The 1st Generation Mazda MX-5 (NA)

The very first 'pre-production' models were sold in 1988 and only 12 units were available to buy. 1989 saw the official launch dates and international demand initially outstripped production due to enthusiastic press reviews

In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda as the company was experimenting with the creation of different marques which meant the Mazda MX-5 was sold as the Eunos Roadster in that market

The body shell of the NA was all steel with a light-weight aluminium bonnet. Overall dimensions were

Drag coefficient was indicated as 0.38. Suspension was an independent double wishbone type on all four wheels with an anti-roll bar at the front and rear. Four wheel-disc brakes, (ventilated at the front), were behind alloy wheels using 185/60HR14 radial tyres

The original MX-5 came with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) double overhead cam in-line four cylinder engine which produced 90 kW (120 bhp) and 136 N·m (100 ft·lbf) of torque. The engine employs an electronic fuel injection system using a vane type air flow meter and a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor. This engine, code named the 'B61P' had been previously used in the Mazda 323 series

Standard transmission was a 5-speed manual gearbox. Japan and the USA got an optional automatic transmission which proved unpopular. Tthese markets also received an optional viscous limited slip rear differential which were only available in cars with a manual transmission

The NA models could reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.4 seconds and had an exciting top speed of 120 mph (190 km/h)

In 1994 the 1st generation MX-5 saw the introduction of the more powerful 1.8 L (110 cu in) BP-ZE engine. Dual airbags and a limited slip differential was available in some markets too. The chassis was improved and braced to meet new side-impact standards

1994 and 1995 were the only two years in which Mazda offered the MX-5 with a metallic blue paint (Laguna Blue Mica) making these cars a collectors item for some. 1994 also saw the introduction of the "R" package, a sport-themed package with Bilstein shocks and subtle underbody spoilers in addition to the removal of unnecessary items such as power steering

The new 1.8 L (110 cu in) engine produced 98 kW (131 bhp) which was then increased by 1kW (1.3 bhp) for the 1996 model year. The base weight increased to 990 kg (2,200 lb) and performance was slightly improved with the additional power being partly offset by the extra weight

In some markets, such as Europe, the 1.6 L (98 cu in) engine continued to be available as a lower cost option but was detuned to 66 kW (89 bhp). This lower powered model did not receive all the additional chassis bracing of the new 1.8 L (110 cu in). Japanese and US cars were fitted with an optional Torsen LSD which was far more durable than the previous viscous differential

There were a number of different trim levels and special versions available and these were determined by each local Mazda marketing department

The "A Package" offered power steering, leather steering wheel, alloy wheels and a radio cassette unit

The "B Package" added power windows, cruise control and headrest speakers while the "C Package" included a tan soft top and a tan interior with leather seats

The "R Package" was for racing and the annual special editions were formalized as "M Editions". These included all of the luxury options from the "C Package" as well as special paint and sometimes special wheels

The United Kingdom celebrated Mazda's 24 hour Le Mans win and introduced a special version using the winner's color scheme (see Mazda 787B). The LeMans was equipped with BBR (Brodie Brittain Racing) turbo conversion making this car one of the most sought after special edition in the MX-5 family