New Mazda MX-5 R-Sport special edition now on sale

• Limited to 150 examples in the UK
• Uses entry-level 1.5-litre engine
• Priced from £27,700

The Mazda MX-5 R-Sport special edition is now on sale. Only 150 are being made for the UK and prices start from £27,700. The car’s launch was slightly delayed but Mazda’s dealerships have now reopened with social distancing guidelines in place.

Every MX-5 R-Sport comes in the ‘Polymetal Grey’ metallic paint that was introduced as an option across the range for the 2020 MX-5. The R-Sport also has black wing mirrors, a grey fabric hood and 16-inch RAYS alloy wheels in dark grey.

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The interior is a lot more vibrant, as R-Sport cars feature the same burgundy Nappa leather upholstery you get in top-spec GT Sport Tech, with contrasting silver stitching. Standard equipment includes sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, climate control and cruise control.

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Mazda offers two engines in the MX-5 but the 150 R-Sport cars are only offered with the less powerful 1.5-litre unit because the car is based on the existing Sport trim. The engine produces 130bhp and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Despite the modest power output, the car’s light weight means it still accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds.

Earlier this month we brought you the news that Mazda will also produce 100th Anniversary versions of the MX-5, Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3. Those will go on sale in summer. Mazda has produced a long line of special-edition MX-5s, including the bright orange 30th Anniversary model sold in 2019.

The Mazda MX-5 R-Sport costs £27,700, so it’s £1,600 more expensive than the Sport trim on which it’s based and around £700 cheaper than the next trim up in the standard range, called Sport Tech.

See where the Mazda MX-5 places on our lists of the best convertibles and best cheap sports cars to buy.