As the automotive industry’s been around for more than a century, automakers have been commemorating 100-year milestones for more than a decade now, Mazda being the latest with its special 100th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 Miata.
To be clear, it’s a century of Mazda being celebrated, not the Miata, although the world’s best-selling ragtop does feel like it’s been around forever. The special-edition convertible will be made available in the U.S., albeit in limited, not-yet-announced numbers.
Available in a retractable fastback, i.e. RF, or a red soft top exclusive to that car, it comes with a Snowflake White Pearl Mica exterior that is stunning. The new model is based on the 2020 Miata Grand Touring edition.
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The front fender has a minimalist “100 Years 1920 – 2020” badge while the wheel center caps feature the 100th Anniversary Special Logo in red and black. The red leather seats and red carpet add a level of sophistication while giving a nod to the two-tone R360 Coupe, Mazda’s first passenger car.
The headrests are embossed with the 100th Anniversary Special Logo, while the red floor mats share the same badge as the front fender. To bring the package together, the key fob is embossed with the 100th Anniversary Special Logo and presented in a special edition box.
Not only does it sport a distinctive look, it’s got plenty of performance to go with it. It’s powered by a four-cylinder Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The ragtop comes with two transmission options: a Skyactiv-MT six-speed manual transmission or a quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The manual transmission model comes with a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, front shock tower brace, sport-tuned suspension and, for the RF, a black roof.
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Of course, it comes with plenty of convenience features, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated leather seats, a Bose audio system that includes driver and passenger headrest speakers, automatic climate control and 17-inch dark silver aluminum alloy wheels.
The six-speed manual version with the soft top comes in at $32,670 while the RF version is $35,425. Meanwhile, the six-speed auto is $33,195 and the RF is priced at $35,750. Add another $945 for delivery and handling. The 100th Anniversary MX-5 Miata will arrive in the U.S. later this year.
However, one special edition convertible isn’t the only way the Japanese automaker plans to mark the occasion of its platinum jubilee. The Mazda Collection is introducing 100th Anniversary Special Edition items to express the years of appreciation and to commemorate the brand’s centennial. The new items include a cast metal keychain medallion, made in Japan ceramic mugs featuring either the Cosmo Sport or RX-Vision, and model cars in 1/43 scale that feature heritage and concept Mazda vehicles.
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Already available is the “Mazda One Hundred” coffee table book, with a curated selection of images that honor the past, present and the future of Mazda. The book is a visual journey through Mazda’s origins, its passion for motorsport, its award-winning design language and pioneering cars – all the time emphasizing the manufacturer’s challenger spirit, and commitment to the joy of driving.
