Mazda MX-5 NB
The Mazda MX-5 NB (1999–2005): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: NB
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,980 mm RDW | 3,940–3,950 mm |
| Width | 1,680 mm RDW | 1,680 mm |
| Height | 1,230 mm RDW | 1,220–1,230 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,270 mm RDW | 2,270 mm |
| Front track | 1,405–1,490 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,430–1,495 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 990–1,040 kg RDW | 965–1,175 kg |
| Mass in running order | 1,090–1,140 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,250–1,305 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,255 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 585 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 191–205 km/h RDW | 175–218 km/h |
| Torque | 134–188 Nm ASTRA | 129–188 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/45R16, 185/60R14, 195/50R15, 175/65R14
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 68.8% (68.5–69.2) | 69.2% | 63,191 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 37.7% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 35.7% | 41.6% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 20.3% | 18.6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 20.0% | 17.1% |
| Lights and electrics | 19.9% | 28.8% |
| Tyres | 19.1% | 31.2% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
170 complaints for model years 1999–2005. 18 crashes · 6 fires · 18 injuries
- Transmission and drivetrain 20
- Engine 20
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 15 versions of the Mazda MX-5 NB
Show all 15 versions
United Kingdom 4 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–20041.6 | 1.6 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 7.7–8.1 L/100 km NEDC | 188–211 g/km |
| 2000–20041.8 5 Speed | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.5–8.7 L/100 km NEDC | 205–218 g/km |
| 2000–20041.8 6 Speed | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.8–8.9 L/100 km NEDC | 215–232 g/km |
| 2001–20031.8 Automatic | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 9.5 L/100 km NEDC | 229 g/km |
United States 5 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2005CLKUP | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 1999–2005 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 23–24 MPG (9.8–10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 230–240 g/km |
| 2001–2005 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 g/km |
| 2004–2005MIATA T/C | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1999–2000FFS | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA | 240 g/km |
Canada 6 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2005Two-seater | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.6–10.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244–248 g/km |
| 2001–2005Two-seater | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.4–10.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239–242 g/km |
| 2001–2005Two-seater | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.5–10.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 242–246 g/km |
| 1999–2000Two-seater · Subcompact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 10.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 230 g/km |
| 2000Subcompact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | 10.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 244 g/km |
| 2000Subcompact | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 239 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.