News Source: topspeed.com

The 2015 SEMA Show  proved to be an exciting event for Mazda MX-5  enthusiasts. We saw the Japanese automaker launch the Speedster  and Spyder  concepts,  which took the sportiness of the fourth-gen Miata  to a new level, thanks to their reduced curb weights and bespoke features. Unfortunately, Mazda  doesn’t plan to produce either of the two, meaning U.S. customers are stuck with the stock version for the time being.

Not that this is bad news, but many enthusiasts have been clamoring about a more powerful (turbocharged) version or at least a couple of special-edition  models.

While that’s not likely to happen in the U.S. at least until 2016, British drivers have already been granted access to a special-edition model. Dubbed Sport Recaro, the model is more of a trim update rather than a stand-alone version, but it comes with plenty of bespoke features and in fewer numbers than usual to qualify for a "limited-edition" badge.

The MX-5 Sport Recaro is based on the range-topping Sport Nav trim, which is already a well-equipped model, but its unique features help it stand out among other Miatas. Furthermore, it’s not as expensive as its limited-edition status suggests, providing more bang for the buck than similar models from other automakers. Find out more about it below.

What makes the MX-5 Sport Recaro Limited Edition special

Exterior modifications over the standard model are rather subtle, but they do enhance the roadster’s sportiness. Each Sport Recaro model comes with a Sports Aero Kit that includes slightly larger side skirts, a modified rear diffuser, and a spoiler atop the trunk lid. These parts are finished in Brilliant Black and will provide a strong contrast when paired with lighter body colors. If you want these features to enhance your Miata’s appearance, you’d better stay away from paints such as Jet Black Mica, Meteor Grey Mica, or Blue Reflex Mica.

The bundle also gets a pair of Piano Black-painted mirror caps, which given them a bit a more polished look when compared to the Aero Kit components. Rounding out the exterior is a set of 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels with engraved "MX-5" logos. These rims aren’t available as an option for the standard model and can’t be had with the range-topping Sport Nav trim, which is fitted with 17-inch Bright alloy rollers. These are nice too, but the Diamond Cut wheels look more upscale thanks to their more intricate design and "smoked" paint.

The exterior package is identical to the one you get with the MX-5 Club in the U.S., except for the wheels. However, while the Sport Recaro acts as an upgrade to the most expensive and well-equipped trim in the U.K., the Club splits the gap between the base Sport trim and the range-topping Grand Touring in the U.S.

Different marketing for different continents I guess...

Moving inside the cabin, the MX-5 received an Alcantara-wrapped lower dashboard, a surprising touch given that piece is usually plastic or leather. The leather steering wheel is standard, while the dashboard, door panels, handbrake and gear levers feature red contrast stitching. The highlight of the Sport Recaro’s interior are obviously the bolstered Recaro seats. They feature Alcantara cushions and seat backs with leather on the sides, as well as red piping and stitching. Customers will also get alloy pedals and custom floor mats with "MX-5" lettering.

All these features are offered on top of the equipment that comes with the Sport Nav trim this model is based on. Standard features also include climate control air-conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system with three years of free European map updates, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, a premium Bose sound system, cruise control, and Mazda’s MZD-Connect infotainment system with seven-inch color display.

In the drivetrain department, the Sport Recaro is identical to the Sport Nav it is based on, but that’s far from bad news. Power is provided by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, SkyActiv-G unit rated at 160 PS (158 horsepower) — 29 PS (29 horsepower) more than what the base 1.5-liter engine offers — that is routed to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Updates inherited from the Sport Nav trim also include a sports suspension package and a strut tower bar.

More good news comes form the pricing department. Mazda asks £24,295 (about $36,954) for the Sport Recaro, which is only £1,000 (around $1,521) more than a Sport Nav trim optioned with the 2.0-liter engine. That’s quite the bargain, as the Aero Kit, the mirror caps, the wheels, the Recaro seats, and the Alcantara are included in this premium. The Sport Recaro is limited to only 600 units, so you’d better hurry if you want one. They should sell like hot cakes.

Introduced in September 2014, the ND-generation MX-5 is the fourth Miata since 1989 and the first redesigned model since 2005. Created on a clean sheet, the new MX-5 is 4.1 inches shorter and 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor, making it about the same size as the first-gen model. Although it’s a bit heavier than the first MX-5, the new roadster is among the lightest in its class at only 2,200 pounds.

Motivated by either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Europe and Japan, the new MX-5 came to the U.S. with only the larger powerplant under the hood. The four-banger cranks out 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet that pushes the roadster form 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds.

Four trim levels were available in the U.S. at launch, including the Launch Edition, a batch of 1,000 examples sold in an exclusive grouping of a Soul Red exterior and a Sport Tan leather interior. The standard MX-5 lineup consists of the entry-level Sport model, the Club trim, and the range-topping Grand Touring version. Pricing starts from $24,915 and goes into $30,000 territory with the Grand Touring model.