2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition in Japan – 1,000 units; special design touches; from RM106k

Since the debut of the Mazda MX-5 (also known as the Miata or Roadster) in 1989, over 1.2 million units of the convertible have been sold across four generations. To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the MX-5, its maker has released a special edition version that will go on sale in Japan in February 2025.

Simply called the ‘35th Anniversary Edition’, the celebratory model will be available with a soft top that retails for 3,753,200 yen (about RM106k) and comes with a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The latter is paired with a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine that serves up 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Buyers can also opt for a hard top (called the RF or retractable fastback) that gets a more powerful 2.0 litre NA inline-four petrol engine making 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm. Pricing for this depends on the transmission chosen, with the six-speed manual version going for 4,354,900 yen (RM123k), while the six-speed automatic is 4,382,400 yen (RM124k).

Order taking for the 35th Anniversary Edition models has already started and will run until March 3, 2025, with about 1,000 units planned for production. Each one comes with unique design touches that are meant to make the cars rather desirable and collectible.

For starters, the cars are finished in Artisan Red Premium Metallic, the fourth colour to be applied using the brand’s proprietary painting technology called Takuminuri. Mazda says this is the first time the hue is applied on the MX-5 and it will be exclusive to the 35th Anniversary Edition models.

The kit list is similar to the existing S Leather Package V Selection grade sold in Japan that comes with a beige soft top, but with larger 17-inch aluminium wheels in a high-gloss finish and a ‘35th Anniversary’ badge with a serial number.

The tan interior is carried over and improved with seat headrests that have a ‘35th Anniversary’ crest embossed on them, matched with badged floor mats. As an option, customers can also order the key fob with the same Artisan Red Premium Metallic finish for its casing.

For the regular MX-5, Mazda says it has now added wireless Apple CarPlay support to all grades, while the Zircon Sand Metallic has been discontinued.

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