Mazda MX-5 Sport Venture special edition revealed

Mazda’s next MX-5 special edition has been revealed, joining the range in limited numbers as a more sophisticated take of the 1.5-litre Sport model. Called the Venture, it’ll be limited to 160 units in the UK priced at £27,615 – a £1260 premium compared to the 1.5 130bhp Sport on which it is based. 

The key differences here are mostly of the aesthetic variety, with a unique combination of a deep blue metallic exterior paint finish, light grey fabric roof and Light Stone Nappa leather trim inside creating the contrast. 

These elements are offset with a matt stainless steel finish to the wing mirrors and roll hoop garnishes. As with all 1.5-litre MX-5s the wheels are 15-inch units, but unlike the R-Sport special edition from last year does without the unique forged Rays wheels – instead making do with the usual eight-spoke items. 

Basic equipment is otherwise shared with the standard MX-5 Sport trim level which includes heated seats, Apple Carplay integration, an uprated 9 speaker BOSE sound system, auto lights and wipers, LED headlights and keyless entry and start. 

Being a lesser 130bhp 1.5-litre model, it does miss out on mechanical upgrades like Bilstein dampers and a limited slip differential from the 2-litre versions, but from our experience is still a joyously simple little sports car that’s as pure as they come. 

The Venture will join the existing 2021 MX-5 Roadster range, which opens at the £24,055 SE-L and rises to £30,170 for the GT Sport Tech with its fruitier 181bhp 2-litre engine. 

The new special edition is available for order now, and will arrive at dealers from next month.