cars news 10: 1 Million Smiles: Mazda MX-5 Miata Reaches Big Milestone

After four generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the little roadster from Japan has reached a big milestone. Mazda recently announced that on April 22, 2016, it produced its one-millionth Miata, a Japanese-spec model sporting a soft top and Soul Red paint.

Miata production has spanned almost three decades, with the very first roadster rolling out of the automaker’s Hiroshima plant 27 years ago on April 1989. A million units later, the Miata’s formula hasn’t changed much from day one. It still rides on a rear-drive platform. It’s still relatively affordable, and most importantly, it’s still one of the most fun-to-drive sports cars on the road today. The Miata has topped a number of Motor Trend comparos, including one against the Subaru BRZ, and it landed on the podium at Motor Trend’s 2016 Best Driver’s Car competition. Not surprisingly, the Miata is recognized by Guiness World Records as the best-selling two-seater sports car.

The one-millionth Miata will likely become a museum piece, but not before it goes on a world tour to be admired by Miata enthusiasts. The tour begins in Japan next month before heading to the U.S. in September. The special Miata will make its way around the ‘States before capping off its tour at the Miatas at Mazda Raceway (Laguna Seca) on October 1 and 2.

Source: Mazda