Geneva show: Mazda MX-5 comes of age

MAZDA will roll out a 20th Anniversary edition of the MX-5 at the Geneva motor show in early March.

But before aficionados throw their arms up in dismay, since February actually denotes 21 years since the rear-drive roadster was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the celebrations only pertain to Europe, which saw the NA-series MX-5 in 1990.

But whichever way you look at it, this fact still makes it a perfect opportunity to spruik a convertible during one of Europe’s whitest winters on record, so out comes yet another special edition MX-5.

But, sadly for fans in Australia, Mazda has based it on the European engine configuration unavailable on Oz bound versions – the 1.8-litre four-cylinder twin-cam petrol unit to be precise. Ours come exclusively with a 2.0-litre petrol powerplant.

So only Europe (including the UK) will see the 2000-run SE, boasting a fresh hue (‘Aurora Blue’ – although two other regular paint colours are also available: ‘True Red’ and ‘Crystal White’), numbered stainless steel scuff plates, chrome-finished grille, door handles and headlight surrounds, silver-look fog light bezels, unique 17-inch alloy wheel designs, and 20th Anniversary badges.

Of more relevance to keen drivers is the addition of a front suspension brace compared to other 1.8-litre models for a “more sporty and exhilarating drive” according to the Mazda press puff.

The Japanese firm will have quite a busy time at the Swiss expo, with its showcasing of the facelifted Mazda6, all-new Mazda5 compact people mover and next-generation SKY-CONCEPT engines, diesels and transmissions that are earmarked for release next year – which of course will be the MX-5’s 22nd anniversary.

Australian deliveries commenced in October 1989, by the way.