Mazda launches MX-5 25th Anniversary Limited Edition

Mazda is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the original MX-5's launch with a new special edition. Called the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, only 1,000 examples will be built with 750 making their way to the UK. It’ll officially debut later this month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, ahead of going on sale August 1. 

Based on the standard Roadster Coupe, it features the same 158bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which, paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, will see the limited-run MX-5 hit 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds before topping out at 136mph.

While the underpinnings pass over unchanged, Mazda has fitted additional exterior and interior features to help the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition stand out. 

This includes a ‘Soul Red Metallic’ finish for the exterior, joined by ‘Brilliant Black’ door mirrors, A pillars and power-operated retractable hardtop roof. Elsewhere, there are 17-inch ‘Dark Gunmetal’ alloys, as well as a rear diffuser and chrome-trim exhaust, with each model receiving unique Limited Edition numbered badging.

Inside, the limited-run Mazda gets heated, ‘Light Stone’ leather trim with red stitching for the seat, steering wheel, gearstick and handbrake, plus there’s further 25th Anniversary logos embossed onto each headrest. 

In keeping with the black and red theme, the MX-5 25th Anniversary Limited Edition includes hand-painted ‘Dark Red’ dashboard detailing, further ‘Brilliant Black’ in the form of roll-over bar covers, alloy pedal set and bespoke stainless steal scuff plates.

From a technical perspective the primary selling point is a special 6.1-inch touch screen Mazda Navigation System. This has been exclusively engineered for the Japanese manufacturer by Alpine, and features 46 European country maps, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and customisable user profile settings for each driver.

It also comes with an integrated CD, radio and DVD player, although there should be no choice between entertainment and navigation, as there’s a 50:50 split screen for simultaneous viewing of two input sources.