic and Silver Stone Metallic (the latter not available on the 1.6i). The interior standard was still black cloth, but leather became an option in light grey, taupe, black, anthracite, mist and tan.

Power-assisted steering was no longer standard across the UK range. The 1.6-litre engine was detuned from 116ps to 89ps to drop the car into a more affordable insurance bracket for younger drivers.

Trim Levels and Engines

1.6i – The entry point to the post-1994 range, the 1.6i added an immobiliser, side impact door beams and a high-level brake light.

1.8i – A step up from the 1.6i, the 1.8i came with the new 1.8-litre 130ps engine, a suspension brace bar and performance rods, plus a remote boot opener. Late 1.8i cars (from 1997) gained power-assisted steering.

1.8iS – The top trim level between 1994-1997, the 1.8iS came in slightly heavier than the 1.8i. It had power-assisted steering, ABS, electric mirrors, 14-inch alloy wheels, a driver’s side full-size SRS airbag, leather steering wheel, power front windows and stainless steel scuff plates and door speaker trim.

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