Mazda MX-5 Miata Second Generation (NB)

Identity and production

The NB was the second generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, succeeding the first-generation NA. Mazda introduced it in Japan in January 1998, with overseas introductions following. North American coverage begins with model year 1999: that designation should not be mistaken for the worldwide launch year. Mazda’s corporate chronology and U.S. history document these different dating conventions.

The generation continued until its replacement by the third-generation MX-5 in 2005. Production took place in Hiroshima, Japan; Mazda’s March 2004 production announcement identifies the Ujina No. 1 plant. In Japan the car was marketed as the Mazda Roadster.

Development and engineering

Mazda developed the NB around the established compact, open two-seat sports-car concept while placing greater emphasis on comfort and safety. Its revised body styling emphasized a low, wide appearance, and the cockpit retained a straightforward, driver-focused layout.

Structural changes included a rigid passenger compartment, front and rear energy-absorbing zones, reinforced side sills and door protection. A larger luggage compartment, additional cabin storage and a wind blocker addressed everyday usability. These changes made refinement and practicality part of the second generation’s development brief, alongside driving enjoyment. Mazda described this programme in its 1998 annual-report model review.

Engines and market differences

At introduction, Mazda offered 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre inline-four engines with double overhead camshafts and 16 valves. Its contemporary model review explicitly states that North America received only the 1.8-litre version. The worldwide engine range therefore must not be treated as a single specification available in every market.

Turbocharged derivatives arrived late in the generation. Mazda announced Japan’s Roadster Turbo in December 2003 for sales beginning in February 2004, with an intercooled turbo engine and corresponding chassis changes. The Japanese announcement distinguishes announcement timing from availability. Mazda’s U.S. history separately identifies the turbocharged 2004 MAZDASPEED MX-5 Miata. These were specialist derivatives, not the specification of every NB.

Development through the production run

Mazda’s MX-5 chronology records a 10th Anniversary edition in 1999 and a July 2000 facelift with styling changes, greater body rigidity and a revised 1.8-litre engine. That calendar date should not be applied indiscriminately to export model years. Later equipment changes and special editions remained within the NB generation.

The same chronology records the Japanese NR-A in December 2001. Mazda’s 2004 historical account explains its purpose as an entry point for drivers participating in Japanese Roadster Party Races.

Roadster and Japanese coupé

The open two-seat roadster defined the NB, but the generation also included a distinct fixed-roof derivative. On 9 October 2003 Mazda released the Roadster Coupe for customer orders in Japan. Mazda Engineering and Technology contributed the specialist production technology, and the closed body incorporated structural revisions to increase rigidity.

The launch announcement lists a 1.6-litre five-speed manual base car, 1.8-litre six-speed manual Type S and Type A versions, and a 1.8-litre automatic Type E. These Japanese coupé combinations should not be generalized to the export convertible range. Announced limits for particular grades are not evidence of completed production totals.

Historical significance

Taken together, Mazda’s development account and contemporary derivative announcements show the NB’s significance as a sustained refinement of the MX-5 concept: improved everyday accommodation accompanied a broader range of sporting applications, from the Japanese NR-A to turbocharged roadsters and the fixed-roof coupé. It carried the model line into its second decade before the third generation arrived in 2005.

Mazda’s 700,000-car milestone, reached during NB production, counted the MX-5 line across generations. It is not an NB production total.