What's all this about?
Where would we be without an endless litany of Mazda MX-5 special editions? Ever since the Japanese roadster launched almost 30 years ago, there have been a succession of limited production versions of this affordable sports car. They're often nothing more than some bespoke colours, interior finishes and trim upgrades.
Right, so have we got another?
Yes, we have. Following on from the 600-off Recaro Sport edition, this is the second limited-production version of the current MX-5 Mk4. It's called the Z-Sport Special Edition, it'll go on sale from March 1, 2018, and you're gonna need to move quick if you want one, because just 300 cars - all exclusive to the UK - are being provided by Mazda.
OK, what do I get for my money?
Well, let's talk the money first of all. The Z-Sport will cost £25,595, a £1,400 premium on the top-spec Sport Nav convertible you can get elsewhere in the line-up. Like that car, the Z-Sport uses the bigger, punchier 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine with 160hp. It boasts Machine Grey metallic paint, 17-inch black BBS alloy wheels and a cherry red fabric roof. There's more inside, with Sand leather seats, Z-Sport floor mats and scuff plates, and an individually numbered Z-Sport plaque on the dash. As with any 2.0-litre MX-5, the Z-Sport also employs a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers and a strut brace.
All sounds very nice. Where does that Z-Sport badge come from, then?
It's actually the second MX-5 to use the branding, as 10 years ago, Mazda did a Z-Sport version of the Mk3. That car featured 17-inch BBS wheels, Stone leather seats and Radiant Ebony mica paint, plus brushed aluminium dash inserts, alloy pedals and contrast stitching for the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake. A total of 400 examples were built.
Anything else to add?
This is the first chance Mk4 MX-5 buyers have had a chance to buy a fabric hood that's anything but black. Mazda UK's MD, Jeremy Thomson, said: "The MX-5's new cherry-coloured roof was shown for the first time in public at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, where it received a very positive reception. I'm delighted that we can bring it to UK MX-5 buyers as part of the exciting Z-Sport limited edition model.
"We've had a long tradition of producing distinctive limited-edition MX-5s that allow customers to drive a sports car with stand-out looks and enhanced equipment, and the new Z-Sport is one of the best yet. The stunning combination of the cherry-red roof and Machine Grey metallic paint make this one of the most exclusive-looking MX-5s we've ever offered, and I'm sure it will be a very popular choice when it arrives in dealerships next March."
Matt Robinson - 8 Dec 2017