With a cramped cabin, two seats, and limited cargo area, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most practical cars money can buy. Despite the drawbacks, more than a million people have bought one since NA came out in the late 1980s. As part of the Japanese automaker’s efforts to make affordable sports cars cater to a wider audience, there is also a right-hand drive version available locally as a Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle.
Sold with a standard fabric roof or targa-style RF specifications, this Miata is adapted for people with disabilities. It’s been around for a while but we need to take a moment and appreciate every time an automaker adapts its vehicles for people with physical disabilities. Usually it’s the minivan that gets changed, but the MX-5 is much more interesting than the family carrier.
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Changes include a “control handle” located next to the center console. Basically, it’s a lever that replaces the accelerator and brake pedals. How does it work? The driver pulls it to accelerate and pushes it to slow down. In addition, an optional “swivel knob” is attached to the steering wheel to enable one-handed steering. The owner can store the wheelchair in the passenger seat. There are covers, as well as side supports for easy entry and exit of the car. Naturally, the MX-5 is sold exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Marketed in Japan as Roadster and Roadster RF, the add-on for the Self-empowerment variant costs 339,400 and 365,900, respectively. That’s about $2,500 at the current exchange rate. Mazda also sells 2 superminis, an MX-30 electric crossover, and a CX-5 SUV with these modifications. Additionally, the Flair Wakgon – a kei car based on the Suzuki Wagon R – can be purchased with this mod.
In related news, Mazda Japan is no longer taking new orders for the MX-5. The two dedicated pages for the Roadster and Roadster RF include the following text: “The sale will end as soon as the stock in the store runs out. In addition, even if the store has stock, there may be cases where we are unable to meet customer requests, such as color or body options. We will let you know when the sale will resume.”
