NB 2nd Gen (1998 to 2005)

The Mazda MX-5 (NB), manufactured globally from 1998 to 2005, successfully carried the torch for the lightweight roadster movement with 290,123 units produced worldwide. This second generation refined the formula by introducing a stiffer chassis, a fixed-headlight design, and a glass rear window, while the 2001 facelift added variable valve timing to the 1.8-litre engine, upping the output to 113kW. In the 2026 Australian market, the NB has moved firmly into the spotlight as a high-value collector piece, with desirability peaking for the Australian-exclusive MX-5 SP—a locally developed, turbocharged powerhouse of which only 100 units were built. The buyer pool in Australia is exceptionally focused, consisting of performance purists hunting for the 2004 SE (Mazdaspeed) factory turbo models and heritage collectors seeking the 10th Anniversary Edition in its signature Innocent Blue. Locally, market value has seen a significant uptick for "Series 2" cars (2001–2005) that feature the six-speed manual and structural reinforcements, as 2026 buyers prioritise original, unmolested survivors over the common modified drift builds. For many local aficionados, the NB represents the perfect "sweet spot" in the MX-5 timeline, offering a more modern driving feel than the original NA while remaining a purely mechanical and engaging experience on Australian winding roads.

The Mazda MX-5 (NB), manufactured globally from 1998 to 2005, successfully carried the torch for the lightweight roadster movement with 290,123 units produced worldwide. This second generation refined the formula by introducing a stiffer chassis, a fixed-headlight design, and a glass rear window, while the 2001 facelift added variable valve timing to the 1.8-litre engine, upping the output to 113kW. In the 2026 Australian market, the NB has moved firmly into the spotlight as a high-value collect… Read more