Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Edition hits the roads in July

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Edition is all about involvement in the motorsport world, which will go on sale in the beginning of the next month. The sportscar carries a Brilliant Black roof, Brilliant Black door mirrors and dark gunmetal 17-inch alloy wheels, contrast with the three exterior colours – Velocity Red Mica, Crystal White Pearlescent and Brilliant Black. In fact, the word "Kuro" stands for black in Japanese.

This Mazda model is based on the MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models and is available in two variants: 1.8i Soft-top and a 2.0i Roadster Coupe. Some of the specification highlights here include: a diffuser-style rear sports bumper, larger diameter sports exhaust, unique race car inspired exterior graphics, Black detailing around the front grille and front fog lights, plus unique ‘Kuro Edition' badging.

The interior of the MX-5 Kuro includes unique Stone and Black heated leather seats, Stone leather door inserts, with contrasting red stitching, a silver interior deco panel with red accents, alloy pedals, premium floor mats with race inspired logo and climate control air-conditioning.

In fact, the MX-5 has been voted "Best Roadster" by Auto Express magazine for six years in a row. This is because the models have all the dynamic attributes of a great sportscar: front-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis to deliver perfect balance, with razor-sharp handling and pure driving exhilaration. The Kuro model has them all, of course.

More importantly, there is a choice between two powertrains. The first one is the 126 hp (93 kW) 1.8i engine mated to the five-speed gearbox. This one goes only with the Soft-top version. And if you like more power and prefer roadster, then the Mazda MX-5 Kuro Roadster Coupe will offer you the 160 hp (118 kW) 2.0i engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

As a true sportscar, this Mazda model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph for just 9.9sec, when in Soft-top veriosn, and in 7.9sec – when in Roadster Coupe version. The top speeds here are 121mph and 136mph respectively.

The handling stability of the vehicle is ensured by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Limited Slip Differential (LSD), side airbags.

The starting price for the Mazda MX-5 1.8i Kuro Soft-top is £18 495 and for the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Kuro Roadster Coupe is £21 995.

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Special Edition (2012)

Mazda MX-5 ‘Kuro' Soft-top otional equipment includes (above standard model):

Unique 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres, Brilliant Black roof and door mirrors, Diffuser-style rear sports bumper, Larger, sports-style exhaust tailpipe, Black front grille and front fog lights surrounds, Stone & Black heated leather seats and stone door trim, Leather steering wheel and handbrake, ‘Red' colour stitching on seats and door trim, Alloy pedal set, Silver fashion bar covers, Silver decoration panel with Red accents, Climate control air-conditioning, Unique ‘Kuro' exterior badging and race logo premium floor mats.

Mazda MX-5 ‘Kuro' Roadster Coupe otional equipment includes (above the Soft-top model):

Cruise control, Side airbags, 6-speed transmission, Bilstein suspension, Integrated Bluetooth® system, Bose® 6-CD and additional speaker.

Mazda MX-5 Kuro Performance & Economy:

Source: Mazda