ALL-NEW MAZDA MX-5 ICON SPECIAL EDITION TO DEBUT AT THE 2016 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

◾On sale from the 1st August, the £20,995 on-the-road Icon special edition is limited to just 600 cars.

◾First special edition version of the 1.5-litre 131ps all-new Mazda MX-5.

◾Joins a host of other MX-5 highlights at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The all-new Mazda MX-5 Icon special edition will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Joining Mazda's award-winning sports car line up from the 1st August, the Icon is based on the 131ps SE-L Nav and is the first special edition fourth-generation MX-5 with the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine.

With a choice of free-of-charge Meteor Grey Mica or Crystal White Pearlescent paint, the £20,995 on-the-road Icon is marked out by its contrasting design cues and enhanced standard equipment. Visually the Icon makes a bold statement with its Soul Red Metallic wing mirrors, rear spoiler, side stripe decals (not pictured) and front skirt. The unique look is further boosted by 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, while the increased equipment tally also includes black leather seats, rear parking sensors, dusk-sensing lights and rain-sensing wipers.

On display at Goodwood within Mazda's unique 'Raise the Roof' live music area, the Icon joins a host of other MX-5 highlights at this year's Festival of Speed. These include the European debut of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, plus the first appearance outside of North America for the MX-5 Speedster and Spyder concept cars. While marking the amazing popularity of the world's best-selling two-seater sports car, the one-millionth production MX-5 will also be on display.

The fourth car to wear the Icon badge - previous MX-5 Icon special editions were sold in the UK in 2000, 2005 and 2007 (see below) – the latest Icon is a striking sports car with an achievable price, and limited to just 600 cars it's available to order now.

Pre-order is also open on the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF ahead of its arrival in dealerships next year, and with limited supply in the opening months, fans of the latest incarnation of MX-5 should register their interest now to be one of the lucky few to take delivery of early versions of the Retractable Fastback, a car that represents the next chapter in the MX-5 success story.

'We are delighted that UK MX-5 fans will get to see both the Icon special edition and the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF at the Goodwood Festival of Speed', commented Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK. Adding, 'with over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story and the Icon follows a long tradition of special edition MX-5s that allow customers to have a stand out vehicle which is truly affordable. And I'm really excited about the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, this is a car that offers something new and I'm sure it will attract even more people to the MX-5 family, which is why I'd encourage anyone interest in the RF to pre-order early, as based on dealer feedback after its launch at the New York Motor Show, we envisage that demand will outstrip supply when the car goes on sale next year.'

With the Moving Motor Show on the 23rd June, the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from the 24th to the 26th June.

Mazda MX-5 Icon special editions

2000 MX-5 Icon

Number built: 750

Engine: 1.8iS

Colour: Art Vin Red Mica

2005 MX-5 Icon

Number built: 1,563

Engine: 1.6i and 1.8i

Colours: Chilli Orange, Black Mica, Sunlight Silver and Titanium Grey

2007 MX-5 Icon

Number built: 1,250

Engines: 1.8i and 2.0i

Colours: Copper Red, Stormy Blue and Marbie White

by Mazda

With design inspiration from the Lotus Elan, the Mazda Miata is the world's best-selling sports car. With over 720,000 produced between 1989 and 2005, the production proves Mazda held its title consistently.

The history of the Miata is one of interest and success. Unveiled in 1989 as the 'Eunos Roadser', prior to the name change to the Miata, it was a designed collaboration between the USA and England. Created to be a basic roadster without unnecessary weight, it was an instant success, with over 23,000 sold by the end of its first year. With a starting price of $13,800, the Miata, despite its small design, made a sizeable impact in the success of Mazda's future.

The shell of the Miata is all steel with an aluminum bonnet. Weighing in at over 2,380 pounds, the Miata confirmed its small roadster appeal. The trusswork is uniquely called the 'Powerplant Frame', which connects the engine to the differential, creating a more firm and responsive feel. It's quick and responsive handling is helped due to the independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels with an anti-roll bar at the front. Optional paddle shifting was available with the six-speed automatic versions of the Touring, Sport, and Grand Touring models. With the power to the rear wheels, drivers thirst for corners even if they're beginners.

The Miata's appearance ranks among attractive qualities. Its cozy, subtle, curved design helped to propel sales to customers of all ages to a higher level. The bright color palette offered during production accented the appearance and still turns heads today, making onlookers yearn to get behind the wheel of this convertible on owners pine for the summer months.

A 'Special Touring Option Edition' was also offered, which included stainless steel scuff plates, Twilight Blue paint, and 15-inch Enkei wheels. The 'Club Spec' version was available with 16-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, but it also offered a limited amount of color options: Winning Blue Metallic, Marble White, and True Red.

The interior, though tight, beckoned stereo enthusiasts and those who revel in the appeal and stigma of leather. Optional passenger-side airbags and standard drivers–side airbags provided safety without drastically impacting the beauty of the interior.

With the introduction of the 'M Edition' came a wood shift knob and chrome wheels with Montego Blue paint. The option of a wooden parking brake handle was available in this edition, completing the look. Other editions such as the 'Touring Package' included power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, aluminum alloy wheels, and power windows. Also, the available 'Club Spec' model included a CD player with speed-sensitive sound, four speakers, black cloth-trimmed upholstery, power windows, locks, and mirrors and a black vinyl top.

Engines for the Miata were available with a 1.6L, 1.8L, or 2.0L. The 1.6 L dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower with 0-60 times consisting of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 119 miles per hour.

The 1.8L produced 140 horsepower with help of the raised engine compression ratio and the additions of domed pistons. The additions also helped the 0-60 time, which was marked at 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 123 miles per hour. In 2005, the 2.0L was the latest engine thrusting the Miata. The 16-valve engine produced 170 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, bringing the Miata to a fast finish when production ceased in the same year.

Even though all 3rd generation 2006 models all over the world now go with the name 'MX-5', the Miata will always be the true coupe that helped to accelerate the sports car appeal with today's roadsters.

by Kyle McMullen