Iconic £15,000 convertible is officially killed off in the UK after 21 years

AN ICONIC sports car is being axed in the UK after 21 years. The award-winning motor is one of the country’s best-loved convertibles. The first generation MX-5 was built between 1989 and 1997, and first featured 1.6 and 1.8 litre engines Credit: MAZDA The 2.0 litre Mazda MX-5 was introduced in 2005 Credit: Getty Images Mazda has confirmed that 2.0-litre variants of the Mazda MX-5 roadster will no longer be available to order in the UK. The first generation MX-5 was built between 1989 and 1997 and has been billed as the world’s most popular little convertible. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! While the fourth generation MX-5 has now been on sale for 10 years, Mazda has conformed this is the end of the road for the 2.0-litre variants. However, the firm has said there is enough existing stock to meet customer demand until 2027. Th Mazda MX-5 1.5-litre option is also still available. Second-hand versions of the classic motor are often sold for £15,000. A Mazda spokesperson told The Sun that the firm had been able to extend the sales period of the 2-litre engine beyond the original 2024 end date in Europe.. However, they added the time has now come for it to be pulled from the UK market for good. Most read in Motors “The Mazda 184ps 2.0-litre was dropped from the European markets in 2024 due to changing emissions regulations,” said the spokesperson. “However, due to different derogations timings in the UK we were able to continue with an extended sales period, this period has now ended and we will cease sales of the 2.0-litre Mazda MX-5 in the UK once the existing stock has been sold. “We have sufficient stock of 2.0-litre models to meet anticipated customer demand until around January 2027, while the 1.5-litre Mazda MX-5 will continue to be available in the UK. “The 1.5-litre engine remains at the heart of the MX-5. The current-generation MX-5 was originally developed around this engine, with its light weight, responsive and accessible performance perfectly reflecting Jinba Ittai. “The continuation of the 1.5-litre ensures customers can continue to enjoy the lightweight, engaging and fun to drive experience that has defined the Mazda MX-5 for more than 35 years and continues to win awards as one of the best driving cars on the road today.” Comment now