2020 Mazda MX-5 R-Sport revealed

It might not feel like it right now but time is indeed passing. One way you can tell is that Mazda has launched a new special edition variant of its MX-5 sports car, an occurrence more accurate at measuring time than a Casio F-91W.

The latest special is known as the R-Sport, and finds itself based on the 1.5-litre Sport model. Just 150 units will be sold, actually making it rarer than some limited-run MX-5s of days gone, with a handful of changes to differentiate it from the regular Sport.

The most prominent change is a set of 16-inch Rays wheels, a similar design to those used on the bright orange 30th Anniversary car, but appropriate for the 1.5-litre models, an inch smaller in diameter. Their gunmetal finish nearly matches the Polymetal Grey metallic paintwork that’s also standard on the R-Sport, while the retractable soft-top is now finished in a light grey fabric, in contrast to the usual black.

Inside the R-Sport gains burgundy Nappa leather seats with silver stitching, with standard kit cribbed from the Sport including an infotainment display with navigation, CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, climate control and heating for the leather seats. LED headlights are also standard fitment.

Mechanically the car is unchanged, the 1.5-litre unit producing the usual 132PS, while unlike the 2-litre Sport Tech models, the Sport and R-Sport do not get the uprated Bilstein dampers or underbonnet bracing - though you can add a set of lowering springs at your Mazda dealer for £180, while the aftermarket for the latest MX-5 is already vast if you want to go further…

The R-Sport is priced at £27,700, £1600 more than the Sport on which it’s based, with orders open now and deliveries commencing whenever current restrictions are lifted.