Mazda MX-5 1.5 R-Sport 2020 UK first drive

You surely know the drill by now when it comes to limited-edition Mazda MX-5s. 

Mazda’s iconic two-seater has received so many over the years that we’ve lost count, but that hasn’t stopped them from finding homes. Only so many of each new edition will be made, after all, and although few arrive with any major mechanical modifications, the bespoke colour combinations usually help them stand out from the series-production models.

That’s not entirely the case for the new R-Sport. Yes, it’s a purely cosmetic special, but the polymetal grey paint and matching fabric roof don’t exactly scream "look at me”. Even the 16in Rays forged alloy wheels are on the subtle side. A burgundy leather interior helps elevate things inside the cabin, but otherwise the kit list is all but identical to the more readily available Sport trim.

Instead, limiting production to just 150 cars seems to be Mazda’s way of reminding customers they can have just as much fun with a modest powerplant, because it’s available exclusively with the entry-level 1.5-litre engine. 

The four-cylinder motor sends 130bhp exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, but in a car that tips the scales at a little over 1100kg, that still translates to a respectable 0-62mph sprint in 8.3sec.

The lighter, rev-happy 1.5-litre has long been our MX-5 engine of choice, even if the car misses out on the limited-slip differential, front strut brace and Bilstein dampers that help give 2.0-litre cars a more focused driving experience. 

The MX-5 continues to deliver a largely analogue driving experience, courtesy of the naturally aspirated engine that loves to rev. Peak power only arrives at 7000rpm, just shy of the redline, and delivery is entirely linear. It’s fast enough through the gears, although revs are best kept in the latter half of the range for the most responsive reactions to your inputs.

The compact pedal box makes heel-and-toe changes a breeze, and the short, satisfying shift action is among the best you’ll find at this end of the price spectrum. Only Honda’s Civic Type R comes close, and beyond that, you’d need to step up to Lotus and Caterham to find a more satisfying gearchange.

It’s the car’s handling balance and light yet precise steering that make it such fun to hustle through the bends, with plenty of grip even in slightly soggy conditions. You have to work fairly hard to force out moments of oversteer, but when they arrive, they do so predictably and are easily collected again. You’re never short of confidence when pressing on, which makes it that much easier to conserve momentum across even the trickiest of B-roads.