Mazda’s celebrating its popular roadster’s 20th anniversary by unveiling a special edition Mazda MX-5 to be sold through Japanese showrooms. The commemorative Mazda MX-5 is based on the Roadster RS soft-top (with a 6 speed manual transmission) or the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) model (a 6 speed automatic transmission).

The special edition model adds features like RECARO bucket sport seats (Black Alcantara and red leather), exclusive “20th Anniversary” badges (on each side fender), clear front fog lights and bezels, 17-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 205/45R17 84W tires, front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type), fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only), heated seats with five temperature settings and soft padding (synthetic leather door armrests and center console lid).

The model is only offered with a Crystal White Pearl Mica paint finish. The soft top version with the manual transmission will set you back 2,860,000 yen ($30,170 USD) while the retractable hard top version costs 3,110,000 yen ($32 807 USD).

The special edition’s launch also coincides with an announcement that the total production of Mazda Roadsters “now stands in excess of 860,000 units” across more than 60 countries.

MAZDA PRESS RELEASE

Mazda Releases ’20th Anniversary’ Special Edition Roadster in Japan
HIROSHIMA, Japan—To commemorate 20 years of Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5) sales, Mazda Motor Corporation has released a special edition version of its lightweight, two-seat, open-top sports car for the Japanese market. The Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary goes on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.

Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, the Mazda Roadster has attracted a wide range of customers since its launch in 1989, and is currently sold in approximately 60 countries. The Roadster was certified as the world’s most produced two-seat, open-top sports cars by Guinness World Records when production reached 800,000 units. Total production of the Mazda Roadster now stands in excess of 860,000 units.

The Roadster 20th Anniversary is based on the Roadster RS soft-top model with a six-speed manual transmission, and the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) hard-top model with a six-speed automatic transmission. Special equipment includes unique red and black RECARO bucket sport seats, exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges, and clear front fog lights.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (including sales tax) is 2,860,000 yen for the soft-top version and 3,110,000 yen for the RHT model.

Main features of the special edition Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary

Base models
Mazda Roadster RS with manually-operated soft-top and six-speed manual transmission, and Mazda Roadster VS RHT with Mazda’s groundbreaking power retractable roof system and six-speed automatic transmission.

Special equipment
- RECARO bucket sport seats (Black Alcantara® and red leather)
- Exclusive ‘20th Anniversary’ badges (on each side fender)
- Clear front fog lights and bezels
- 205/45R17 84W tires and 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type)
- Fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only)
- Heated seats with five temperature settings
- Soft padding (synthetic leather door armrests and center console lid)