2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Celebrating 20 Years With A Chi-Town Party

The 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will celebrate its 20-year anniversary, making a North American debut at next month's Chicago Auto Show.

2009 MAZDA MX-5 TO MAKE NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW – WORLD'S BEST-SELLING TWO-SEAT ROADSTER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

IRVINE, Calif. – Mazda's timeless roadster, the MX-5 Miata, races into the 2009 Chicago Auto Show with a refreshed exterior, enhanced performance and improved fuel efficiency. Mazda will showcase the 2009 MX-5 along with a historical collection of early model-year Miatas and the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 four-door sedan and five-door models.

Launched in 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small two-seat roadster that was spirited, fun-to-drive and unlike anything else available at the time. Since then, competitors have come and gone, but none have lasted. Twenty years later, and with more than 800,000 models sold so far around the world, the MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling two-seat roadster.

"The MX-5 Miata has been true to Mazda's Zoom-Zoom philosophy since rolling off the assembly line 20 years ago," said Tim Barnes, director, Product Development. "Long before Zoom-Zoom became one of the most recognizable slogans around, Mazda designed Miata to epitomize the 'emotion of motion' concept on which Zoom-Zoom is based, and our worldwide sales are a real testament to Miata's DNA and spirit."

The 2009 MX-5 produces 167-hp from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Perfect balance has always been a hallmark of the car, and the new model's suspension revisions make it an even better mountain road dance partner. In addition, updates to front and rear fascias, interior enhancements, package changes and new interior and exterior colors keep MX-5 as fresh today as it was 20 years ago.

On display alongside the MX-5 will be the all-new MAZDA3. Aimed at the young at heart, who love to drive and are technologically aware, the MAZDA3 remains the most engaging car in its class. Both the four-door and five-door versions feature top-class environmental and safety performance, and offer evolved sporty driving dynamics, eye-catching styling elements and a high-quality interior.

The all-new MAZDA3 is available with key features typically not seen in its class including:

* Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
* Adaptive Front-lighting System and Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling
* Advanced keyless entry system
* Push-button start

One of every three Mazdas sold worldwide is a MAZDA3. That success drove the production of the two-millionth MAZDA3 in October 2008. The all-new 2010 MAZDA3 will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2009.

The balance of Mazda's full 2009 lineup also will be on display at the show, including CX-9, CX-7, MAZDA5, RX-8, Tribute and the all-new 2009 MAZDA6 sports sedan. The Chicago Auto Show is open to the public February 13-22, 2009, at the McCormick Place, Chicago.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

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