World Car of the Year was established in 2004 by an international group of automotive journalists, and the judging panel this year consisted of 73 journalists from 23 different countries. The MX-5 was announced victorious over other finalists Audi A4 Sedan/Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz GLC at the New York International Auto Show on 24 March. The other finalists for World Car Design of the Year were the Jaguar XE and Mazda CX-3.
"Winning both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year is an incredible honour as the iconic MX-5 approaches one-million units of production ... We are proud to be representing the Mazda brand in South Africa." comments David Hughes, MD for Mazda Southern Africa.
The fourth-generation MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda's new-generation line-up of vehicles featuring the full range of Skyactive Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design. The new MX-5 has won over 30 awards so far, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year. The retractable hardtop version of the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, made its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show.
