Mazda MX-5 Icon special edition to make Goodwood debut

The Mazda MX-5 has a capacity for special edition models rivaled only by 1980s-1990s-era Austin Minis, and the latest is set to debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Dubbed the MX-5 Icon – a name used before on special-edition MX-5s in 2000, 2005 and 2007 – it features contrasting colour schemes and extra equipment, and only 600 examples will be made, making it the rarest Icon model yet.

Only one engine is available, Mazda’s 129bhp 1.5-litre SkyActiv four-pot – good for 0-62mph in 8.3sec and 127mph – while the Icon specification is based on that of the SE-L Nav models.

Two colours – Meteor Grey Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent – are available, each contrasting with various Soul Red Metallic components, including the door mirrors, rear spoiler, side stripe decals and a low front splitter. Gunmetal-coloured 16in alloy wheels are also standard, as are black leather seats, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers.

That brings the price of a regular SE-L Nav from £19,845 to £20,995, which seems like a bit of a step but should attract buyers regardless and it’s available to order now.

If Mazda could just bring us a proper mechanically-altered special edition though – like the track-ready NR-A offered to Japanese buyers, with its Bilstein dampers, braced bodyshell and Mazdaspeed seats, that would really be something to look forward to.

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Goodwood will be home to some more exciting Mazda models however, with the first European appearance of the Speedster and Spyder concept cars – the former a roofless take on the current car and the latter (pictured) a retro roadster with a bikini-style canvas roof. The millionth MX-5 produced will also be on display.

Mazda has also announced that UK pre-order books have opened for the MX-5 Retractable Fastback announced earlier this year at the New York auto show. It too will be making its UK debut at the Festival of Speed.