Has it been a decade since the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, also called the Miata ‘ND’, been introduced in our market? Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
Mazda Philippines recently gathered the Miata faithful to celebrate 10 years of motoring joy with the MX-5. The ND is the best-selling MX-5 in the Philippines, having sold 1,563 units as of June 2025. Sales are split almost evenly between the soft top variant and the slightly newer RF, or retractable fastback.
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The single best year for the Miata was 2023, when Mazda Philippines sold 205 units. Not bad for a niche product. These sales numbers have made the Philippines the largest market for Miatas in Asia outside of Japan.
Over the years, special editions have made the MX-5 more desirable. These are the 30th, 35th, and 100th Anniversary editions. Locally, we also had unique runs for the Philippines: The Miata Club of the Philippines 25th Anniversary Edition (love that color combo) and the Miata Cup 23rd Anniversary Edition designed by local artist Jaykee Evangelista.
While the Miata was never about outright speed, it did get a significant power upgrade in 2018, upping the hp from the 2.0-liter engine to 181. Just last year, Mazda gave the MX-5 more updates in the form of Kinematic Posture Control, Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode, and Asymmetric Posture Control. These improvements prove that the best version of a model is really the one built at toward the end of its life cycle, when all the refinements have been implemented.
“The MX-5 is one of the most iconic models for Mazda, with a strong racing heritage and timeless, modern design that continues to evolve over the years. The success of the MX-5 is thanks to the unparalleled performance that brings fun and joy to owners, whether in the city or on the race track,” shares Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines.
To foster and grow the Miata’s racing DNA, Mazda Philippines has led programs like club activities, motorsport series, and enthusiast drives. This has also helped form bonds with the MX-5 owners.
While the Miata ND is certainly nearer to the end of its run, no official word has been shared about its fate and replacement. But it still looks fresh 10 years on, a credit to its beautiful design. Based on encouraging 2025 first half sales, interest is still high.
Happy anniversary, MX-5 ND. Thank you for the memories, and please don’t go just yet.
