The third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata received the codename NC for the iconic sports car. Manufactured by Mazda Motor Maker, a multinational automaker, based in Japan, the MX-5 has been a roaring success all around the globe since it debuted in 1989 at Chicago Auto Show.
The NC was introduced in 2005 and remained in production for the next 10 years. While the Mazda Miata NC retained the essence of the previous generations, it was the first MX-5 generation that boasted a Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) variant - a folding mechanism that does not interfere with trunk space. It was also the recipient of several accolades including the 2005-06 Car of The Year Japan award.
Let's have a detailed look at the Mazda Miata NC and analyze how it compares to other generations.
A Detailed Look at The Mazda Miata NC
The Mazda Miata NC is a perfect blend of compact driving and finesse looks. The third generation of the Mazda MX-5 was a serial award winner, apart from being extremely popular since it was launched in 2005. The beautiful sports car was released in two designs - a 2-door convertible or a 2 door folding hardtop roadster - the retractable hardtop variant being the first of its kind in the Mx-5 family. The accolades of designing this bad boy are shared between Yasushi Nakamuta and Moray Callum. The NC was assembled at its Hiroshima plant in Japan between 2005 and 2015.
This two-seater hunk was powered by a 1.8-liter MZR L8-DE engine. With a front-mid engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, the NC was among the most efficient cars from the 2000s. The vehicle dimensions and weight for both the convertible and hardtop versions complemented its bodywork, thus, making the NC a sturdy and reliable friend for everyday use or long rides. The NC is no less when it comes to speed; it is well capable of hitting the 200 km/h mark and can go from 1 to 100 km/h in just over 9 seconds.
Mazda also launched some upgraded models of the NC during later years. The initial model was referred to as the NC1. The NC's first upgrade launch came in the year 2008 when the NC2 was released. The NC2 was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and Science Museum in London, and then later at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Several special editions, upgrades, and improvements to the NC2 followed, including the 2011 SEMA concepts and the Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED. 2013 saw the release of the final NC upgrade. The most notable changes in the last updated model included a bigger grille on the front bumper, new luxury tan colors, new 17-inch aluminum wheels, among others.
How Does The NC Compare To Other MX-5 Generations?
Mazda has produced some amazing cars over the years and the MX-5 series is no different. The NC was a successor to the Mazda MX-5 NB and a predecessor to the more recent ND. Needless to mention, the first of the MX-5 series was the NA.
It all started off with the NA which was a tour de France version of a British sports car concept. A simple four-cylinder roadster with an ultra-low curb weight of 2100 lbs, the NA sported a modest 116 HP engine and a 1.6-liter engine capacity. The beauty was majestic in appearance and inexpensive to the user, making it one of the highest sold two-seat convertibles ever.
The period between 1999 and 2005 saw the second version of the MX-5 tread its way into trying to live up to the reputation of its predecessor. The NB, however, underperformed, as many considered it to be an advanced version of its predecessor. Mild improvisations, which included the introduction of a six-speed manual transmission, were observed.
The Mazda Mx-5 NC runs in at third in the bloodline of these stylish and durable sports cars. Mazda has always been known as a brand that doesn't launch a new generation of cars just for the sake of marketing. They like to retain the car's core features and essence while ensuring it receives upgrades wherever necessary. It's no different with the third generation of the MX-5. Lightweight, robust, and uber-fast, the Mazda Miata NC is one of the best roadster sports cars from the 2000s.
An Underrated Gem
A recipient of some accolades upon its launch back in 2005, it was anticipated that the NC would go on to become one of the most celebrated MX-5 generations. But what followed in later years was scrutiny and unfair criticism. It remains one of the most underrated roadsters of all time and certainly deserves a lot more appreciation. The power-retractable hardtop was the first of its kind in the Mazda MX-5 series. Another perk of owning the hardtop version was that it cut down the noise further in a car that was already considerably less noisy compared to its predecessors. Smoother rides, great interiors, and plenty of amenities - the myth that the NC is the worst of the MX-5 family is far from true and we believe it's about time automobile lovers started appreciating this underrated gem.