Trailblazing Mazda MX-5s

In a remarkable display of Mazda's commitment to sustainability and innovation, a quartet of the marque's beloved MX-5 sports cars recently embarked on a historic journey across the United Kingdom. Spanning the iconic route from Land's End in Cornwall to John o' Groats in the Scottish Highlands, this 1,000-mile drive saw the four Mazda MX-5s, each representing a key milestone in the model's 35-year lineage, become the first vehicles to complete the end-to-end trek using 100% sustainable biofuel.

Trailblazing Mazda MX-5s

Fuelling the Future: The Power of Renewable Alternatives

The Mazda MX-5s, comprising a 1990 1.6-litre Mk1, a 10th Anniversary Mk2, a 25th Anniversary Mk3, and a 30th Anniversary Mk4, were powered entirely by SUSTAIN 100 RON E5 – a second-generation biofuel derived from agricultural waste and by-products that contain zero fossil fuel content. This innovative fuel, manufactured by Coryton, a part of the ASPEN Group, allowed the classic and modern Mazda MX-5s to undertake the journey without any modifications, showcasing the potential of sustainable alternatives to decarbonise both contemporary and vintage automobiles.

Tracing the MX-5's Storied Legacy

Launched in 1989 at the Chicago Motor Show, the Mazda MX-5 has long been hailed as the benchmark for pure, lightweight sports cars, with driver engagement at the heart of its enduring appeal. Over the course of its 35-year history, the Mazda MX-5 has amassed a loyal following, with more than 1.2 million units produced at Mazda's Ujina plant in Hiroshima and over 135,000 sold in the UK alone. The four Mazda MX-5s selected for this landmark expedition represented key milestones in the model's evolution, each embodying the brand's unwavering commitment to refining the sports car experience.

Navigating the Iconic Route

The 1,000-mile journey from Land's End to John o' Groats traversed a diverse range of landscapes, showcasing the versatility and capability of the MX-5s powered by SUSTAIN biofuel. Along the way, the convoy made several strategic stops, visiting pioneering organisations that are at the forefront of sustainable technologies and innovations.

Fuelling Stops and Showcasing Sustainability

The first stop was at Motor Spirit, Bicester Heritage Centre in Oxfordshire, where the MX-5s refuelled with the SUSTAIN Classic 80 sustainable petrol – the UK's first publicly available renewable fuel for classic vehicles. Next, the convoy visited the Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC) at the University of Sheffield, a world-leading facility dedicated to developing green energy solutions for a decarbonised future.

The journey then led the Mazda MX-5s to the picturesque shores of Windermere in the Lake District National Park, where they visited the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club (WMBRC) – the oldest powerboat racing club in the world still in operation. The club has been at the forefront of showcasing the potential of sustainable fuels in the motorsport industry.

The final stop was at Celtic Renewables and Caldic in Grangemouth, Scotland, where the Mazda MX-5s refuelled with SUSTAIN biofuel before completing their epic trek. Celtic Renewables is a pioneering technology-led producer of green chemicals, contributing to the sustainability of manufacturing and industrial processes.

The Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5