The following lists all the variations of MX5s that were available in Japan in each year of production. It is probably not complete or totally accurate, however it should give you a good idea of the models that were available.
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1989/90
Standard Package-
Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package -
Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chrystal White, Classic Red, Mariner Blue, Silver stone Metallic
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps
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1990/91
Standard Package-
Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package -
Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chrystal White, Classic Red, Mariner Blue, Silver stone Metallic
V-Special -
British racing green (also called Neo green), tan leather interior, CD player,Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob.
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1991/92
NOTE extra brace bar on rear suspension added after July 1991
Standard Package-
Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package -
Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chrystal White, Classic Red, Mariner Blue, Silver stone Metallic
V-Special -
British racing green or Brilliant Black, tan leather interior, CD player,Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob. Polished speaker kickplates
J-Limited -
Yellow based on Standard package, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob. 800 made all sold in the first day.
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1992/93
NOTE Side impact bars added after July 1992, Airbag option also added.
Standard Package-
Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package -
Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chrystal White, Classic Red, Mariner Blue, Silver stone Metallic
S-Special -
Classic Red or Brilliant Black. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS).
V-Special -
British racing green or Brilliant Black, tan leather interior, CD player,Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob. Polished speaker kickplates
S-Limited -
Brilliant Black, red leather interior, Gold BBS Alloys, MSSS. 1000 produced
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1993/94
NOTE 1.8 engine introduced, extra chassis bracing, brakes, gearing etc changed
Standard Package-
Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package -
Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic
S-Special -
Laguna Blue Metallic or Brilliant Black. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS), thicker sway bars, front shock tower brace, BBS Wheels
V-Special-
British racing green or Brilliant Black, tan leather interior, MSSS, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob.Polished speaker kickplates.
V-Special Type II-
British racing green or Brilliant Black,As above plus.chrome mirrors, polished 7 spoke wheels and Tan soft-top
Toko Limited -
Brilliant Black, Cream leather interior, Tan roof. Only 40 produced
J-Limited II -
Sunburst Yellow based on Standard package, Black windscreen surround, Bucket seats with independant headrests. 800 produced…
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1994/95
Standard - Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel
Special Package - Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Momo leather steering wheel
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Brilliant Black
S-Special - Laguna Blue Metallic, Brilliant Black or Chaste white. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS), thicker sway bars, front shock tower brace, BBS Wheels
V-Special- British racing green or Brilliant Black, tan leather interior, MSSS, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob,Polished speaker kickplates.
V-Special Type II- British racing green or Brilliant Black As above plus.chrome mirrors, polished 7 spoke wheels and Tan soft-top
RS Limited - Montego Blue Mica, based on the S-Special, Recaro seats, Nardi steering wheel and Gear knob, Lightened flywheel, 4.3:1 Final drive ratio, 15inch Alloys, Torsen LSD, front strut brace. Only 500 produced.
G-Limited - Satellite Blue Mica, Dark blue hood, Low back bucket seats with seperate headrests, new momo steering wheel, 7 spoke alloys.
R-Limited - Satellite Blue Mica or Chaste White with red leather interior. Based on the S-Special. Lightened flywheel, 4.3:1 Final drive ratio, 15inch Alloys, Nardi wooden steering wheel and gear knob, wooden handbrake handle.
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1995/96
NOTE Spec changes included 133hp engine, Lightweight flywheel, 4.3:1 final drive ratio, air bag, rearview mirror light.
Standard - Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel, steel wheels
M Package - Steel wheels, Power steering, electric windows, basic steering wheel, Stereo
Special Package - Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Electric door mirrors, Momo leather steering wheel, Torsen Limited slip diff, leather airbagegd steering wheel.
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Brilliant Black, British Racing Green
S-Special - Montego Blue Metallic, Brilliant Black, Classic red or Chaste white. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS), thicker sway bars, front shock tower brace, BBS Wheels
S-Special Type II - As above plus 15inch Alloys
V-Special- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, tan leather interior, MSSS, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob.
V-Special Type II- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, As above plus.chrome mirrors, polished 7 spoke wheels and Tan soft-top
VR-Special Type A- Wine Red Mica (Merlot) with tan leather interior, tan soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 700 made.
VR-Special Type B- Excellent Green Mica (Metallic BRG) with Black leather interior, dark green soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 5 spoke alloys. 800 made.
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1996/97
NOTE Spec changes included 133hp engine, Lightweight flywheel, 4.3:1 final drive ratio, air bag, rearview mirror light.
Standard - Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel, steel wheels
M Package - Steel wheels, Power steering, electric windows, basic steering wheel, Stereo
Special Package - Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Electric door mirrors, Momo leather steering wheel, Torsen Limited slip diff, leather airbagegd steering wheel.
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Brilliant Black, British Racing Green
S-Special - Montego Blue Metallic, Brilliant Black, Classic red or Chaste white. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS), thicker sway bars, front shock tower brace, BBS Wheels
S-Special Type II - As above plus 15inch Alloys
V-Special- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, tan leather interior, MSSS, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob.
