2010 Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Special Edition UK review and pictures

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Special Edition UK review:

Mazda launches Limited Edition MX-5 to celebrate 20th Anniversary

•New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition` model on sale from 1 March 2010
•Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
•Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world`s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition`.

"British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade," comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

"Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

"The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda`s legendary reliability and durability." adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE - and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out` additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary` logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary` branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminium pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance - 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph - and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

AT-A-GLANCE

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
- additional equipment over 1.8 SE model

Chrome grille, headlamp and front fog light surrounds
Unique finish 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres
Front suspension strut brace
Front fog lights
Body-coloured fashion bar covers
Manual air-conditioning
Stainless steel scuff plates with unique Limited Edition logo and number
Aluminium pedal set
Body-coloured front dashboard decoration panel
Premium 20th Anniversary floor mats with coloured piping

Safety Equipment (as 1.8 SE model)
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Dual front airbags: Driver & passenger
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load-limiters
Electric and heated door mirrors
Outside temperature gauge
Thatcham Category 1 anti-theft alarm and engine immobiliser

Performance & Economy

Mazda MX-5 1.8i Anniversary
0-62 (sec): 9.9
Top Speed (mph): 121
Combined (mpg): 40.4
Urban (mpg): 29.7
Extra Urban (mpg): 51.4

Price List - March 2010

Mazda MX-5 1.8i Anniversary
Power (ps): 126
`On the road` Retail: £16,850
Emissions CO2 (g/km): 167
Road Fund Licence Band: H
Insurance Group (1-50): 21 E

NB ‘On the road` prices include 17.5% VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years European Roadside Assistance. All models are available with free 7-day drive away insurance.

Factory-fitted Options
Metallic / Mica Paint: RRP £395