New Mazda MX-5 'Kendo' Special Edition on Sale From 1 March

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – February 23, 2011: To celebrate global production of the Mazda MX-5 passing 900,000 units, UK sales of the world’s most popular roadster reaching more than 100,000 cars and the approach of spring – Mazda is introducing a new special edition of its iconic sportscar.

The ‘Kendo Special Edition’, is named after “The way of the Sword” – a modern Japanese martial art renowned for its fighting spirit, eye-catching dynamic movement and refinement. Two versions of the newcomer will be available from 1 March 2011. The Mazda MX-5 1.8i Kendo soft-top costs £19,255 (OTR) and the more powerful Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kendo roadster coupe has a £22,320 (OTR) price tag.

“Special Edition models of Mazda MX-5 have always been eagerly received by UK consumers and I’m sure the two new Kendo models will trigger a strong wave of fresh interest in our long-running star performer,” comments Mark Cameron, Sales Director, Mazda UK. “In Britain, the Mazda MX-5 has enjoyed 20 years of incredible popularity, with UK customers accounting for over 10 percent of global sales, while it has received a host of ‘best sportscar’ awards from motoring and consumer media. The enhanced practicality of the third-generation models, has enabled the MX-5 to become much more than a ‘sunny weekend’ car and our Roadster Coupe now accounts for the majority of sales as buyers look to use their Mazda sportscar all-year round.”

The Kendo models are designed to appeal to both the traditional soft-top roadster customer and those is in search of a more premium product with the Roadster Coupe. Based on the ‘SE’ derivatives, both Kendo models feature a unique Stone Leather interior (with Stone coloured stitching on the steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake), unique 17-inch alloy wheels, exterior badging and floor mats, plus front fog lamps, heated seats, brushed aluminium style-bar trim and aluminium pedals.

The Kendo Roadster Coupe boasts three additional items of equipment – a premium BOSE® audio system, Bluetooth® hands-free and cruise control. Both versions offer a choice of Sparkling Black or Dolphin Grey mica paint finish – free of charge.

Mechanically the Kendo twins are identical with their regular siblings, delivering the same unique driving pleasure. The Kendo soft-top is powered by a 126ps 1.8-litre engine, the Roadster Coupe by a 160ps 2.0-litre unit.

“Today, the Mazda MX-5 remains unrivalled as a rewarding sportscar that can also be used for everyday motoring throughout the year. The MX-5 soft-top continues to offer the purest, fun-to-drive thrills, while the Roadster Coupe adds to those thrills with an even more premium experience, and the same exhilarating drive,” adds Cameron.