The Japanese expression Jinba Ittai, which means horse and rider becoming one, is the very essence of the Mazda MX-5. Affectionately known as the Miata, this little Japanese roadster has brought copious amounts of joy to all who have been behind its wheel and more often than not, fallen in love with its beauty.
It is that very memory that inspired Nakayama's passion to create a car that will be loved for a long time, one that possesses a true beauty that will take your breath away.
SGCM: In your opinion, what does it mean to drive an MX-5?
MN: Apart from being a sports car that drives well, the MX-5 must be a design marvel that the owner absolutely loves. It should be a head-turner that appeals even to those who aren't into cars. For example, when a guy buys an MX-5, his girlfriend should be wowed at the first sight of it.
SGCM: Considering that people who grew up around the original MX-5 could be aged well over 40, what age group is this new car targeted at?
MN: We wanted to continue stealing the hearts of those in their 40s and 50s with this new MX-5. At the same time, a very strong emphasis on this design is to attract the younger generation to keep the legacy of the car alive.
SGCM: Fans of the MX-5 love the timeless look of the original from 1989. With this new iteration, Mazda has created the loudest-looking one to date. What were the inspirations for this latest design?
MN: Compared to the first generation, the current generation MX-5 is a lot sharper. Back when the first generation was born, car designs tended to be a lot rounder and cuter. Design elements today are bolder. To remain relevant to the standards today, the all new MX-5 has a sharper face too, but it still retains the shape that everyone loved.
SGCM: The MX-5 is one of the best-looking cars in the market now. Was there any particular benchmark used in its design?
MN: There wasn't any specific benchmark. I wanted to create a car that captures your imagination, and then your heart. It had to be one that I would love for a very long time, just like the original MX-5.
SGCM: What was the toughest challenge in designing the car?
MN: For me, the toughest design challenge would probably be to physically create a lower bonnet. But to the engineers and production team, the hardest thing was to shift the A-pillars further back. To achieve this final design, lowering the bonnet and shifting the A-pillars back were very vital aspects.
SGCM: Do you think that the stigma of the MX-5 being a 'hairdresser's car' still sticks with this new car?
MN: Whenever we visit the United States, we hear that very often. We received feedback that the MX-5 should be fiercer and slightly larger. However, we often emphasise size isn't everything. Taking into account the Harley Davidson motorcycle, it isn't a particularly large bike. The important thing isn't its size but rather, the riding or driving posture. With the MX-5, we wanted to create a driving position that is further back, akin to how you would sit on a Harley. Just because the car is small, it doesn't necessarily translate into something that looks weak.
SGCM: What is your favourite design element of the car and why?
MN: My favourite part of the new MX-5 is its posterior - it has a very perky and sexy rear end. The inspiration for the design comes from the beauty of women. Even if you can't see her face from the back, a captivating rear view could also capture your heart and leave you wanting more.
