Double victory for Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5 makes history, becoming the first car to win both World Car of the Year (WCOTY) and the World Car Design of the Year awards.

The world’s most popular roadster beat other WCOTY finalists, the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, to win the award at the New York International Auto Show.

Now in its fourth-generation, the new MX-5 is the second Mazda to win the WCOTY award, following the Mazda2 in 2008.

It was victorious over the Jaguar XE and the Mazda CX-3 in the World Car Design of the Year competition.

“What a wonderful honour, to have the Mazda MX-5 named both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year,” said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation.

“As our iconic MX-5 roadster approaches one-million units of production, this award is proof that it is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever, and proof that every Mazda looks as incredible as it drives, and drives as incredibly as it looks.”

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 (UKCOTY).

The retractable hardtop version of the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, made its world debut at the New York Show.

Previous World Car of the Year winners include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015), the Audi A3 (2014), the Volkswagen Golf (2013), the Volkswagen Up! (2012), the Nissan Leaf (2011), the Volkswagen Polo (2010, the Volkswagen Golf (2009), the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio (2008), the Lexus LS460 (2007), the BMW 3-Series (2006), and the Audi A6 (2005).