In 2024, the Mazda MX-5 became the best-selling convertible of any kind. According to global sales data from Jato, 27,669 MX-5s were sold last year, outperforming every other open-top car in the world, and that has continued into 2025.
Originally launched in 1989, the MX-5 has seen four generations and more than 1.25 million units built at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima. It’s held the title of the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car since 2000, and it still holds this title 25 years later.
In the UK, the MX-5 is the most popular affordable open-top sports car and is second only to the Mini Convertible in total convertible sales. Over 135,000 units have been sold in the UK to date, and nearly 30,000 of those are the current fourth-generation model. So far in 2025, 859 units have been registered, making it the UK’s best-selling sports car outside of premium marques like Porsche.
Available in both soft-top Roadster and hard-top RF Retractable Fastback versions, the MX-5 offers classic, driver-focused fun in a market increasingly dominated by heavy, high-tech alternatives. Manual gearboxes are becoming more and more rare; just 22% of UK cars are sold with one, so the MX-5’s six-speed manual will certainly add to its appeal.
To celebrate its UK legacy, Mazda is displaying a 30th Anniversary MX-5 from its Heritage Fleet at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showroom in central London, from 26th August to 24th September.
Today’s MX-5 range includes eight variants, four Roadsters and four RFs, with trim levels covering Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura. Entry-level models come with a 132ps 1.5-litre engine, while the range-topping Homura gets the more powerful 184ps 2.0-litre. All new MX-5s registered from 1st September 2025 also come with a six-year, 100,000-mile manufacturer warranty.
“When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the latest Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy, one that stands out even more than ever, thanks to a market place that has seen many other lightweight driver’s cars and convertibles disappear from sale. The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Mazda’s unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 35-year history is highlighted by today’s MX-5, which continues to be an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car. It’s also worth noting that when the MX-5 launched in the UK in 1990 it cost £14,429 – that’s more than £35,000 when adjusted for inflation, so with today’s MX-5 starting at under £30,000 – it’s better value than ever.”
Mazda UK Managing Director Jeremy Thomson
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