Inside Line reports that the Mazda MX-5 has won the Japan Car of the Year award. The MX-5, billed as a lightweight open-top sports car, debuted in Japan in August, 2005.
Mazda stormed to victory with 447 points, easily defeating the new Lexus GS (309) and BMW 3 Series (212).
Making up the top five was the Honda Civic (165 points) and Suzuki Swift (154). Technology of the Year went to Honda for the clever new Civic gas-hybrid powertrain. The JCOTY Most Fun prize was awarded to Suzuki's impressively redesigned Swift compact. BMW's 3 Series took Import Car of the Year.
More information on the Mazda MX-5 can be found on Mazda's Japan and UK websites.
Inside Line 
