Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Black special edition revealed

Unique paint finish and extra kit for the latest limited run MX-5; 300 units will be produced when it goes on sale towards the end of May

This is the Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Black, the latest in a long line of special-edition variants of the world’s biggest-selling roadster. The new model follows the MX-5 Z Sport, which has been available to buy since March.

The Sport Black’s additions are purely cosmetic; the most obvious of them is striking Eternal Blue mica exterior paint. This is set off by a contrasting gloss black lip spoiler and door mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in gunmetal grey. Inside, there are unique floor mats, scuff plates and a special plaque on the dash.

Read our in-depth review of the Mazda MX-5

In addition to the standard kit of the SE-L Nav on which it’s based, the limited-run model adds leather seats, rear parking sensors, and automatic headlights and wipers. As with other RF models, the Sport Black features a three-piece retractable hard-top that folds beneath the rear pillars in 13 seconds.

Mechanically the Sport Black is identical to the regular RF, which means that the 158bhp it makes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine is sent to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

Three hundred examples of the RF Sport Black will be produced. The new model will be priced from £25,695 - an increase of £1,900 over the RF SE-L Nav - when it goes on sale from 28 May. Members of the MX-5 Owners’ Club will have an exclusive chance to see the car in the metal for the first time at Goodwood Motor Circuit on 29 April.

Where does the Mazda MX-5 rank among the best sports cars on sale today?

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Recommended

Mazda MX-5 (Mk1, 1989-1997) icon review: a modern take on the classic sports car
Mazda MX-5 Mk1 icon - front
Road tests

Mazda MX-5 (Mk1, 1989-1997) icon review: a modern take on the classic sports car

We hit the road in the first-generation Mazda MX-5 to find out what made it such a hit with buyers
13 Nov 2023
The most important cars of the last 35 years
Most important cars – header image
Best cars & vans

The most important cars of the last 35 years

We’ve reviewed hundreds of models over the past 35 years, but these are the ones that our team believes really made a difference
13 Oct 2023
New Mazda MX-5 gets more of everything we love for 2024
2024 Mazda MX-5 - front static
News

New Mazda MX-5 gets more of everything we love for 2024

The quintessential Japanese roadster is back with new tech and tweaked styling
5 Oct 2023
Top 10 best sports cars 2023
Best sports cars 2023 - header
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best sports cars 2023

From the Alpine A110 to the McLaren 720S, these are our 10 favourite sports cars on today’s market
25 Jul 2023

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023
New entry-level Fisker Ocean beats Tesla Model Y on range and price
Fisker Ocean - front
News

New entry-level Fisker Ocean beats Tesla Model Y on range and price

The ‘Sport’ version of Fisker’s Ocean electric SUV offers 288-mile range for a whisker under £37k
22 Nov 2023