• The First model to win both awards simultaneously since these awards were created
• The MX-5 has won more than 30 awards including “Car of the Year 2015-2016″ in Japan and “Car of the Year 2016″ in the UK (UKCOTY)

The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 was selected as “World Car of the Year 2016″ (WCOTY) and “World Car Design of the year 2016″. It is the second Mazda model to win the WCOTY award after the Mazda2 in 2008, and the first to win both awards simultaneously.

The “World Car of the Year” award was created in 2004 by a group of international automobile journalists; This year, the jury consisted of 73 journalists from 23 countries. The MX-5 was declared the winner at the New York International Motor Show on March 24, thus outperforming the other shortlisted models: the Audi A4 Sedan / Avant and Mercedes-Benz GLC. In the “World Car Design of the Year”, the MX-5 beat the Jaguar XE and the Mazda CX-3.

“What a tremendous honor for the Mazda MX-5 to be chosen as both” World Car of the Year 2016 “and” World car design of 2016, “said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer of Mazda Motor Corporation. While our iconic MX-5 roadster is about to sell its one millionth unit, these awards demonstrate not only that it is as young, dynamic, fun and relevant as ever, but also that Mazda models are as nice to look as to drive, and vice versa. ”

“I accept this award on behalf of Mazda, and I dedicate it to all Mazda’s employees, business partners and customers around the world who have one day enjoyed driving this incomparable roadster. ”

Ikuo Maeda, Executive Officer and General Manager of Mazda’s Design Division said: “I am proud to receive this award, proving that our design is able to attract motorists worldwide. Our new generation lineup is inspired by our ‘KODO – Soul of Motion ” design language which breathes life into a vehicle. We have continued to refine the beauty of its forms. Mazda is proud of its Japanese roots and will continue to improve the design of its models. ”

fourth generation Mazda MX-5 is the sixth model in the new generation of Mazda vehicles to inherit all SKYACTIV Technology and the design language ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’. Launched internationally in 2015, this model has attracted customers with its significantly reduced tare weight, its driver-centered design and its ‘Jinba-ittai’ philosophy providing a feeling of osmosis between the driver and the vehicle.

The new MX-5 has won more than 30 awards to date, including “Car of the Year 2015-2016″ in Japan and “Car of the Year 2016″ in the UK (UKCOTY). Its retractable hardtop version, the Mazda MX-5 RF made its debut internationally at the International Motor Show in New York.

Mazda will continue to produce vehicles with unrivaled driving pleasure, to become a leading brand and ensure long-term customer loyalty.