Mazda launches MX-5 special as record tumbles

MAZDA has announced a special edition of its record-breaking MX-5 to go on sale in Australia, with tweaks to the styling and a new Bilstein-tuned suspension.

The special edition, limited to 200 units, was announced just days after the iconic Japanese sports car again re-wrote the sports car production record books, topping 900,000 units.

The record breaking car – a maroon soft-top – rolled off the production floor on February 4, more than 22 years after the first of the two-seaters came off the Hiroshima assembly line.

In Australia, Mazda is celebrating with a special edition that gets new 17-inch alloys wheels and two new colours, Dolphin Grey Mica and Sparkling Black Mica, along with grey leather seats and grey stitching inserts on the steering wheel and handbrake.

The interior also gains chrome meter rings and air vent bezels, with all embellishments coming at no extra cost.



From top: The interior of the new Special Edition, the 900,000th MX-5 to roll off the production line

The Mazda MX-5 Special Edition is priced at $47,200 – the same as the standard MX-5 Roadster Coupe.

The Mazda MX-5 has been on the market since 1989, updated through three generations.

It has been credited with reinvigorating the cheap, fun sports car, becoming an international phenomenon.

In May 2000, it was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “best selling two-seat sports car” when production hit 531,890.

Guinness has since updated its books as the car has clocked up 700,000, then 800,000 units. Mazda has now applied to have the record updated to 900,000.

Mazda’s executive officer in charge of development, Seita Kanai, sees no sign of production on the roadster stopping any time soon.

“As we head toward the next production milestone of one million units, Mazda is committed to further evolving the MX-5,” he said.

“We will refine its fun-to-drive character and further enhance its environmental and safety capabilities.

“As Mazda passes its 91st birthday, we are turning our sights toward our 100th anniversary. In the years ahead, we will continue to cherish the MX-5, alongside its loyal fan base, as the symbol of the Mazda brand.”Sales of the Series II NC MX-5 launched in early 2009 have waned of late, down 15.5 per cent in 2010 and trailing segment-sales leaders such as the BMW 1-Series coupe/convertible, Mercedes-Benz CLC-class, Kia Cerato Koup and Volkswagen Eos.

Mazda MX-5 Special Edition price:

$47,200