Driver and Roadster as One

The exceptional soul of the Mazda MX-5 is described by the expression Jinba Ittai: rider and horse as one. This concept of oneness of motion most aptly depicts the relationship between the driver and a Mazda MX-5 roadster.

Mazda used the rider and horse idiom to create a car that would be universally seen as “lots of fun”. Jinba Ittai is the essence of Zoom-Zoom, and it is what makes the Mazda MX-5 so appealing to sports car enthusiasts.

The Mazda MX-5 demonstrates an ideal balance achieved with minimal weight and propelled by a small but spirited engine. Every aspect of design, mechanical function and dynamic response ultimately contribute to complete driving satisfaction.

The 6 major attributes considered to realize the Jinba Ittai concept:

• Styling (inside and outside)
• Touching (every aspect concerned with the tactile sense)
• Listening (dominated by the engine voice)
• Cornering (handling dynamics)
• Driving (from ride quality to acceleration response)
• Braking