Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 Black Edition vs GT

Mazda’s latest MX-5 takes cues from its track star brother. But how do the two compare?

Mazda MX-5 Black Edition vs GT header

Win on Sunday, sell on Monday – that’s the mantra for makers who spend millions striving for motorsport success. By notching up on-track victories, they aim to enjoy success in the showroom.

Mazda is a firm follower of this philosophy, having secured silverware in the World Rally Championship and Le Mans over the past two decades. However, the Japanese giant’s latest on-track adventure is closer to home, with bosses entering the legendary MX-5 into the tough Britcar British Endurance Championship.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite having less power than big-hitting rivals from BMW and Lotus, the lightweight two-seater has clinched a brace of podium finishes in the hands of Auto Express’s senior road tester Owen Mildenhall and fellow racer Mark Ticehurst. To celebrate, Mazda has launched a special roadgoing version of its hardcore MX-5 racer.

With eye-catching paint, a luxurious cabin and a limited production run, the newcomer should be every bit as desirable as its hardcore cousin. To find out, we’ve brought the two together for a special head-to-head. Which one will pass the chequered flag first?

Verdict

It’s been around for more than 20 years now, but the MX-5 shows no signs of slowing down. The Sport Black edition is a prime example of the characterful roadster’s enduring appeal, as it features no mechanical revisions at all. In fact, bosses are so confident of the two-seater’s sublime driving dynamics that they decided the newcomer needed nothing more than a lick of paint and specially trimmed cabin. For the ultimate in driver thrills, there’s no beating the GT. With its tuned engine, bespoke chassis and sticky, slick rubber, this MX-5 serves up breathtaking on-track ability. To get the best out of it, you need to be a highly skilled racer, but even a novice will climb out from behind the wheel wearing a huge grin. The really good news is that the Sport Black special serves up nearly as much 

fun – but for a fraction of the cost.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mazda Mx-5

Mazda Mx-5

RRP £19,825Avg. savings £2,021 off RRP*Used from £11,200
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,930
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025