Mazda MX-5 MK2 (NB)

The second-generation Mazda MX-5, known as the MK2 or NB, ran in the UK from 1998 to 2005. It built on the foundations of the MX-5 MK1: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, 50-50 weight distribution and double-wishbone coil-spring suspension. The MK2 also carried across the original’s reputation for mechanical simplicity, toughness and ease of maintenance, which makes the car such a strong choice for DIY enthusiasts.

The MK2 ran in two distinct eras: the original MK2 from 1998 to 2001, and the facelifted MK2.5 (also known as the NB-FL) from 2001 to 2005. As with the MK1, Mazda also released a long list of memorable MK2 special editions over its lifespan. Our Mazda MX-5 complete guide covers every MX-5 special edition in more detail.

Changes From the MK1

The most notable change was the loss of the MK1’s iconic pop-up headlights and fixed headlamps were used instead. Mazda dropped them primarily for safety reasons, but also for better aerodynamics, to lower the weight of the car, to reduce the number of moving parts, and to create more space in the engine bay.

Beyond the headlights, the car gained a slightly wider track and weighed around 100kg more than the MK1. Safety features were improved with revised front and rear crumple zones, fitted stronger sills and door beams for side impact protection, and added airbags. ABS was available on the 1.8iS trim level between 1998 and 2001, before becoming standard across the range with the 2001 facelift. The MK2 received a 4-star Euro NCAP rating.

Under the bonnet, Mazda introduced a new twin-cam four-cylinder engine with a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, and the 1.8-litre cars gained a variable-length intake system (VICS) which improves power delivery across rev ranges. Power-assisted steering was standard across all trim levels. Inside, the cabin was modernised with improved ergonomics, a heated rear windscreen and a remote boot opener.

MX-5 MK2 (NB) 1998-2001

The pre-facelift MK2 was available in seven colours: Brilliant Black, Classic Red, Emerald Mica (or Grace Green Mica), Evolution Orange Mica, Highlight Silver Metallic, Twilight Blue Mica and White. The standard interior was cloth fabric with a black vinyl dashboard and black carpet, centre console, glovebox lid and gear knob. All trims came with a soft top, with a hard top option available as an accessory.

The engines were broadly the same 1.6 and 1.8 units carried over from the MK1, now with the twin-cam head and (on the 1.8) the variable-length intake system.

Trim Levels and Engines

1.6i – The entry level trim for the MK2 range had a rigid restyled body, fixed headlamps, twin airbags, power-assisted steering, and a glass heated rear screen. A 4-speed automatic version of the 1.6i was available in Japan.

1.8i – In addition to the 1.6i spec, 1.8i had the 1.8-litre 140ps engine, electric front windows and an aeroboard spoiler.

1.8iS – The top level trim also had 15” alloy wheels, electric mirrors, steel scuff plates, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, ABS and most notably, a Torsen limited slip differential for superior traction performance.

The 10th Anniversary edition was the only version of the MK2 with a 6-speed manual transmission before the 2001 facelift. See our complete Mazda MX-5 guide to learn more about special editions.

Driving The Mazda MX-5 MK2: A T W White & Sons Review

A few years back we got the chance to put a real-world MX-5 MK2 through its paces. The test car was an X-reg example owned by Warranty Direct. The Mazda MX-5 was the only car to appear twice in Warranty Direct’s 15-year most reliable cars survey, so they bought a 12-year-old MK2 with 80,000 miles on the clock for just £1,900 to prove the point.

Under the bonnet, the 1.8-litre twin-cam four-cylinder still felt crisp and responsive. It is just the right amount of power; unlike modern turbocharged sports cars, you have to rev the MX-5 MK2 to get it moving, but that is part of the experience, and it is a sweet engine to rev out.

The short-throw five-speed shift draws you in, and before long you are making gear changes and hitting the throttle on the exit of corners instinctively. The steering is light but feeds back a strong sense of what the front tyres are doing, and the accuracy complements the car’s darting agility thanks to its little-more-than-a-tonne kerb weight.

That low weight also makes the ride incredibly smooth. With so little mass for the suspension to contend with, the dampers soak up severe bumps and gentle undulations with ease, even after twelve years and 80,000 miles. The result is a car that stays soft and compliant without losing its edge.

The driving experience shifts up a gear when you drop the roof. A strong heater means a warm hat is enough for cold conditions, and having sky above you as you blast the MX-5 down a back road transforms the car.

Trim Name Changes at the 2001 Facelift

From 1998 to 2001 the 1.8iS was the top of the MK2 range. When the MK2.5 arrived in 2001 it was renamed the 1.8 Sport. The other two trim levels kept their pre-2001 names. 

MX-5 MK2.5 (NB-FL) 2001-2005

The 2001 facelift brought updates to the design, safety, comfort and driving experience. The easiest way to tell a MK2 from a MK2.5 is the lights and bumpers: pre-facelift cars have a plain bumper and a two-cluster headlamp, while facelifted cars have sharper bumpers, additional fog light mounts (or blanks where fog lights weren’t fitted) and triple-lens, three-cluster headlights.

What Was Added with the MX-5 MK2.5?

Inside, Mazda redesigned the instrument cluster with white dials (they had previously been black), added a malfunction indicator lamp, and replaced the previous audio setup with a 2-DIN unit that supported combinations of CD player, CD changer, cassette deck and MD player. The centre console was enlarged for more storage and cup holders were added. A cloth soft top continued as standard, with a hard top available as an optional accessory across all trim levels.

Seat belts gained load limiters and pre-tensioners, the power door locks got a double locking system, and ABS plus electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) became standard on every model. Mazda also added traction control, a new engine control unit (ECU) and an immobiliser.

Convenience and comfort were improved with keyless entry, auto open on the driver side window, new seats with higher, more supportive upholstery, and (on 1.8 Sport trim) seat warmers.

One of the more significant changes was the introduction of S-VT (Mazda’s variable valve timing system) for 1.8-litre engines. This lifted the power from 140ps to 146ps.

Trim Levels and Engines

New colour options were introduced: Brilliant Black, Classic Red, Emerald Mica, Midnight Blue Mica, Pure White, Sunlight Silver Metallic, Garnet Red Mica, Black Cherry Mica and Strato Blue Mica. The MK2.5 ran with three trim levels: 1.6i, 1.8i and 1.8 Sport.

1.6i – Entry-level trim with 15” alloy wheels and optional metallic paint.

1.8i – In addition to the 1.6i, a wind-blocker with integral speakers was added, plus the 1.8-litre S-VT 146ps engine.

1.8 Sport – The top of the MK2.5 range, the 1.8 Sport gained 16” alloy wheels, body-coloured electric mirrors, a modular audio system, and Nardi leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, leather gear knob, and heated leather sports seats.

It also received important mechanical upgrades absent from the 1.6i and 1.8i. A Torsen limited slip differential was added to improve traction and smooth handling. Bilstein dampers were fitted to sharpen chassis response and reduce body roll. A front suspension tower brace was added to keep the steering feeling sharp on corners.

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