2007 Mazda MX-5 ZSport and RX-8 Kuro UK Special Editions review

Mazda MX-5 ZSport and RX-8 Kuro UK Special Editions review:

Continuing to celebrate its status as 'Britain's favourite sports car brand' – delivering one in every five sports cars sold in the UK – Mazda is introducing two 'Special Edition' models to its established Zoom-Zoom product line-up this spring.

The Zoom-Zoom desirability of the iconic Mazda MX-5, the world's best selling roadster, is boosted by the special edition Mazda MX-5 2.0i ZSport. Priced at £19,995 on-the-road, it costs just £1,045 more than the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport with six-speed transmission, but offers further value with more than £2,250 worth of additional or exclusive extras.

Exclusive exterior features of the MX-5 ZSport include unique Radiant Ebony Mica paintwork, bespoke 17-inch BBS multi-spoke alloy wheels, a stylish chrome front grille surround complete with other exterior chrome touches and discreet ZSport badging.

Inside, there is special Stone-coloured leather upholstery, a brushed aluminium dash panel, chrome air vent bezels, climate control air conditioning and alloy pedals. Just 400 examples of the ZSport will be available in the UK.

This spring, the Mazda line-up includes a new version of the high power Mazda RX 8 four-seater, four-door sports coupé – the Mazda RX-8 Kuro Limited Edition. With a power output of 231ps and six-speed transmission, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro will be strictly limited to 500 vehicles, every one finished in unique Sparkling Black Mica paint ('Kuro' translates as 'Black' in Japanese), with special exterior badging and five-spoke, 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels.

Appropriately for a limited-edition model, each Mazda RX-8 Kuro has its own unique vehicle number clearly displayed on its bespoke stainless-steel scuff plates, while the seats and interior are trimmed in unique Stone-coloured leather, with co ordinated stitching featured on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Costing just £23,995 on-the-road, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro is priced keenly at £505 less than the standard high power Mazda RX-8 and comes with more than £1,000 worth of extras.

Despite all of the additional specification, the Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8 specials remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts.