30th Anniversary Mazda MX-5 | Update!

The limited edition Racing Orange model has finally landed in the UK...

It feels like a long time since we learned of the Mazda's 30-year tribute to the MX-5 (it was actually unveiled at the Chicago show in February) - now we get the region-specific nitty gritty. Of the 3,000 Racing Orange cars build globally, the UK will get 550 cars: 370 of the soft-top convertible flavour and 180 hard-top RFs.

The healthy proportion reflects the size of the UK market, which has consistently proven itself to be deeply impressed with the MX-5. "In the three decades since the launch of the original model over 130,000 Mazda MX-5s have been sold in the UK. This is a sports car that has resonated with enthusiastic British drivers ever since its debut and four generations on it's as popular as ever," remarked Jeremy Thomson, Mazda's UK Managing Director.

Apparently keen to test the limits of that popularity, the manufacturer has not held back on the 30th Anniversary Edition's pricing: the convertible is £28,095 and the Retractable Fastback, £29,895 - a significant mark-up for what is essentially a funky paint and wheel upgrade (with a nice plaque). Still, you do get the Bilstein dampers, strut brace and limited-slip differential as standard, along with Recaro seats and Alcantara trim on the door cards. And, of course, it looks the business. Which ought to do it. On sale now.

ORIGINAL STORY - 19.02.19

Whether you like MX-5s or not, there can be no denying the impact it's had on the world of sports cars. Therefore with 1989 marking its 30th anniversary, Mazda was hardly going to let the MX-5's big 3-0 pass unnoticed.

Previewed last month, Mazda has now shown in full the 30th Anniversary Edition at the Chicago show. As expected, this MX-5 is extremely orange (the colour is Racing Orange, in fact), and can also be distinguished from other models in the range - in case the paint didn't do it - by the Rays RE40 ZS30 forged wheels, 30th Anniversary badge and orange calipers.

That theme continues inside, too, with orange accents on the seats, doors and gear lever. Note as well the Recaro seats, which actually look pretty decent.

Beyond that, the 30th Anniversary Edition is as you were for any MX-5: it will be sold as both a Roadster and an RF, and it would seem with either engine choice - certainly a specific one hasn't been mentioned just yet. As for actually obtaining one, Mazda says that 3,000 will be built across both body styles, which ties in with the anniversary.

We're still no clearer just yet on what the UK allocation of that 3,000 will be, though you'd have to imagine the car's popularity over here would mean a decent proportion could make it. We'll find out soon!