Based on the leather-trimmed MX-5 Soft Top Touring, the exhilaration that comes with this lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car hasn’t changed, but it’s the differences that set this exclusive MX-5 Limited Edition apart. Last year the Touring made up more than 70 per cent of soft top MX-5 sales.

Those exclusive features include unique-design 17-inch Limited Edition BBS alloy wheels, Bilstein shock absorbers, sand leather seats and brushed alloy look trim replaces piano black on the dash.

Priced from $47,630 (RRP) this Mazda MX-5 with a difference is available in three body colours including, the exclusive to the Limited Edition, Radiant Ebony, Highland Green and Stormy Blue. This Limited Edition variant of the MX-5 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The sand leather trim with light brown stitching on the steering wheel and parking brake enhance the quality look and feel of the Mazda MX-5 Limited Edition.

Chic stainless steel scuff plates, chrome air vent bezels and meter rings are also part of the interior upgrades.

Standard features, which are also found on MX-5 Soft Top Touring, include cruise control, a six disc CD player, wheel-mounted audio controls, tilt adjustable steering, air- conditioning and a premium 200 Watt Bose sound system incorporating seven speakers.

The Limited Edition’s Bilstein shock absorbers deliver an even more comfortable ride while improving the MX-5’s excellent wheel/tyre control, further enhancing the MX-5’s peerless handling.

Exterior changes, which include a clear lens on the rear centre stop lamp and clear side indicator lenses, a chrome grille surround and door handles and chrome finish headlight bezels ensures this model stands out from other soft top MX-5s.

Like other Mazda MX-5’s the Limited Edition version is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 118 kW at 6,700 rpm and maximum torque of 188 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Some 90 percent of its torque is available between 2,500 and 6,700rpm.

Fuel consumption remains unchanged at an economical 8.5L/100km.

Standard safety features include ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control (TCS), dual front and side airbags that offer both chest and head protection and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters.

The all-new MX-5 Limited Edition is protected by a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty and also benefits from 24 hour roadside assistance for the warranty period.

Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia’s managing director, said: “With limited numbers available, this is a great opportunity to own an exclusive version of Australia’s and the world’s best selling sports car”.

Last year Mazda sold 1,468 MX-5s in Australia placing it number one in the VFACTS sub $80,000 sports car category with 14.6 per cent market share. No other sports car in this segment broke the 1,000 sales barrier last year.