The model continued the MX-5's philosophy of being a lightweight, front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster while featuring numerous performance improvements, however lacking its predecessor's retractable headlamps.

The NB featured a more powerful engine and external styling cues borrowed from the third generation Mazda RX-7, designed in 1995 by Tom Matano.

Other notable improvements include a glass rear window with defogger for the convertible top and an optional hinged wind deflector behind the seats.

[4] Performance figures were slightly different, with quicker acceleration and higher top speed than the standard 5-speed model.

A "Certificate of Authenticity" with the same number came with each car, signed by Mazda President James E. Miller and dated 10 February 1999.

On certain markets, a gift set was also included, consisting of a 1:43 scale diecast model, two Seiko-branded wristwatches (his and hers) with matching blue faceplate and Miata logo, and metal keychain in the form of the Miata logo, all encased in a luxury blue velvet box.

[citation needed] There were minor differences in specification according to the market, such as no sports appearance package (front/side/back skirts, rear wing) or air conditioning for Europe.

Introduced at the 2000 SEMA Show, the Mono-Posto concept was designed to be a single-seat sports car inspired by the Lotus Eleven and Jaguar D-Type.

Added for top models (designated 'Sport' in the U.K) were 16-inch (410 mm) wheels with 205/45VR16 low-profile tires, larger brakes at the front and rear, additional chassis stiffening braces, a limited-slip differential, a 6-speed manual transmission, Bilstein suspension and leather seats.

The upgraded tires and suspension allowed the new model to pull 0.91 g in lateral grip in tests by Car and Driver magazine.

In the United States, Mazda erroneously quoted the power figure for the Japanese and Australian model in early catalogues.

In 2003 Mazda launched a campaign to target a younger group of drivers with the introduction of the Shinsen Version (SV) Miata.

This limited production model also shared an inverted color scheme of the same year Special Edition with a titanium silver exterior and dark blue top and interior.

This substantial increase in power allowed the car to complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6 seconds, compared to the base model's 8.5s and the later Mazdaspeed's 7.8s.

[12] An extensive list of modifications were made to the base model cars in order to accommodate the extra performance.

Rerouting of the air-conditioning, power steering and wipers were required leading to hundreds of unique parts for the SP.

[10] The extensive list of changes increased the cost of the SP to be substantially higher than the base model and the later Mazdaspeed.

[13] The commercial success of the SP paved the way for the development of the Mazdaspeed MX-5 released in 2004, which was detuned in order to accommodate a larger market appeal.

[15] With its upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers and wider tires, the Mazdaspeed model could pull over 0.98 g in lateral grip.

Euro NCAP stated: "This is a poor performance despite the MX-5 benefiting from not having to have the leading edge of its bonnet tested because of its low profile."

[17] In the manga and anime Initial D, the downhill racer of Team 246 in Kanagawa, Satoshi Omiya, drives an orange MX-5 NB8C with a large rear wing.