Review of the new Mazda MX-5 Miyako

Tick enough boxes on the options list when buying a new car and it's possible to vastly inflate the cost to the point where a supermini takes on the pricetag of an executive saloon. It's also not unknown for customers to dream-up a spectacularly ill-advised mix of colours and trim materials to match their bedroom decor, favourite Hawaiian shirt or dog's breakfast. This instantly cripples the car's residual value by rendering it unsalable to anyone with a semblance of taste. To help avoid options list nightmares of this nature, Mazda, and other marques, offer special edition models with wisely chosen options at reasonable prices. Mazda's MX-5 Miyako is a perfect example.

The MX-5 special edition is nothing new. In fact, trace the history of the famous little roadster back and you'll encounter numerous limited run models with ridiculous names and various combinations of colour, trim and equipment. Invariably, they represent a value for money option when compared to the standard models in the MX-5 range, while limited availability means there's less chance of you pulling up alongside an identical model at the lights and having to exchange awkward grins with its owner. The MX-5 Miyako is named after a popular island holiday spot in Japan and with just 500 being built, fits the special edition formula to a tee.

Both of the MX-5's engines are available in the Miyako special edition. That means a choice of 124bhp 1.8-litre power or a 158bhp 2.0-litre unit. Neither makes the car the last word in searing pace but you can get to 60mph in 9.9s with the 1.8 and 7.9s with the 2.0-litre. Both models feature a front suspension strut brace which improves steering response that was already pretty sharp in the standard MX-5.

"The Miyako has a choice set of optional extras at an attractive price"

Despite not setting the world alight with their performance, both engines are plenty fast enough to extract some enjoyment from the MX-5's sweet chassis. It's not the tightest or most focused sports car but responsiveness and nimble changes of direction make the Mazda a hoot to pilot down a country lane. The fact that it isn't on super hard sports suspension also makes for decent ride comfort in normal driving. Given the choice, we'd probably settle for the cheaper 1.8-litre unit.

Five basic requirements were defined to realise Mazda's design criteria for the MX-5. Firstly the car would be as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements. Next, the cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full stature occupants with no wasted space. The basic layout would continue with the original's front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for a 50:50 front to rear weight distribution. All four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension systems to maximize tyre performance, road grip and dynamic stability. That about sums up the car as it is today.

Miyako models can be spotted by their front fog lamps, 17" alloys and silver or red metallic paint. The interior is simple but effective and does indeed have space for a pair of lofty adults and it gains black leather seats with red stitching in this special edition guise for a more upmarket feel. There isn't a lot of boot space but whether you opt for a soft top of a hard-topped Roadster Coupe, the roof mechanism works with impressive simplicity.

In Miyako guise, there are only two options available because the 1.8-litre engine is only available as a soft-top and the 2.0-litre engine is offered exclusively with the Roadster Coupe bodystyle. Only 500 models will be made in total and as well as leather seats and exterior enhancements, the cars feature special badging, floor mats and climate control air-conditioning. All the cars are available in Aluminium Silver metallic paint and the soft top can also be ordered in Velocity Red mica.

The latest MX-5 has environmental credentials that are ok for a sportscar. The car's lightweight design gives it a solid base for reducing emissions and enhancing fuel economy so owners can expect to average between 35 to 40mpg on a regular basis, depending on your engine choice. CO2 emissions are 167g/km for the 1.8 and 177g/km for the 2.0.

Car options lists can be a dangerous and confusing environment for the prospective car buyer but special edition models like the Mazda MX-5 Miyako remove the hassle of choosing options by hand. Rather than wading through the walnut veneers, the suede headlinings, the hi-fi upgrades and the matching luggage sets, why not allow the manufacturer to choose a sensible specification for you? That's just what Mazda has done with this temptingly priced MX-5.

It's a simple formula really. The Miyako has a choice set of optional extras at an attractive price. It's a cost effective way to buy into a genuinely engaging little sports car. Blistering performance might not be on the agenda but very few cars are more rewarding for the keen driver at any price.

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