2025 Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition launched in Malaysia – RF 2.0L AT, Artisan Red, numbered, RM316k

We don’t get many sports car launches these days, simply because there aren’t many of them left. So when the invite for this one came in from Bermaz, we rubbed our eyes and went ‘Wah!’ Never mind that the Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition is just a special edition of a car that’s been around for a decade, it deserves to be celebrated. Feted. Admired. You can do that 1 Utama’s Oval, today till Sunday.

The storied Mazda MX-5 a.k.a. Miata or Roadster in Japan, turns 35 this year, and Hiroshima took the opportunity to wheel out an anniversary edition of the best-selling two-seat convertible of all time. Like they always do. Born in 1989, over 1.2 million units of the MX-5 have been sold across four generations, so we’re looking at a living legend.

Locally, Bermaz officially sold the third-generation NC and followed that up with the current-generation ND in August 2015. The launch spec was a 2.0L AT, which was replaced by the folding hardtop RF in April 2017. Also with the larger 2.0L engine, the ‘Retractable Fastback’ offered the choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

Today’s MX-5 looks similar to the fourth-generation ND that was revealed to the world in September 2014, but is actually the third revision, unofficially known as the ND3. The 35th Anniversary Edition is based on the ND3 with all of the latest facelift’s improvements. It went on sale in Japan in February as a 1.5L manual soft top and a 2.0L RF with the choice of manual or auto.

Continuing the trend in Malaysia, Bermaz is offering the 35th Anniversary Edition in 2.0L RF form, with an automatic gearbox. It’s yours for RM316,154 on-the-road excluding insurance. Buying official means you’ll get a five-year warranty and free maintenance over the same period.

By the way, both engines are naturally aspirated and the 1.5L makes 136 PS at 7,000 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Our 2.0L motor produces 184 PS at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque, a rather big on-paper step up.

The most obvious 35th Anniversary Edition touch is the Artisan Red Premium Metallic paint; the three-layer finish is the fourth colour to be applied using the Mazda’s proprietary painting technology called Takuminuri. This is a new paint option for the MX-5 and it will remain exclusive to the 35th Anniversary Edition. By the way, this is the 10th year of Soul Red’s existence.

The deep red hue is contrasted nicely with a tan brown soft top in the convertible, but this isn’t applicable here. Also in tan is the interior colour scheme, which twins with black on the top half and steering, plus the ND’s characteristic exterior paint on the upper door section (and AC vents too). Look closer and you’ll find contrast tan stitching on the steering wheel, shifter and hand brake lever.

Further nice touches are ’35th Anniversary’ crests embossed on the two headrests and, badges on the matching tan floor mats. Our units don’t have key fobs in Artisan Red Premium Metallic, which is available as an option elsewhere. The rest of the 35th’s kit list follows the JDM car’s S Leather Package V Selection grade, which is long, but with 17-inch ‘Bright Metallic’ wheels and a ’35th Anniversary’ badge with a serial number below the doors.

A really nice anniversary special this, and it would appeal even more to those who are slightly on the luxury side in the luxury-sport scale. What do you think of this LE? Like it or not, Bermaz will be bringing in just four units of the 35th.

For everyone else, the regular 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0L is now open for booking at RM294,154 for the MT and RM296,154 for the AT. Like-for-like, that’s RM20k less than the 35th Anniversary. Click here for more on the 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF, which is available in Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal and the new Aero Grey.

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition RF 2.0 AT in Malaysia

GALLERY: Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition official images

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