Mazda MX-5 Coupe

2.0 [184] GT Sport Tech 2dr Auto [2020]

ARCTIC ON A ROLL

The Arctic special edition offers MX-5 Roadster buyers happy with 1.5-litre power some additional equipment and a unique interior finish for a modest premium. Jonathan Crouch reports.

A high-end MX-5 special edition, the Arctic stands out with its Silver 16-inch alloy wheels and Blue Reflex metallic paint, a model that keeps a tried and tested formula fresh. Available only with the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, it's bound to be popular.

Mazda claims to have sold 100,000 MX-5s in the UK and I'm tempted to think the number of special edition models it has offered for sale is only slightly less. The latest is the Arctic, and as special editions go, it's one of their better efforts, this time based on the lower-powered 1.5-litre variant. Sales of roadsters have dropped off in recent years as the market for small cabrios has swelled with new arrivals, but Mazda is fighting back with keen value for money, sticking to a design philosophy that's even more relevant now than when the MX-5 was first launched in the UK, over twenty years ago. Indeed, the brand's use of light weight construction and fuel-efficient engines has been copied by many rivals looking to share its success.

As previously mentioned, the Arctic comes only with the MX-5's entry-level 131PS 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol unit, but arguably that's the one to have with this car, offering everything you need and nothing you don't. It can't offer the last word in searing pace but you can get to 62mph in 8.3s on the way to 127mph, which is probably about as fast as you'll need to go. Anyway, straight line speed was never what the MX-5 was about. Instead, this model has always majored on tactility, usability, comparatively modest grip levels and a chassis that's helped generations of drivers get to grips with rear-wheel drive dynamics. Through the turns, MX-5 Arctic buyers will certainly be extracting plenty of enjoyment from the sweet chassis. There's a little more roll through corners than you might expect and the engine can't boast a particularly inspiring soundtrack but there's a huge amount of fun to be had behind the wheel.

The shape of the MX-5 hasn't changed radically from generation to generation. This one's no exception, but there's a bit more aggression about the detailing, the car looking like a shrunken Jaguar F-Type roadster from the rear three-quarter. Some have thought there's something a bit fishy-looking about the front end but it'll probably grow on you. See one in the metal and you'll be amazed at just how tiny it is. It's fully 105mm shorter in overall length than the previous generation version, despite the wheelbase only being 15mm less. It also stands 20mm lower and 10mm wider. Lower and wider is always good for a roadster's stance. In another clever touch, the seat cushions are supported on netting instead of the usual metal springs, allowing Mazda to reduce weight and seat the driver's hip point closer to the road. A lower driver then means the windscreen header rail can shift backwards, in this case by 70mm, which in turn means the hood is shorter and lighter, and also easier to package when folded.

Prices start at around £21,000 for this Arctic variant, which means you'll be paying a premium of around £2,500 over the price demanded for the standard-range 1.5-litre model. To be more accurate, this limited run variant is actually based on the standard-range SE-L Nav variant, which costs around £20,200, reducing the price premium for Arctic ownership to around £800. In return for that, you get Blue Reflex Metallic paint and contrasting bright silver design cues, including a silver windscreen surround, silver wing mirrors and silver headrest hoops. The unique look is further boosted by 16-inch Silver alloy wheels, while the increased equipment tally also includes silver cup holder rings and chrome scuff plates, heated leather seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors. Other standard features include LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, plus a lightweight and sleek fabric hood. On top of that, you can expect to find LED daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control, plus Mazda's MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

Stick with light weight and a modest power output and this dictates a raft of affordable costs. The MX-5 has long been the exemplar of the affordable sports car and emissions are agreeably low, the 1.5-litre engine used in this Arctic model pegged at 139g/km. Fuel economy is rated at 47.1mpg on the combined cycle. Residual values have held up well, although some trade ambivalence exists as a result of all the MX-5 special edition models that have come and gone. In other words, don't expect traders to value the Arctic model's extras too highly come trade-in time. What else? Well servicing should be affordable and there's a useful 'maintenance' section of the MZD-Connect infotainment screen with helpful 'oil change' and 'tyre rotation' sections. Otherwise, you get the usual three year, 60,000 mile warranty. And Insurance groupings pitch in at 26E for this 1.5-litre model.

The Mazda MX-5 is a vehicle that never seems to have a sell-by date. Even Mk1 cars still feel fantastic and this Arctic special edition model offers a subtle twist on a very familiar format. The extras included in the package are well judged and desirable without over-egging the mix. The handling remains as much fun as ever, and the lightweight cornering responsiveness of this latest generation model is going to be a draw for serious drivers. In summary, the MX-5 Arctic offers decent value for money and will paint a huge smile on your face. There's a lot of life in that particular formula.