Mazda gets all racy with new 'Black' 27 | 07 | 2011

MAZDA HAS LAUNCHED a motorsport-influenced limited edition of its MX-5 and — rather surprisingly — its Mazda2. Both models will be available from Mazda's Scottish dealership network later this month.

Mazda has used its MX-5 GT racer — which competes in the the Britcar Production GTN Championship against the likes of Lotus, BMW and Ferrari — as the inspiration for the new MX-5 Sport Black.

Based on the 160bhp, 2.0-litre, six-speed Sport Tech Roadster Coupé model, the new road-going version features a ‘Brilliant Black’ retractable hardtop roof and comes in three bodywork colours – metallic ‘Spirited Green’, pearlescent ‘Crystal White’ and ‘Velocity Red’ mica.

Continuing the black theme, there's also a black leather interior, Piano Black steering wheel and deco panel, limited-edition floor mats and gunmetal 17in alloys. Standard spec levels are high as the car is fitted with all the goodies included in Mazda's Sport Tech; that means front fog lights, a Bose audio system, cruise control, air-con and a Bluetooth hands-free kit.

Read our EXCLUSIVE drive of Mazda's SkyActiv Technology

Priced at ££22,995 — £360 more than the Sport Tech — only 500 examples of the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black will go on sale in the UK.

The Mazda2 Black meanwhile — based on the 83bhp, 1.3-litre Tamura version — features a black vinyl roof, a rear bumper sports trim, 16in alloys, privacy glass and front fog lights. There's also air-con, a Bluetooth hands-free kit, electric rear windows and limited-edition floor mats.

The car will be available in the same green and white shades as the MX-5 as well as ‘True Red’. For some strange reason, just 618 examples of the Mazda2 Black will hit the UK. Prices start at £12,395 on-the-road for the True Red version and £12,815 for the others.

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Jim McGill