Limited edition Mazda MX-5 R-Sport 27 | 04 | 2020
IF YOU FANCY driving off into the sunshine once we finally free ourselves from Covid-19 lockdown, then Mazda has the answer: it’s launched a new special edition of its iconic MX-5. Badged the MX-5 R-Sport, production is limited to just 150 examples and priced at £27,700. (Related: Order books open for all-electric Mazda)
Coinciding with the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster entering its fourth decade on sale, the MX-5 R-Sport is based on Mazda’s mid-range Sport model; but comes with a list of additional goodies as standard.
In addition to Polymetal Grey metallic paint — a new edition to the 2020 Mazda MX-5 line up and which, on the R-Sport, is matched to piano black wing mirrors — the special edition also gets a grey soft-top hood and 16-inch alloys from specialist RAYS. Inside the cabin there’s also burgundy Nappa leather seats with silver stitching. (Related: Mazda3 scoops Design of the Year)
All this comes in addition to the already comprehensive list of standard equipment found on the Sport-spec MX-5, including rear parking sensors, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, LED headlamps, a nine-speaker Bose stereo system and a seven-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. (Related: Mazda3 named Scottish Car of the Year)
Under the bonnet, power from Mazda’s zesty 1.5-litre 130bhp Skyactiv-G petrol engine is channelled to the car wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. It’ll hit 62mph from standstill in 8.3secs and cary on to a max of 127mph. The more powerful, 181bhp 2.0-litre engine won’t be available in R-Sport trim.
“I’m delighted we can offer an exclusive MX-5 convertible model to our customers,” Jeremy Thomson, Mazda Motors UK, managing director, said. “With it joining the rest of the convertible and RF models in the line-up, we now have a great choice of MX-5s in our updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 range, which means anyone wanting to drive a distinctive and stylish roadster can find what they need.” (Related: Mazda updates 2020 CX-5 for SUV)
The updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 range features a 10-model line-up — four Convertibles and six RFs — the 130bhp 1.5-litre Convertible is offered in SE-L and Sport trim, while the 181bhps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to Sport Tech and the new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim.
As with the Convertible, SE-L and Sport trim RF’s are powered by the 1.5-litre engine, while Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech come with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. In addition, 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox.
Customers can register their interest in the £27,700 Mazda MX-5 R-Sport online now, and UK deliveries will begin once the current retail restrictions come to an end.
Related: Review — Mazda CX-5
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Jim McGill