THE Mazda MX-5 has long held the record for being the world's best-selling two-seater sports car - it took this accolade way back in 2000 - and 25 years later its position as the two-seater roadster with the biggest cumulative volume remains unrivalled.

Across four generations, since 1989 total global MX-5 cumulative sales currently stands at over 1.2million cars - with 1,256,158 produced at Mazda's Ujina plant in Hiroshima to date.

In a global market where the number of convertible and sports car models are reducing, the MX-5 now stands out even more as the epitome of lightweight, driver-focused, open-air driving fun.

In fact, data from monitoring company Jato has highlighted that in 2024 the MX-5 was the world's best-selling convertible of any kind. Global sales of 27,669 meant it out-sold all cabriolet rivals across the globe - a trend continuing in 2025.

In the UK, SMMT data highlights that the MX-5 is Britain's best-selling two-seater roadster and ranks second in overall convertible sales.

Total MX-5 sales in the UK now stand at over 135,000 so the place the MX-5 holds in the hearts of UK sports car fans is clear.

With the fourth-generation car having made its debut in 2015, total UK sales of the Mk4 MX-5 are now approaching 30,000 cars, and to date, 859 MX-5s have been delivered in the UK during 2025, making it the UK's best-selling sports car outside of luxury offerings the Porsche Cayman and Porsche 911.

With a choice of fabric roof Roadster or RF Retractable Fastback hard-roof models, the MX-5 also offers unrivalled choice in the style of open-air motoring customers want.

And with just 22 per cent of cars sold in the UK now coming with a manual gearbox, the MX-5s famed six-speed gearbox is another key attribute to driver engagement.

To celebrate the MX-5s popularity and success in the UK, the Mazda UK Heritage Fleet 30Anniversary MX-5 will be on display in the Society of Motor Manufacturers' and Traders headquarters showroom in the heart of London until September 24.

The car that was originally inspired by the world-renowned British roadsters of the 1960s and was tested on UK roads in prototype form and across all four generations.

Today, the eight-model range features four Roadster and four RF models and a choice of Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura trim grades.

Prime-Line cars are powered by the 132ps 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine, while Exclusive-Line can be had with either the 1.5-litre or the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine. The range-topping Homura is exclusively matched to the 184ps unit.

And like the rest of Mazda's range, any MX-5s registered from September 1, 2025 will benefit from a full six-year 100,000-mile manufacturer warranty.

Commenting on the Mazda MX-5's continued popularity, Mazda UK managing director Jeremy Thomson said: "When it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the latest Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy, one that stands out even more than ever, thanks to a market place that has seen many other lightweight driver's cars and convertibles disappear from sale.

"The MX-5 is Mazda's brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Mazda's unceasing commitment to refining the vehicle over its 35-year history is highlighted by today's MX-5, which continues to be an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.

"It's also worth noting that when the MX-5 launched in the UK in 1990 it cost £14,429 - that's more than £35,000 when adjusted for inflation, so with today's MX-5 starting at under £30,000 - it's better value than ever."

A further example of the MX-5s appeal to enthusiasts is that since its launch in the UK in 1990 there have been an amazing 56 special edition models sold here - adding to the wide choice of MX-5s in the used marketplace.