Melbourne Motor Show visitors will be the first motor show visitors in the world to see the all-new Mazda MX-5.

Making its first public outing in Australia and Switzerland tomorrow, the third generation of the world’s favourite roadster will go on public display in Melbourne three hours before the public can see it in Geneva.

Although the Melbourne International Motor Show opens its doors at 5pm on Thursday 3rd March, and the Geneva Salon opens at 10 am the same day, the difference in time zones means 10 am in Switzerland is 8 pm in Melbourne.

The brand new MX-5 will be one of the most significant show stars anywhere in Australia or Europe this year.

Since its launch in 1989, Mazda has sold more than 700,000 MX-5 roadsters worldwide, making it the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history.

The Australian show car has a second claim to global fame: in addition to being the first new MX-5 seen by the public, it is the centerpiece of Mazda Motor Corporation’s global photographic shoot.

The show car has spent the past four weeks being photographed in Australia and will feature in media, advertising and marketing images throughout the world.

MX-5 fans around the world will be able to buy the new roadster in the second half of this year, with the Australian on-sale date expected about October.

The Melbourne International Motor Show is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).