Have fun with MX-5 Sport Black

Mazda has never shied away from a special edition machine.

This is the MX-5 RF Sport Black, the latest UK-only limited-edition version of the sports car.

It’s not even the first special-edition this year, following on from the Z-Sport.

Sport Black is a trim Mazda has added to a couple of its ranges lately – namely the 2 and 3 – and each brings a host of exterior and interior tweaks, although little in the way of performance upgrades.

That rings true again for the MX-5 RF Sport Black. Based on the hard-top Retractable Fastback or RF model, this limited-run machine gains black trim details such as the rear spoiler, wing mirror covers and alloy wheels – with Eternal Blue Mica the only body colour option.

Inside the car, model-specific scuff plates and floor mats denote it as a Sport Black, along with a plaque in the centre console.

Just the one engine is available for the Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Black, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit that has been in the convertible’s range since it launched back in 2015.

It hasn’t been changed here, still producing 158bhp and 200Nm of torque, while paired up to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The result is 0-60 in 7.2 seconds while a top speed of 134mph is possible. As for efficiency, Mazda claims a respectable 40.9mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 161g/km.

The MX-5 is one of the purest drivers’ cars available with a licence plate, and the Sport Black continues to be just that.

Some tweaks have been made to the suspensions of all 2018 model year versions of the car but you’d be hardpressed to spot a difference unless you drove a pre-fettled car side-by-side.

As well as being a lot of fun on a back road, the MX-5 RF Sport Black has genuine ability to be used as a daily machine.

Steering is well-weighted for town driving and compact dimensions enable parking to be a breeze, although the large rear buttresses on the RF means visibility at the back is pretty limited.

The MX-5 RF Sport Black comes with cruise control, keyless start, LED headlights and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Bluetooth support as standard.

On top of that, the limited-edition trim brings leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors to the equation for no extra cost.

It’s a well-equipped setup, especially considering the £25,695 price tag.

It’s a car that offers fun behind the wheel while remaining well-valued and usable as an everyday runabout.

The MX-5 is one of the purest drivers’ cars available with a licence plate