Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 crowned World Car of the Year 2016

Fourth generation car wins at New York motor show

Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro - Front

The Mazda MX-5 has won World Car of the Year 2016, with the prize handed out at this year's New York motor show. The car, which was up against the Mercedes GLC and Audi A4, claimed the prize following nominations from motoring journalists from around the world.

The MX-5 also took the win in the Best Car Design category, beating the Jaguar XE and Mazda's CX-3. We awarded the MX-5 four stars, praising its keen engines, gearbox and low-speed fun factor.

Advertisement - Article continues below

>Read our Mazda MX-5 review

The Mazda MX-5 was also unveiled at the New York show in hard-top convertible form. Called the RF, it sports a targa-style roof, optional auto gearbox and revised suspension and steering settings.

Also awarded a much deserved win was the Audi R8, which claimed best performance car. The BMW 7 Series took the luxury car prize.

Watch the Mazda MX-5 take on a Toyota GT86 on track below

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mazda MX-5 review – Japan’s lightweight sports car icon endures
Mazda MX-5 front
In-depth reviews

Mazda MX-5 review – Japan’s lightweight sports car icon endures

That the MX-5 still exists in today’s era of huge, heavy electrified cars is a miracle. That it’s better than ever is the cherry on the cake
22 Oct 2025
Mazda MX-5 RF 2025 review – evo Car of the Year 2024’s people’s champion
Mazda MX-5 RF front
Reviews

Mazda MX-5 RF 2025 review – evo Car of the Year 2024’s people’s champion

The Mazda MX-5 RF is a real palate cleanser in an otherwise heavy, disconnected 2025 performance car marketplace
23 Jan 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback
ZeroNine Ford Focus ST – front
Reviews

ZeroNine Ford Focus ST review – Ferrari 599 pulling power in a hatchback

Leicestershire tuning firm ZeroNine has given the last-of-the-line Focus ST a new lease of life with a series of performance upgrades – and Ferrari 59…
14 Nov 2025
Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014 - 2020) review: the original hyper hatch for under £10k
Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7) front
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014 - 2020) review: the original hyper hatch for under £10k

We were always huge fans of the Mk7 VW Golf R. That its successor has never quite lived up to its high standards has only underlined how good it was
11 Nov 2025
Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf GTI Edition 50 fighter
Cupra Leon VZ TCR
News

Cupra Leon VZ TCR is a 321bhp VW Golf GTI Edition 50 fighter

The most hardcore Leon since the Sub8 of a decade ago comes with removable rear seats
13 Nov 2025