Mazda has launched a special edition version of its MX-5 to attract customers away from small coupe cabriolet models.

There are 875 MX-5 1.8i Icons and 375 MX-5 2.0i Icons available in the UK, each with an paint option of red, white or blue. The colour choice was a patriotic nod to Mazda’s UK sales which saw it deliver one in every four sports cars sold here so far this year.

Rob Lindley, Mazda UK's managing director, said: “Since the demise of the MG TF and Toyota MR2, there is no longer a defined ‘roadster’ segment within the non-premium sports car market.

“Today, a section of the public perceives competitors to the Mazda MX-5 to include other open-top cars like the Mini Convertible, Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207CC – all non-sports car segment vehicles.”

The MX-5 Icon aims to attract those customers by offering a combination of a ‘uniquely sporty rear wheel drive, wind-in-the-hair experience, high specification and excellent value’.

The ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Icon features a 124bhp engine and a five-speed transmission for £16,825 on-the-road. The 2.0i Icon is powered by a 178bhp engine and costs £17,825 OTR.

Standard equipment includes climate control air-conditioning, Icon-branded black leather seats leather, wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, leather seats six-speaker audio system, electric windows, premium black cloth soft-top, 16-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.