There used to be a saying: “Get ahead, Get a hat.” Maybe it was just an advertising slogan?
But add to that a new saying. “Get ahead. Get a Venture.” Because Mazda have just produced a special new edition of their iconic MX-5 just in time for spring – the MX-5 Venture Edition – and boy, does it look good or what?
Whether you’re parading round in the Soft-top or the Roadster Coupe, you are going to turn heads and attract wolf-whistles from admiring passers-by in this latest special edition of, so it is claimed, the world’s most popular open top sports car that’s been voted ‘Best Roadster’ by Auto Express magazine for six years in a row.
With a front-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis that delivers perfectly balanced handling and pure driving exhilaration, the MX-5 features have been upgraded to what can only be described as ‘luxurious specification’; there’s the advanced technology to look forward to, premium interior trim and a range exterior colours exclusive to the Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition that are to die for. (Whoops! Slipped into Gok Wan-isms for a second there! Sorry)
Let’s look a bit closer at this little beauty then, shall we?
Basing the style on both the Mazda MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models, the Venture has had a good start in life, and being available as a 1.8 MZR Soft-top (SE) and a 2.0 MZR Roadster Coupe (Sport Tech) can’t really harm it – in fact it just enhances its beauty and desirability. And don’t worry about the fickle British weather: it boasts the world’s fastest powered retractable hard top which is up or down in just 12 seconds.
The ‘stand out’ specification features light gun metal 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, chrome front grille, piano black fashion bars and, hold your breath, special ‘Venture Edition’ badging.
And relax.
Inside, we find stylish Havana Brown heated leather seats, leather steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, piano black dashboard accents, alloy pedals, cruise control (a first on 1.8 models) and, for the first time on MX-5, a satellite navigation system as part of the whole package.
And not just any old sat nav either. Supplied by Sanyo TomTom, there’s a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (with full driving details of 45 countries), live services, iPod and Bluetooth® connectivity and complete multi-media functionality.
It’s like you’ll never have to go home again. (But if you did, the satellite system will get you there from anywhere.)
Of course, you want to look good, so The Mazda MX-5 Venture will be available in three colours: Metropolitan Grey Mica (of course) and two exclusive colours to this MX-5 special edition – Radiant Ebony Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent – free of charge.
And you’ll want to feel special. So, in this, you will, because it really is a real special edition. Only 250 Venture Edition Soft-tops and 550 Venture Edition Roadster Coupe will be available in the UK.
And at prices of £18,995 and £22,285 (OTR), you can actually look good without splashing out too much of that hard-earned cash. You may even actually be able to afford to cruise around some decent streets in it!
What does the Sales Director of Mazda Uk say about it? No surprises that he is gushing with excitement, if a little verbose: “Special Edition models of the MX-5 have always enjoyed incredible popularity in Britain and now the Venture Edition offers a unique combination of a premium cabin feel, sophisticated exterior and advanced technology, in a sportscar that remains unrivalled as an exhilarating drive that can also be used everyday,” comments Peter Allibon. “Together with their durability, enviable reliability and our current low-rate finance offer, the MX-5 Venture Edition is a thoroughly modern sportscar that people can buy with their heart and their head.”
And, until 31 March 2012, Mazda dealers are currently offering MX-5 buyers three finance packages with 0%, 3.9% and 6.9% APR finance, 0%-to-50% minimum deposit and up to 36 months repayment.
Here’s the fine print: Offers are for retail sales only on vehicles registered until 31 March 2012. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.
Off you go then! Race you there!
