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Mazda MX-5 Black Edition

New special-edition MX-5 promises bold looks and a thrilling drive

Mazda MX-5 Black Edition

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Nathan Morgan

July 2011

Inspired by its GT racer, Mazda has launched a limited-edition MX-5, and Auto Express was first behind the wheel.

The new Black Edition doesn’t get the roll cage of the stripped-out track car – currently being driven by our own senior road tester, Owen Mildenhall, 
in the Britcar Championship. But Mazda has provided plenty of visual oomph to set it apart from the rest of the range.

There are three unique paint finishes to choose from, including the bold Spirited Green metallic of our car. The folding hard-top is available solely in 
contrasting black, though.

Only 500 examples of the Black Edition are being built, and as the name suggests, everything from the roll hoops, wing mirrors and grille to the foglight surrounds is finished in menacing black.

Inside are more unique touches, such as a numbered plaque, alloy pedals and contrasting stitching on the leather upholstery. Some of the plastics are starting to feel their age, as is the layout of the dash, but it still feels durable and built to last. In addition, the folding hard-top is simple to operate.

On the road, the peppy 157bhp 2.0-litre engine revs keenly to the red line, and all the controls are perfectly weighted, making it easy to exploit the taut chassis. The narrow pedal box is ideally laid out to allow quick heel-and-toe downshifts, and every trip is a reminder of how rewarding the Mazda is to drive.

There are some sacrifices for this dynamic prowess – namely the tiny luggage bay and high 181g/km CO2 emissions. But even after six years on sale, the MX-5 is still as good as ever.

For an alternative review of the latest Mazda MX-5 visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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6 Comments

Just like AMG ... not

So the Black Edition has no mechanical changes? I hope Merc sues them for bringing the name into disrepute.

By aje21 on 27 July, 2011, 1:32pm

How can you change perfection...

I agree with AE. The MX5 really is as good as ever, Used to really enjoy driving my mothers MX5 RC. Even after driving my Subaru Impreza, the handling of the always felt spot on.

By cousins11 on 28 July, 2011, 11:49am

sensible?

So black is green or two other colours and all your are getting is alloy pedals and a badge...... lap it up sucker!!!!

By wmtmarine on 29 July, 2011, 9:40am

With metallic paint costs added to the standard car, this special edition is cheaper by £60 not including the extra cost of the mats.

By ssouthern on 29 July, 2011, 4:13pm

What's in a name...

...over to you Mercedes.

This MX5 special edition is perhaps inappropriately named but it sure looks the part. I've always liked the MX5 and I applaud Mazda for producing a traditional British styled sports car for the average man or woman. let's not forget that this has always been the MX5's raison d'etre.

By sgtgrash on 2 August, 2011, 6:37pm

Big Deal

spending 16k on a car and its been made cheaper by £60 plus mats...... excuse me if i dont run out and buy another with the savings!!!!.... its an old fashioned, cheap to build 2 seater with a low rent interior..... come on mazda - you can do better.

By wmtmarine on 3 August, 2011, 9:22am

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FIRST OPINION

    The MX-5 still has the power to put a huge smile on your face, and the driving dynamics are as sharp as ever. This limited edition adds some extra visual punch to the roadster’s simple recipe, and it’s well worth the £360 premium over the Sport. While a number of hot hatches offer more power for less, few can match the open-air drama and rear-drive thrills of this brilliant roadster. We can’t recommend it enough.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,995
    Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol 
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive 
    Power/torque: 158bhp/187Nm
    0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
    Top speed: 136mph
    Economy/CO2: 36.2mpg/181g/km
    Equipment: 17-inch alloys, climate and cruise control, electric windows, BOSE speakers, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel, leather seats, limited-slip differential
    On sale: Now 
     
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