Mazda MX-5 Named UK’s Best Sportscar

Since its launch 20 years ago, Mazda MX-5 has been one of the UK’s most favourite cars. So no wonder that in the 2010 JD Power survey it was awarded as Britain’s ‘Best Sports car’. This little Japanese is probably the only successful copy of a true British roadster. It’s a very desirable car not for things that is has, but because of things that it doesn’t have!

The MX-5 is simple and honest and most importantly affordable. It offers unmatched level of driving fun in its class, mainly thanks to its lightness. It doesn’t ask what you need, it asks what you can live without! Of course these days it’s got caught up in the game and comes with retractable metal roof and all other stuff you won’t need, and that has made it heavier ans less fun, but still comparing to its rivals, it’s a true British sportscar, except its Japanese!

Mazda MX-5 car review

The MX-5’s Japanese roots are immediately obvious when you look at its interior – but things are none the worse for that. Clearly laid out and well screwed together, there’s a lot of black in evidence, with just the right amount of alloy (actually silver plastic) highlights to make things interesting, without looking over-designed.

What’s really impressive is the ease with which the roof can be raised and stowed. There’s no power assistance; you simply release a catch and flip the boot back. It then latches into place on its own, with the top of the roof also doubling as a tonneau cover. When you want protection from the elements, you simply press another button and the roof is easily raised and clipped back into place. All convertible roofs should be this simple.

20th-Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5

For MX-5 lovers in Australia, 110 units will be sold out of the total 2000 units made, while 600 are reserved for UK. The sale is expected to start in March.
“With limited numbers available, this is a great opportunity to own an exclusive version of Australia’s and the world’s best selling sports car” - Doug Dickson, M.D. Mazda Australia

A stainless steel scuff plate will be used for numbering each unit. The model, which is a modified version of the 1.8-litre SE MX-5, is available in three body colours: Radiant Ebony, Highland Green and Stormy Blue. The only available transmission option is a six-speed manual transmission.

The unique features of this exclusive car include new 17-inch alloys, 20th Anniversary badging, Bilstein shock absorbers, leather seats and brushed alloy trim that replaces the piano black on the dash. While the front grille, door handles and headlight surrounds are chromed. Another modification includes the addition of a front suspension bracing bar.

The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 will be part of next month's Geneva Motor Show, where it will be presented alongside the new facelifted Mazda5 and a Mazda6 models.