Chicago show: Mazda’s MX-5 sportscar turns 30

MAZDA has revealed its celebratory MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition at the Chicago motor show this week, marking an important milestone since the nameplate first launched in 1989.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, however. Mazda Australia has confirmed that it will import just 30 units, which will be offered to customers on a “first come, first served basis”, with potential buyers to be reached out to via email.

For reference, the current range, which received a mild update in September last year, is priced from $34,190 plus on-road costs for the base 1.5L Roadster and up to $48,960 for the range-topping 2.0L RF GT with an automatic transmission.

The soft-top 2.0L Roadster GT, upon which the Australian-market 30th Anniversary Edition is based, is priced at $41,960.

Of the 3000 30th Anniversary Edition specials that will be built for global consumption, some will instead be based on the hard-top RF body style.

It is unclear if the 30th Anniversary Edition will be offered with the 2.0L Roadster GT’s standard six-speed manual transmission or its optional automatic unit that commands a $2000 premium.

However, the 2.0L Roadster GT’s upgraded naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is guaranteed, likely tuned to produce 135kW of power at 7000rpm and 205Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

Distinguishing the limited edition drop-top is its Racing Orange paintwork, unique Rays forged alloy wheels, 30th Anniversary badging, Recaro racing seats, Alcantara interior trim, Bilstein dampers and orange-painted Brembo front and Nissin rear brake callipers.

The sportscar also features orange accents throughout, including on the air vent surrounds, seat and steering wheel stitching, dashboard panel, shift lever and handbrake lever.

Other standard features include adaptive LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors and seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Bose 203W amplifier matched with nine speakers, and keyless entry.

Driver assistance and safety kit includes rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring and lane departure warning.

Mazda Australia sold 835 MX-5s last year, which was a 42.8 per cent drop compared to 2017.