The MX-5 was on show with the Mazda3, Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5, but despite the obvious attraction of these models, it was the new MX-5 that was the apple of many visitors’ eyes in Paris.
Lighter by 100kg than the outgoing model – and therefore by association lighter on the road – the model that was on show in Paris featured SKYACTIV technology that included a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine and six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox, ready to make use of the roadster's rear-wheel drive layout and near perfect 50:50 front-rear weight distribution.
And inside the new MX-5 is everything that you would associate with the close-fitting yet comfortable fit inherent in the world of an MX-5 driver, along with state-of-the art technology like i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology and MZD Connect, the company's in-car connectivity concept.
In the past 25 years, almost 950,000 Mazda MX-5s have been produced and sold, making it the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time. There is no reason at all why that title should not be held by the Mazda MX-5 for a lot longer.