* New ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’ model on sale from 1 March 2010
* Priced from £16,850 (on-the-road), 1.8-litre model echoes true spirit of 1990 original
* Represents great value with 10 additional items of equipment and unique colours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster going on sale in the UK, Mazda is introducing a special version of the legendary Mazda MX-5 sportscar called, appropriately, the ‘Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited Edition’.

“British motorists have enjoyed a long-term love affair with the Mazda MX-5 which shows every sign of continuing to flourish through the next decade,” comments Mark Cameron, sales and marketing director for Mazda UK.

“Launching in Spring when the prospect of open-top motoring has added appeal, the new Mazda MX 5 20th Anniversary model is the perfect way to celebrate this relationship during a year when we expect MX-5 sales in the UK to pass the 100,000 milestone since its launch in 1990.

“The Anniversary model will appeal to customers in search of pure driving pleasure who are also keen to enjoy the whole sportscar ownership experience while celebrating the unique MX-5 heritage. Over a span of 20 years, Mazda has sold more than 850,000 MX-5 sportscars worldwide and our roadster has won more than 170 awards. Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivaled as a rewarding, affordable sports car that can also be used for everyday motoring all year round, supported by Mazda’s legendary reliability and durability.” adds Cameron.

In the true spirit of the original, the new Limited Edition model is based on the purest, back to basics MX-5, the entry-level soft-top 1.8 SE convertible, offering the best, fun-to-drive thrills along with a truly rewarding motoring experience. The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition also represents great value. Priced at £16,850 on-the-road, it features 10 additional items of equipment worth more than £650, just £55 more than the SE – and significantly less than the original Mazda MX-5 of 1990, in real terms when prices are adjusted for inflation over two decades.

‘Stand-out’ additional equipment featured on the Anniversary model includes 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a unique silver finish, front fog lights, chrome trims (around the grille, headlamps and fog lights), body-coloured roll bars and a supporting strut brace. Inside, the stainless steel scuff plate features a unique ‘20th Anniversary’ logo and limited edition number, premium ‘20th Anniversary’ branded floor mats, a body-coloured front dashboard, aluminum pedal set, and manual air-conditioning.

MX-5 20th Anniversary drivers benefit from the generous specification of the SE model, on which it is based, ensuring comfort and convenience are not comprised. Featuring as standard, electric and heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking with deadlocks and remote boot release. The Limited Edition model also boasts a stylish, modern cabin with a leather steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake, plus an MP3-compatible Radio/CD audio system with six speakers, steering wheel controls and an auxiliary (AUX) input jack for MP3 and iPod connection.

Mazda UK has secured 32 percent of the Anniversary model production destined for Europe, with around 600 units, reaching showrooms from 1 March 2010. Customers can choose from three colours which echo the original 1990 launch colours of red, white and blue. The ever-popular True Red is joined by two unique colours for the Anniversary model, Crystal White Pearlescent and Aurora Blue Mica, both available for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK, priced at £395.

Mazda dealers are currently offering Mazda MX-5 buyers three finance packages available for retail sales only, until 31 March 2010. Typical 0%*, 3.9% and 5.9% APR** finance are available depending on type of sale and duration of package.

The Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary model is powered by a 126ps, 1.8-litre petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Sportscar handling and legendary agility are complimented by a lively performance – 0-to-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 121mph – and environmental responsibility with modest CO2 emissions (167g/km) and a combined fuel economy of 40.4 mpg.

This MacGruber Trailer (which has been linked since it’s a “red band,” aka, NSFW) features Will Forte in his well known spoof on MacGyver, along with puffy looking film vet and one time Batman Val Kilmer as villain Dieter Von Cunth. Get it, like CUN – oh ok, you got it. But what caught our attention the most is the little red Miata, brazened with a “Mac 1″ license plate. Maybe the Miata’s time has finally come? It hasn’t been this prominently featured on the big screen since Jay Mohr tried stuffing a body into one during Doug Liman’s Go.

As far as SNL movies go, they’re really hit or miss…or usually just a miss. Although, the preview is damn funny, so it looks like we’ll have to wait until April 23rd to find out if MacGruber and his Miata are a box office success.

Mazda’s fan event included Miata/MX-5 trivia contests, giveaways, fan club meetings and enough Mazda eye-candy to keep your head spinning for hours. Check out all the fun details in Mazda’s Anniversary Press Release below. (There is a website, though it’s in Japanese):

Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan

There wasn’t any word on an engine the Supersport concept will carry. Many speculate that either a 1.8-liter or the 2.0 with good power to C02 emissions ratios. Check out more in Mazda’s official press release below.

Mazda ‘MX-5 Superlight version’ Show Car to Premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

Japan-The Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, a show car capturing the pure essence of the world’s most popular roadster, will see its world premiere at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 15 through 27, 2009.

After 20 years of global success, the Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. At Frankfurt, Mazda will present a new take on its affordable roadster with an all-new show car, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight version, designed at Mazda’s studio in Frankfurt, Germany. A pure show car, it takes the lightweight technology that Mazda is famous for to a new level, improving driving performance, handling, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. This is combined with a radical exterior design requiring no windshield, and sporty chassis settings for pure roadster driving fun.

The new Mazda MX-5 Superlight version will be unveiled at Mazda’s press conference in Hall 3.1, Stand A7, on September15 at 12:45 local time.

* Officially titled the 63rd Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA); press days are Septemeber 15 and 16, and the public days are Septemeber 17 through 27.

“That’s why I think the Mazda Miata will be the ultimate affordable collectible by, say, 2025. The first-generation Miata was extremely simple, and that’s part of its charm. Years ago, when we were restoring Mustangs, they seemed so complicated compared to a Ford Model A.

A brake-light switch? Why do we have to have thaaaat? In a Model A, you just strung together a couple of yards of wire and boom! You were done. So the early Miata, with no traction control, no stability control—no nothing—will certainly be a collectible.” – We couldn’t agree more Jay!

But these tutoring sessions are more than just excuses for you to tear up the track – they are geared towards drivers who wish to learn both offensive and defensive highway tactics. Mazda wants their ensure customer safety and prove that being a world wide company does not keep them from being loyal and local minded.

The first major Mazda Driving School began in 2003 with Mazda:RevItUp. Some 18,000 “students” across North America sped down to racetracks and partook in a variety of classroom instructions and hands on (steering wheel) driving. The event was even covered by ESPN Radio.

Five years later, one of the biggest Mazda Driving Schools can be found in Virginia – at the over-three-mile course at Virginia International Raceway. A two-day event begins with technical instructions and concludes with students being paired off on the track based on similar experience. This combination of class environment and full-on practice can be a surefire way to become as good as any racing champion.