The Mazda MX-5 has won the 2016 World Car of the Year award. It is the second Mazda to win the award, following the Mazda2 in 2008. The third generation MX-5 was one of three finalists for the same award in 2006, as was the Mazda3 in 2014. In addition to taking the main award this year, the MX-5 has also been named World Car Design of the Year. It is the first time in the history of the awards that a single model has taken both titles.
World Car of the Year was established in 2004 by an international group of automotive journalists, and the judging panel this year consisted of 73 journalists from 23 different countries. The MX-5 was announced victorious over other finalists Audi A4 Sedan/Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz GLC at the New York International Auto Show on March 24. The other finalists for World Car Design of the Year were the Jaguar XE and Mazda CX-3.
“Winning both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year is an incredible honour as the iconic MX-5 approaches one-million units of production. These awards are proof that the MX-5 is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever, and evidence that every Mazda looks as incredible as it drives, and drives as incredibly as it looks. We are proud to be representing the Mazda brand in South Africa.” comments David Hughes, MD for Mazda Southern Africa.
The fourth-generation MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s new-generation line-up of vehicles featuring the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO-Soul of Motion design. Launched globally and in South Africa in 2015, the model has found favour with customers thanks to its vastly reduced curb weight, human-centred design and “Jinba-ittai” fun-to-drive feel. The new MX-5 has won over 30 awards so far, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year. The retractable hardtop version of the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show.
Mazda is determined to continue making cars that are fun to drive, aiming to become a “one-and-only” brand customers will choose again and again.