Mazda MX-5, Car Review

Maintaining Mazda's long tradition of tweaking the MX-5's image with limited edition models, the 500-off Sport Black - actually available in Spirited Green Metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and Velocity Red Mica - justifies its name through the liberal application of black design accents inside and out, rather gorgeous 17-inch Gun Metal alloy wheels and placing the emphasis on the compact roadster's sporting credentials.

Underlining its sporting focus, the Sport Black sidelines the 124bhp 1.8-litre engine offered in the regular MX-5 line-up and comes exclusively with the more muscular 158bhp 2.0-litre unit. Even this isn't the last word in searing pace, but you can get to 60mph in a far from tardy 7.9s even so. Straight line speed was never what the MX-5 was about anyway. Part of its core appeal has always been an agile and delightfully biddable chassis that's helped generations of drivers appreciate the joys of rear-wheel drive dynamics - massaged, in this case, by Bilstein dampers and a strut brace.

And in this context, it's plenty fast enough to extract some enjoyment from the MX-5's exploitable manners. There's a little more roll through corners than you might expect and neither of the engines plays a particularly inspiring tune, but there's a huge amount of fun to be had behind the wheel.

Limited editions come and go but the fundamentals of the MX-5 endure. This revised third generation model, like all of its predecessors, was designed to be as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements. The cabin comfortably accommodates two full stature occupants with no wasted space. The basic layout continues with the original's front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver, but behind the front axle for a 50:50 front to rear weight distribution. The chassis has been developed to maximize tyre performance, balance and stability. There's an inherent rightness to this set of rules that retains the MX-5's relevance.

The Sport Black model can be identified by its three special paint finishes, exterior badging, uniquely dark-hued 17-inch alloy wheels and, well, lots of titular trim accents, including the powered hood, front grille and foglight surrounds, steering wheel and dashboard facings. It also gets a unique, numbered 'Sport Black' name plaque, dedicated floor mats, stainless steel kick plates and leather sports seats. There isn't a lot of boot space but the powered roof mechanism works with impressive simplicity that borders on genius.

As befits its rather exclusive remit, the Sport Black also gets a few items of additional equipment, including a premium BOSE audio system, a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface and cruise control.

The Sport Black is loosely based on the SE trim level and buyers can expect to find climate control air conditioning, leather trim with 'sand' stitching for the steering wheel, handbrake and gearknob, heated seats aluminium pedals. And at £22,995 (£20,770 for an SE), the price seems far from unreasonable.

The Mazda MX-5 is a vehicle that never seems to have a sell-by date. Even Mk1 cars still feel fantastic and this Sport Black model offer perhaps a slightly less subtle image adjustment than usual on a very familiar format. The extras and cosmetic make-over are well judged and desirable without over-egging the mix.

The handling remains as much fun as ever, though the economy and emissions figures are starting to look a little off the pace. There's a lot of life in the MX-5, however, and the Sport Black serves up a big helping of fun for not a great deal of money. That formula never grows old.

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