MX-5 ND Australian Sales Hit Seven-Year High

08 January 2026 / Story by Bryan Shedden

The Mazda MX-5 has once again proven why it remains the world’s favourite roadster, with Australian sales reaching an impressive 821 units in 2025. That figure marks the highest annual result in seven years — and only 14 sales below 2018 — confirming a steady growth trend that has now been building for most of the past decade.

What makes this achievement truly remarkable is how sharply it contrasts with the past. Historically, Australian MX-5 sales have declined year-on-year after the launch of each new generation, following an early surge of enthusiasm. The current ND generation has completely rewritten that script.

Now 10.5 years into its lifecycle — longer than any previous MX-5 generation — the ND is selling more strongly than it did before the COVID interruption. Part of this sustained momentum can be attributed to carefully timed enthusiast-focused variants that reignited interest and drove sales spikes. The MX-5 GT RS introduced in 2021 appealed strongly to purists with its Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes and Recaro seats, while the 35th Anniversary Edition released in 2025 generated renewed excitement through its exclusivity and celebratory positioning. These halo models not only boosted their respective sales years, but also lifted overall awareness and showroom traffic for the broader ND range.

In cumulative terms, the story is even more striking. More than 9,000 ND MX-5s have now been sold in Australia, making it the most successful MX-5 generation locally by a significant margin. That total is almost 40 per cent higher than the next best-selling NB generation and nearly double the sales of the NC.

For Mazda, the message is clear. With the ND continuing to resonate so strongly with buyers, there is little urgency to rush in a replacement. Unsurprisingly, there is no serious official news of a new generation MX-5, though industry rumours suggest that when it does arrive, it may feature mild hybrid technology. The aim would be to reduce CO₂ emissions while staying true to the MX-5 philosophy of low kerb weight and exceptional handling.

For enthusiasts, the success of the ND is reassuring. It shows that a lightweight, driver-focused sports car can still thrive in today’s market — and that Mazda’s commitment to the MX-5 formula remains as strong as ever.