Chicago 2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata seems happy to be turning 20
by Frank Filipponio on Feb 11th 2009 at 12:59PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 live from Chicago
As we told you last week, the Miata is turning 20 this year and Mazda is celebrating with a little nip and tuck. Sure it's called the MX-5 now, and sure 20 isn't that old in people years, but seeing as how the Mazda3 has already gone loopy with that big goofy grin, it was only a matter of time before the MX-5 had its own makeover. With more than 800,000 of these modern affordable roadsters on the streets, the Miata has cemented itself atop the sports car pantheon. For 2009 Mazda has added more horsepower but not at the expense of fuel economy. The 2.0L engine gets a bump from 166 to 168 hp, with mileage that Mazda has promised will be higher than the 2008 model's 22/27. Not content to leave well enough alone, Mazda even tweaked the MX-5's already crisp suspension. Looks like plenty of reasons to smile to us. Check out the gallery to see live shots of the 2009 Mazda MX-5 from the Chicago Auto Show and hit the jump to read Mazda's press release.
Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
Gallery: 2009 Mazda MX-5 Roadster
PRESS RELEASE
IRVINE, Calif. - Mazda's timeless roadster, the MX-5 Miata, races into the 2009 Chicago Auto Show with a refreshed exterior, enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency. Mazda will showcase the 2009 MX-5 along with a historical collection of early model-year Miatas and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 four-door sedan and five-door models.
Launched in 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small two-seat roadster that was spirited, fun-to-drive and unlike anything else available at the time. Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted. Twenty years later, and with more than 800,000 models sold so far around the world, the MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling two-seat roadster.
"The MX-5 Miata has been true to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy since rolling off the assembly line 20 years ago," said Tim Barnes, director, Product Development. "Long before Zoom-Zoom became one of the most recognizable slogans around, Mazda designed Miata to epitomize the 'emotion of motion' concept on which Zoom-Zoom is based, and our worldwide sales are a real testament to Miata's DNA and spirit."
The 2009 MX-5 produces 167-hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perfect balance has always been a hallmark of the car, and the new model's suspension revisions make it an even better mountain road dance partner. In addition, updates to front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, package changes and new interior and exterior colors keep MX-5 as fresh today as it was 20 years ago.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AntBee 1:03PM (2/11/2009)
Affordable? Where? This thing starts at $30K up here in Canada!
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golly 4:59PM (2/11/2009)
Compared to other 2 seater convertibles, $30G is affordable. Try pricing a Honda S2000. My local Mazda dealer (in Canada) has a new 08 PRHT model in his showroom that has been discounted to under $31,000!
SimbaDogg 9:07PM (2/11/2009)
30k canadian or 30k USD?
on a side note, seriously...mazda, whats up w/ the 2 hp bump in the power rating. i HATE when companies do this, make a bump or 2,3,4,5 hp...not enough to effect the daily driving, or what it would feel like/hot lap times in. they just do it for the sake of doing it. well, u take what u get i guess
Pokey 1:04PM (2/11/2009)
I don't really care for the new Mazda "face", especially on the 3, but it works on the MX-5.
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stealthebeatles 1:18PM (2/11/2009)
I like it on the 3, where it seems more in your face. But I know why most people wouldn't.
This car, however, it fits very well.
Franz 1:41PM (2/11/2009)
At least on the MX-5 it's more like a smirk... much better than the joker-like grin on the 3 IMO.
refugee7 2:17PM (2/11/2009)
~Franz
Agreed, this is more subtle
Farris 2:56PM (2/11/2009)
I agree.
And honestly, the picture for this article *almost* makes the car look like the Honda S2000. Not a bad thing at all.
akboss302 1:08PM (2/11/2009)
Mazda! You have so much potential, stop ruining all your cars with this awful face! It looks like Julia Roberts putting an entire watermelon in her mouth and then smiling.
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graffixron 1:17PM (2/11/2009)
Make it stop please!
I had a 1994 MX-5. I'd take that any day over this. Looks like a bar of soap with a Mr. Potatohead smile shoved on it.
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PJ 4:42PM (2/11/2009)
Your '94 (I had an autoX '95, and currently drive a '99) had better clutch and steering feel, too. Let's hope the '10 revisions infuse the organic, mechanical feel of the original back into both interfaces, because otherwise, it's still just about the purest driving experience you can buy.
Ken Stamper 1:15PM (2/11/2009)
Kind of looks like its having a conversation with an old Bugeye Sprite, and the smirking Mazda said something naughty that shocked the Austin-Healy.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Austin_Healey_Sprite_Mk_I_red_vl.jpg
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Robert O 1:20PM (2/11/2009)
20 and still as classic as always.
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AIL 1:24PM (2/11/2009)
Decent car. Nice handling, tossable, fairly fun to drive. Pity about the engine.
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Quattroporte 1:36PM (2/11/2009)
"...only a fool presumes that speed and fun are always the same."
-Andrew Frankel
Mazda FTW! 1:49PM (2/11/2009)
"Fairly" fun to drive? Uhh ok. I guess your def. of fun is driving a sloppy, heavy V8 powered car..
PJ 4:43PM (2/11/2009)
It's a matter of private pleasure vs. public display. I'd personally take a crisp, tingly four-cylinder that lives to rev its heart out over an unstressed loaf to 60 mph any day of the week, but it comes down to personal preference.
golly 4:51PM (2/11/2009)
yes, pity about the engine...and 2 more hp...yippee :-(. Really needs about 50 more. Handling and balance is great but as an owner of an 05 Miata, it is not much fun when the average family sedan is faster 0-60.
Kattleox 1:37PM (2/11/2009)
It isn't as happy as I am. A miata will always be in my dream garage.
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gerrrg 1:39PM (2/11/2009)
They came up with a design, and have tried to turn it into a franchise car, much like the Porche 911 series.
But for goodness sakes, can't they take a little more risk and go less with the bubbles and more with the sharp lines?
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