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Mazda has launched a 20th anniversary special-edition MX-5 Roadster in Japan.

The Mazda Roadster MX-5 20th Anniversary goes on sale today, equipped with a range of features over a standard MX-5.

The new model is available on either the RS, with a manually operated soft-top and six-speed manual gearbox, or the VS RHT, which features a folding hard-top roof and six-speed automatic gearbox.

Extra kit includes Recaro bucket sport seats in black and red Alcantara leather, ‘20th ...Read the full article

This spec smacks trying to attract buyers that would have otherwise gone for the now defunct Honda S2000.  It does look good though, and it's a shame we won't get it in the UK. 

I hope the special ed we get instead is done as tastefully and has none of the old MX5 special ed...... errrr..... quirkiness?  Remember the Gleneagles with the hideous wooden effect centre console, or the Ltd Edition with beige ruffled leather interior and thin wood rim wheel? 

"Heated seats and soft-touch interiors" ? Japanese punters must be a bunch of softies. Good job it isn't coming to the UK .Less is more. Think of Colin Chapman ( whose Elan inspired the Mk1 MX5 ) and add lightness.

I considered buying an MX-5 10th Anniversary edition (which came with a 6sp gearbox and Bilstein dampers over the standard models), but couldn't quite face the chrome wheels and two-tone blue/black interior (think Focus RS but possibly worse)...this seems a little more tasteful.