Description

Model History 

The latest in the Mazda MX5 (Miata) family, the MX5 ND continues the formula of ‘Jinba Ittai’ (rider and horse as one) the first MX5 started back in 1989 – serving as the latest iteration of Mazda’s lightweight, rear wheel drive compact roadster concept. Compared to its predecessor, the NC, the ND generation is 105 mm shorter and 100 kg lighter, weighing in at a total of just 1,000 kg. Both 1.5L and 2.0L naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder engine (incorporating Mazda’s SKYACTIV direct fuel injection technology) paired to either a 6-Speed manual or automatic transmission are the sole powertrain options. The ND generation is also the first MX5 to feature an electric power steering system, compared to previous models that had traditional hydraulic power steering. As with previous MX5s, the ND has received high praise within the automotive press: winning many Car of the Year awards from various magazines upon its debut in 2016 – once again, reiterating that if you are looking for a modern-day, lightweight compact roadster, ‘Miata is always the answer.’

History File 

Featured here is a 2016 Mazda MX5 Roadster (ND), finished in Jet Black Mica with a Black interior – originally sold for the Japanese market. The current owner personally imported it to Hong Kong directly from an auction in Japan in 2021 and would like to highlight this MX5 is a prime, high quality example – being that it is Japan market spec and has been well looked after since new. According to the original Japan auction sheet, this car was given a ‘5’ overall grade, with the interior graded as ‘A’. In other words, this car in general is slightly used but in excellent condition (with less than 50,000 km of mileage) and some minor scratches on the exterior; the interior is just like new. This MX5 also came with a few modifications as is from the auction – including a K&N air filter, a Kakimoto Regu 06&R cat back exhaust, and a TEIN suspension kit. Since its arrival in Hong Kong, the current owner has made no further modifications to this car. They have used it primarily as a weekend car every other week – adding roughly 5,000 km to the total mileage. A service was performed on 15th April, 2022: consisting of a regular oil change (including change of oil filter) and transmission fluid replacement. With no previous owners in Hong Kong since the current owner imported it, this MX5 has a current mileage of 40,607 km and its road license is valid until 15th August, 2022. 

Exterior 

Upon visual inspection, we were pleased to find that the exterior of this MX5 was meticulously looked after during its life in Japan and Hong Kong – the Jet Black Mica paint finish is just like new with no scratches, dents, or imperfections to report of. While the auction sheet reported some small scratches on the front, rear bumper and side skirts – based on the grades they received (A), they are only the size of a thumb and hardly visible; they can easily be rectified with a touch up. The front grille is fully intact with no damage on its trim pieces. All of the badges – from the Mazda emblem to the ‘Roadster’ badge on the rear are in excellent condition. Both front and rear lights are fully operational without any issues. Both doors, the front hood and rear trunk lid open and close without any faults. All four original alloy wheels have no kerb rash or patina visible on their grey finish. The manually operated soft top roof opens and closes without any resistance and locks into place on the windshield without issues – the roof itself is fully intact on all of its surfaces. The exhaust tip is in excellent condition with no surface patina on its tricolour outlines. 

Interior and Trim 

A look inside and a  compact, minimalist interior greets the occupants. Kept to the basic, essential functions, it’s clear that this MX5 is focused on the driving experience  as previous generations have done. Both black cloth seats hug the occupants tightly and have no wear or tear on any of their bolstering. The dashboard and trim are all fully intact with no scratches or imperfections on their surfaces. The side door panels are free of any damage – as are the plastic side door sills and rubber trim. The leather steering wheel has no wear on its surface and all of its buttons work normally. The carbon fibre gear knob and shift boot are in excellent condition with no wear on any of them. All of the switchgear and controls – from the audio system knobs to the side stalks feel solid to touch and none have been worn down significantly. The aftermarket tire pressure warning system (installed on the centre of the dashboard) works as well with no missing pixels on its LCD screen. All of the interior electrics function as they should: from the air conditioning to the radio/CD player – even the ETC toll card reader (while not needed outside of Japan) works when the power is switched on! 

Engine and Running Gear 

Press the keyless engine start button and the 1.5L inline-four cylinder engine starts up with a clear and energetic exhaust note – thanks to the addition of the Kakimoto Regu 06&R cat-back exhaust. The engine bay itself is in excellent condition with no visible patina on any of the components. The gearbox is very accurate, as expected of a MX5, making each change of the gear a fun and engaging experience. The steering has plenty of feedback and thanks to this roadster’s low centre of gravity and curb weight, this MX5 feels confident to push hard and remains planted to the ground through the corners – aided especially by the TEIN suspension installed on this example. The brakes are responsive to use and provide plenty of feedback for the driver. The Mazda MX5, now in its fourth generation, remains the recommended choice for those seeking a lightweight, agile, reliable sports car. This clean, Japan market-spec example with a few functional  modifications to improve its already perfect driving dynamics will satisfy anyone looking for those criteria – available here exclusively at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)