What's the news?

We may all still be searching down the back of the sofa for a deposit on the 208hp Mazda MX-5 GT, but just on the off chance the concept does not lead to a production model Mazda has announced a pair of limited edition models to tickle your fancy. Based on the SE and Sport Tech models the MX-5 Kuro (Japanese for black) will be available as a 1.8i soft-top or a 2.0i Roadster Coupé with additional specification over the standard car.

Exterior

The Kuro special editions are differentiated from the standard MX-5 by Brilliant Black paintwork for the roof and door mirrors, dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, diffuser-style rear sports bumper, unique exterior graphics and 'Kuro Edition' badging. Three exterior colours - Velocity Red Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Brilliant Black - are offered.

Interior

Inside, the MX-5 Kuro has unique stone and black heated leather seats, stone leather door inserts with contrasting red stitching, a silver interior deco panel with red accents, alloy pedals, floor mats with a 'race inspired' logo and climate control.

Mechanicals

The Mazda MX-5 Kuro is offered in two flavours with customers free to choose between the 126hp 1.8-litre soft-top and the 160hp 2.0-litre coupé model. Whichever car is chosen the Kuro, like all MX-5s, features feature Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a Traction Control System (TCS). The coupé model goes one step further by adding a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and six-speed gearbox with the roadster having to make do with a five-speed unit.

The Kuro will be able to sprint to 60mph in 9.9 seconds (soft-top) or 7.9 seconds (coupé), and is capable of going on to reach top speeds of 1210 and 136mph respectively.

Anything else?

Only 200 examples of the £18,495 Kuro soft-top and 400 £21,995 coupé models will be available in the UK and if you want one you better move quick. The limited editions will go on sale on July 1 and will be available until July 31.

Paul Healy - 27 Jun 2012