Mazda MX-5 Z-Sport 2018 UK first drive

Another day, another Mazda MX-5 special edition. Since the fourth-generation roadster went on sale in 2015, we’ve been treated to a range of limited-run versions of the convertible. There was the Icon, the Sport Recaro and the Arctic - all of which added their own styling tweaks to the MX-5’s already pretty design.

Now there’s this: the Z-Sport, which, erm, adds its own styling tweaks to the MX-5’s already pretty design. Limited to just 300 examples - all of which will be sold exclusively in the UK - the Z-Sport went on sale at the beginning of March.

Despite only being on sale for such a short amount of time, it’s not even the latest special edition you can buy, since the Japanese manufacturer announced the MX-5 RF Sport Black only last week. We’ll probably have another two or three limited-run variants by the end of the year. Probably.

Anyway, back to the Z-Sport. It’s based on the 2.0-litre 158bhp Sport Nav, which sits at the top of the MX-5 range. Where that model will set you back at least £24,395, the Z-Sport commands a £1215 premium, with a starting price of £25,610. So what do you get for that additional money?

Well, in addition to the Sport Nav car’s generous standard spec that includes satellite navigation, a Bose audio system, cruise control, climate control and more, what you’re really paying for are those snazzy 17in black BBS alloy wheels, the cherry red fabric roof and some Z-Sport badging inside.

You also get Machine Grey metallic paint and sand leather seats as standard; these are usually £670 and £200 options respectively. Nice.

Well, because the changes made to this special edition are purely cosmetic, driving the Z-Sport is the same as driving the regular 2.0-litre car on which it’s based.

It retains the Sport Nav’s uprated sports suspension with Bilstein dampers and strut brace, so the ride can be a touch firm for properly comfortable long-distance driving, but the payoff is a car that is even more balanced and poised through the bends. The relatively light steering set-up is on the quick side of things - requiring only 2.6 turns to rotate the wheel from lock to lock - and lends the MX-5 a front end that responds keenly to your inputs.

There’s grip, but not so much that you can be daft with your entry speeds in to a corner or with the application of throttle on the way out; an overzealous right foot here will cause the MX-5 to step out of line. When it does let go, though, it does so in a controlled and manageable fashion that’s simple enough to tidy up again.