The Mazda MX5 Miata has been the world’s top-selling entry-level two-seat roadster for 16 years now since it’s debut in 1989. The MX5 was the brainchild of Bob Hall, who is now working at Proton in product development.
But the past two months have been different with the launch of GM’s new Pontiac Solstice roadster which had sales figures double of the newly redesigned 2006 Mazda MX5 Miata. Pontiac Solstice sales for December were 2746 units where the Miata’s was 1007. January’s sales figures were 1990 units compaed to the Miata’s 1067.
Is this just a short burst of sales or will the Miata’s throne finally be toppled?
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….the MX-5 is a great icon of our era…and if i recall correctly..it is listed in the Guiness Book of records….
….nowadays even if you are driving the 1st generation Miatas…it still turn heads!
from external looks it's better to have solstice. but i heard mx5 have a good handling. handling mx5 review in last season of Top Gear
MX-5 is still a world car. The Pontiac is only for American market.
You can be sure Mazda is not worried.
Hey paul, i doubt the pic of tat Solstice was a concept coupe, not the production version. Frankly speaking, once the concept car was unveiled in few years back, it really catch my attention and i believe that it might be a turning point for the Pontiac if Solstice's production start. It would be a next great roadster. Apparently Solstice's curvaceous design has a typical american flava-musculine, aggresive and sleek. This is truely my another favourite american car. Coincidentally, there is another Bob behind the Solstice …Bob Lutz..good luck to Pontiac, Cheers!
Well if it's gonna toppled Miata from its throne, it is sure will be 17 years from now….that is if the Solstice is sold worldwide. Miata has been around for almost two decades unchallenged. It is possible. Maybe the Solstice got something that match up with the Miata or even better. Where can I get the review on Solstice?
Now that Paul has mentioned it, I wonder what Proton could come out with, having Lotus and Bob Hall under their wing that is. I wish they could do something. I'm waiting to see a great and fun car to drive, recieving worldwide recognition like the Miata and the Elise, coming out from our very own factory in Tg. Malim.
Would anyone agree?
While most of you seem to think that the Solstice is only a US market car, and therefore will never beat the Miata, its a sad truth to say that the US Market is pretty much where the buck stops, especially for roadsters. While I'm not sure of the exact figures, you might want to check out the number of Miata's sold in the U.S. vs. the number sold in the rest of the world.
While the Mazda will always handle 'more entertainingly' than any US offering, it's my guess that most buyers go for style – thus opting for the great looking solstice, leaving only a smaller number of enthusiasts plonking for the Miata.
Such a shift in customer profiles might lead to a juicier, albeit more expensive Miata down the road…