Mazda MX-5 scoops Japan car of the year award

The 2015 Mazda MX-5 is the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame car of the year. (©Mazda)

The sixth-generation Miata MX-5 roadster has been honoured with the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame's (JAHF) top annual accolade.

At a ceremony on Friday held at the carmaker's Tokyo offices, the JAHF's judges revealed that the car had won because of its sophistication and for its fuel efficiency as much as for its handling and driver involvement.

Related: Watch the Mazda MX-5 in action

"Our Roadster represents everything we stand for in terms of our car-making philosophy, so we are delighted to have that recognized," said Masamichi Kogai, President and CEO of Mazda of receiving the award.

Since its launch in 1989, Mazda's compact and poised convertible has managed to sell 500,000 examples despite being in a very competitive niche.

However, the car has managed to stay ahead of the competition because with every new generation, Mazda has never lost sight of what made the original such a fun driving experience.

"Mazda will continue to build cars that brighten people's lives. We aim to become a "one-and-only" brand for our customers, a brand they will choose again and again," said Kogai.