Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 Sport Black Editions launch

Mazda has revealed a pair of track-inspired Limited edition cars – the Mazda2 Black and the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black – with extra equipment but no extra performance.

As we know, ‘Limited Editions’ are a way for car makers to shift some extra metal in quiet times. In this case it’s Mazda looking for a way to move the MX-5 and the Mazda2. Roll out the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black and – you’ve guessed – the Mazda2 Black Editions.

Mazda say that both the MX-5 Sport Black and the Mazda2 Black are  inspired by the MX-5 GT racer, but as far as we can see that only stretches as far as the cosmetics on the MX-5 and Mazda2 – there are no performance boosts on offer.

The MX-5 Sport Black is based on the MX-5 Sport Tech Roadster, which means a 2.0 litre with 160bhp and a six-speed box and standard kit which includes Climate, Bose, Bluetooth and Cruise. And, as Mazda are always keen to point out whenever the opportunity arises, the “… world’s fastest folding powered retractable roof, which goes up or down in 12 seconds.”

To turn the Sport Tech in to the Sport Black Mazda has added a ‘Brilliant Black’ roof to go with a choice of one of three paint jobs – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent or Velocity Red mica.

Inside sees the Mazda sporting some black leather upholstery (see, it’s all in the name. Sporty and Black. They’ve thought it through), Piano Black trim and the required ‘Black Limited Edition’ badges dotted around the place including on the ‘Limited Edition’ floor mats.

The Mazda2 Black is based on the Mazda2 Tamura and also gets three paint job options – Spirited Green metallic, Crystal White Pearlescent and True Red (no, we don’t know why it’s not Velocity Red mica like the MX-5) – and a black vinyl roof (last seen as a desirable extra on my 1973 Cortina 2.0 litre GXL).

Toys on the Mazda2 Black include Climate, Parrot Bluetooth, electric windows, 16″ alloys and a pile of ‘Black Edition Badges’.

There are to be just 500 Mazda MX-5 Sport Black and each will cost £22,995 which is only £360 more than the Sport Tech. The Mazda2 Black will be slightly more ubiquitous with 618 being built at £12,395 for the True Red car and £12,195 for the other two. And no, we don’t know.

And actually, both the Mazda2 Black and the Mazda MX-5 Sport Black offer decent value.