Mazda Philippines puts 25 limited-edition Miatas on special offer

To celebrate the iconic Mazda MX-5’s 25th anniversary, a special 25th  anniversary edition was recently announced at New York International Auto Show to be made available worldwide. Of the approximately 1,000 units to be produced, Mazda Philippines has been allocated a maximum of 25 limited edition units built and imported from Japan. If you want one, you had better hurry, if the US take-up of the special edition is any indication. The entire US allocation of 100 units was sold out in all of 10 minutes.

 
Also affectionately known as the Mazda Miata, the MX-5 has spanned three model generations with over 940,000 units manufactured since 1989.  It has held the Guinness World Record for “best-selling two-seater sports car” for 14 straight years. The fun, lightweight sports car is the embodiment of Mazda’s carmaking philosophy as it realizes Mazda’s concept of Jinba Ittai, or horse and rider as one.

“This year, Mazda, together with Miata Club Philippines (MCP), is participating with the rest of the world in celebrating the 25th year of pure driving enjoyment with the MX-5,” says Steven Tan, president and CEO of Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country.  “We are very privileged to be allocated 25 units from the very limited global allocation. We can’t imagine a better way to kick off the 25th anniversary celebration than with 25 units of the limited edition coming here in the country. Essentially, we become part of the global MX-5 community in this global automotive celebration.”

The MX-5 25th anniversary edition is based on the current third-generation Miata Power-Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) model.  It will come in the much-sought-after Soul Red metallic premium color with brilliant black A-pillars, windshield surround, side mirrors, rear seatback bars, headlamp bezels and retracting roof. A set of 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels in gunmetal finish round up the outside accents. A single 25th anniversary badge with the vehicle’s identifying serial number is mounted on the driver’s side fender to put emphasis on the unit’s heritage.

Inside, almond leather seats and stainless steel scuff plates come embossed with the 25th anniversary logo. Red-contrast stitching on the seats, the floor console lid, manual shift lever boot, parking brake lever and door armrests highlight the uniqueness of this model. Piano black steering wheel spokes, satin-chrome meter rings and a hand-painted dashboard decoration panel embolden the interiors even more.  Drilled aluminum pedals lend themselves to precise heel-and-toe operation, making this limited edition Miata just as fun to drive as the original model.

Brand’s appreciation

Underneath the hood, the MX-5 25th anniversary edition sports pistons, connecting rods, and a flywheel selectively matched to provide the best engine balance and to reduce weight. This makes the already peppy 2-liter MZR engine rev livelier. Combined with special Bilstein shock absorbers for manual transmission models, the limited edition MX-5 embodies the brand’s appreciation for enthusiasts who value driving pleasure.

The MX-5 started off as a lightweight and compact open-top two-seater with a front midship engine on a rear-wheel-drive platform, with production kicking off in April 1989. Mazda intended the MX-5 to be a driver’s dream car with its 50:50 front-rear ratio weight distribution an low yaw inertia moment.  With its distinctive retractable headlights, it has endeared itself as the affordable sports car for everyone. Only 200 units were officially sold by Mazda dealerships in the Philippines in the 1990s. Since then, it has spawned a generation of roadster fanatics, spearheaded by   MCP, who have remained loyal fans to the MX-5’s pureness as a fun driving machine.

Enduring symbol

Founded in 1997, MCP is composed of Miata owners and aficionados who have championed the model as a fun driving machine. “It is with great pride that MCP will be part of the festivities commemorating the MX-5’s 25th anniversary,” says Allan Lavarro, current president of MCP. “Our members are also looking forward to welcoming the MX-5 25th anniversary edition as a symbol of this classic’s enduring contribution to spirited driving.”

“Some of our club members are even traveling to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California in September to join the thousands of Miata fans in the Global MX-5 25th anniversary celebration. The event is set to be the party to end all parties,” Lavarro adds.

The 25th anniversary edition will be priced at  P1.8 million, with planned delivery in August this year. As recognition and tribute to MCP, its members are given reservation priority on the 25 units. Those interested  may contact the MCP secretariat to inquire on reservation and membership.

More activities will be announced soon to celebrate the Miata nameplate’s quarter-century milestone and the 25-year pursuit of the unique style of driving exhilaration that only Mazda delivers.

Berjaya Auto Philippines is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines. Current product lineup includes Mazda2 subcompact sedan and hatchback, the recently launched all-new Mazda3 SkyActiv compact sedan and hatchback, Mazda6 executive sedan, CX-5 compact SUV, CX-9 seven-seater SUV, MX-5 two-seater sports roadster and the BT-50 pickup truck. There are 14 Mazda sales and service dealerships located across Metro Manila—Mazda Greenhills along Edsa, Mazda Pasig along C5, Mazda Quezon Avenue and Mazda Alabang. Provincial dealerships are located in Pampanga, Dagupan, Cabanatuan, Batangas, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Tarlac, Cavite, Iloilo, and the recently opened Mazda Davao