To celebrate the fact that the Mazda MX-5 accounts for a quarter of all new sports car purchases in the United Kingdom, the automaker has unveiled a new special edition paint and trim package dubbed "Icon." The Icon can be had with either the 1.8L engine mated to a 5-speed manual or the sprightlier 2.0L matched with a six-speed. Naturally, Icon badging will adorn the car's exterior, which can be coated in a choice of red, white or blue paint -- to match the Union Jack, natch. Inside, the Icon logo is embroidered onto the car's black leather seats and carpeted floormats. Climate control is also included as one of the standard features in the Icon package, which will be limited to 875 1.8L MX-5s and 375 of the 2-liter cars.
PRESS RELEASE:
Special Edition 'Mazda Mx-5 Icon' zooms into summer
- Just 875 MX-5 1.8i Icon and 375 MX-5 2.0i Icon will be available in the UK
- Mazda MX-5 Icon, based on the MX-5 1.8i and 2.0i Option Pack models, offers up to 1,500 worth of additional features
The appropriately named 'Mazda MX-5 Icon' is the latest edition of the world's best-selling roadster and is specially designed to appeal to British drivers looking to purchase their very first soft-top roadster this summer. A true sports car, the rear-wheel drive MX-5 delivers unrivalled handling, driving dynamics and wind-in-the-hair motoring.
Representing extremely competitive value for money, the Mazda MX-5 Icon is available in two versions the 'entry-level' 1.8i Icon features a 126ps engine and a five-speed transmission and is priced at 16,825 on-the-road. Customers in search of higher performance can choose the 2.0i Icon powered by a 160ps engine mated to a six-speed transmission and costing 17,825.
Both Icon models offer fantastic value with up to 1,500 worth of additional extras. Special features of the Icon include climate control air-conditioning, Icon-branded black Medici leather seats and unique Icon-branded luxury interior mats.
Exterior features include Icon badging and chrome style bar trims and the cars can be ordered in one of three exterior colours Copper Red Mica, unique Marble White (solid) and Stormy Blue Mica.
"Since the demise of the MG TF and Toyota MR2, there is no longer a defined 'roadster' segment within the non-premium sports car market," commented Mazda UK's Managing Director Rob Lindley.
"Today, a section of the public perceives competitors to the Mazda MX-5 to include other open-top cars like the Mini Convertible, Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207CC all non-sports car segment vehicles.
Now, the Mazda MX-5 Icon aims to attract those customers by offering an irresistible combination of a uniquely sporty rear‑ wheel drive, wind-in-the-hair experience, high specification and excellent value. We are sure that this new model is an Icon by name and the MX-5 is certainly iconic by nature!" concluded Lindley.
As well as adding the special Icon features, generous standard equipment of the MX-5 ensures that buyers can enjoy: leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, six-speaker audio system, electric windows, premium black cloth soft-top, 16-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
Icon owners will also enjoy a degree of exclusivity as production of this latest Mazda MX-5 model will be restricted. Just 875 examples of the MX-5 1.8i Icon and 375 units of the MX-5 2.0i Icon will be available in the UK.
Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Icon special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).
-Autoblog