V-Special Type II- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, As above plus.chrome mirrors, polished 7 spoke wheels and Tan soft-top
VR-Special Type A- Wine Red Mica (Merlot) with tan leather interior, tan soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 700 made.
VR-Special Type B- Excellent Green Mica (Metallic BRG) with Black leather interior, dark green soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 5 spoke alloys. 800 made.
B2 Limited - Based on the M package. Twilight blue mica, Dark blue soft top, Polished 7 spoke alloys, Suade look-alike bucket seats. 1000 Produced.
R2 Limited - Chaste White. Based on the S-Special type I. Red and Black interior. Red leather seats, alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand-brake lever.
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1997/98
NOTE Spec changes included 133hp engine, Lightweight flywheel, 4.3:1 final drive ratio, air bag, rearview mirror light.
Standard - Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Eunos Steering wheel, steel wheels
M Package - Steel wheels, Power steering, electric windows, basic steering wheel, Stereo
Special Package - Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Electric door mirrors, Momo leather steering wheel, Torsen Limited slip diff, leather airbagegd steering wheel.
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Laguna Blue Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Brilliant Black, British Racing Green
S-Special - Montego Blue Metallic, Brilliant Black, Classic red or Chaste white. Bilstein Shocks, BBS alloys, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear spoiler, Mazda Sensory surround sound stereo (MSSS), thicker sway bars, front shock tower brace, BBS Wheels
S-Special Type II - As above plus 15inch Alloys
V-Special- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, tan leather interior, MSSS, Nardi Wooden steering wheel and gear knob.
V-Special Type II- British racing green, Brilliant Black, Chaste White, As above plus.chrome mirrors, polished 7 spoke wheels and Tan soft-top
VR-Special Type A- Wine Red Mica (Merlot) with tan leather interior, tan soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 700 made.
VR-Special Type B- Excellent Green Mica (Metallic BRG) with Black leather interior, dark green soft top, Alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand brake lever. 5 spoke alloys. 800 made.
B2 Limited - Based on the M package. Twilight blue mica, Dark blue soft top, Polished 7 spoke alloys, Suade look-alike bucket seats. 1000 Produced.
R2 Limited - Chaste White. Based on the S-Special type I. Red and Black interior. Red leather seats, alloy gear knob, shift plate and hand-brake lever.
SR Limited - Sparkle Green Metallic, Chaste White. Based on the M package, Limited slip diff, Polished wheels, black leather seats with light grey nubuck inserts.Momo airbagged steering wheel. 700 produced .
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, chrome door mirrors, polished treadplates, fog lamps, Auto
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1998/99
NOTE New shape introduced. 1.6 and 1.8 available
1.6 Range
Standard - Manual Steering, Manual Windows, Mazda 4 spoke Steering wheel, steel wheels, 1.6 engine, 5 speed gearbox
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Highlight Silver Metallic
M Package - Steel wheels, Power steering, electric windows, Mazda 4 spoke Steering wheel, Stereo, 5 speed gearbox
Special Package - Power Steering, 5 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Electric door mirrors, Mazda 4 spoke Steering wheel, Torsen Limited slip diff
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Highlight Silver Metallic, Twilight Blue Mica, Brilliant Black
1.8 Range
M Package - Steel wheels, Power steering, electric windows, basic steering wheel, Stereo, 6 speed gearbox
Special Package - Power Steering, 7 spoke Alloy wheels, Electric Windows, Electric door mirrors, Momo leather steering wheel, Torsen Limited slip diff, leather airbagegd steering wheel, 6 speed gearbox, ABS
S-Special - 6 speed gearbox, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob, 5 spoke Alloys
RS-Special- 15inch wheels, Torsen limited slip diff, 6 speed gearbox, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob,
Colours available - Chaste White, Classic Red, Highlight Silver Metallic, Evolution Orange Mica, Twilight Blue Mica, Brilliant Black
VS-Special- Grey Green Mica, Tan leather trim, Wood rimmed steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake lever, CD Stereo, 6 speed gearbox, Nardi leather steering wheel and gear knob,
10th Anniversary - Blue, Blue soft top, Blue inserts on seats, 6 Speed gearbox, Blue-printed engine
Optional extras - Air conditioning, Hardtop, Limited slip diff, CD player, Auto, ABS
Note from Saz just to confuse us a little
“Pretty much all 89-93 1.6 Roadsters came with the viscous diff originally. Those that didn’t, tend to be pretty base spec (windup windows). they also tend to be the one fitted with an aftermarket mechanical LSD. Post 93; more complicated. Torsen was included in the S-Package, but not on the base model. Most Limited editions were based on the S-Special, and therefore had Torsen. From 1995, Mazda reorganised the range because of declining sales, and introduced the M-package; effectively a cheaper S-Package with some important deletions, such as Torsen. Between 93-95, Torsens that were fitted were Type 1. From July 95, Type 2 Torsens were fitted.”