New Special Edition MMazda X-5 'Miyako' On Sale 1 July

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – June 30, 2010: Continuing to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the world’s best-selling roadster, Mazda has introduced a new ‘summer special edition’ version of its iconic sportscar, named the Mazda MX-5 Miyako.

The new model, which is on sale from 1 July, is available in two versions – the 1.8i Miyako soft-top priced at £18,385 (on-the-road) and the more powerful 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with the world’s fastest folding powered roof (up or down in 12 seconds), priced at £20,885 (on-the-road).

The name ‘Miyako’ is taken from the idyllic Japanese holiday island of Miyako-jima, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful spots in Japan and the perfect location for open-top motoring.

The new Miyako is generously equipped with the interior benefitting from unique Medici premium perforated black leather trim with a red underlay and stitching, special badging, floor mats and climate control air-conditioning. The exterior includes front fog lamps, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a front suspension strut brace (for improved steering response), and free metallic paint.

“The new Mazda MX-5 Miyako will have extra appeal to a broader range of customers, including those who recognise the uniquely pure driving pleasure this Mazda continues to deliver, and those who aspire to owning a special edition model,” comments Mark Cameron, sales director, Mazda UK.

“This is the first special edition model based on the upgraded MX-5 that we have offered on both soft top and roadster coupe body styles and I am sure it will attract new buyers to our brand. Both models also represent great value, with the 2.0i Miyako costing just £590 more than the entry level 2.0 SE model.”

The 1.8i 126ps Miyako soft-top accelerates to 62mph in a brisk 9.9 seconds, while the 2.0i Miyako roadster coupe with its 160ps engine undercuts that time by two seconds. Combined mpg and CO2 ratings are 40.4/38.2mpg and 167/177g/km, respectively. Both Miyako models carry generous equipment levels with many features as standard including: remote central locking, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, an MP3 compatible audio system with six speakers and auxiliary (AUX) jack input, as well as heated electric mirrors and electric front windows, a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser. In addition, Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are included on the 2.0i.

Both versions of the MX-5 Miyako will be available in Aluminium Silver Metallic, while the soft-top will also be available in Velocity Red Mica – free of charge. Just 500 examples of each version will be manufactured for the UK market.