For the 2012 model year Mazda introduced this special edition MX-5 across Europe. Like other special editions the car was given various names depending on the market it was sold in. For example in Germany it was called Hamaki (Japanese for Cigar), France's version was the Shizuka (Japanese for Calm), the Swiss model is named Havana, Italy's version was called Phoenix Reloaded, and in the UK we had the Venture. Specifications were broadly the same with only minor differences such as the French car having a unique Shizuka badge and a few more colour choices in Germany.
For the UK market the Venture model was available as a 1.8 soft top or 2.0 coupe in a choice of three colours. The dark purple Radiant Ebony Mica makes a return after previously featuring on the ZSport model, with the other options being Metropolitan Grey Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. The Metropolitan Grey is probably my favourite grey it has a really vivid mica effect in the sunshine and seems to change to a bluey green hue then back to grey. I've tried to photograph the effect which you can see in the pictures at the bottom of the page. The 2.0 coupe model was based on the top Sport Tech trim so features a 6-speed gearbox and Bilstein suspension. The lower trim car was based on the 1.8 SE so has a 5-speed gearbox and no limited slip differential. What makes Venture special is the new 5.8" touchscreen navigation unit by TomTom as standard (the first time on an MX-5) which also has mapping for 45 countries and iPod & Bluetooth connections; cruise control, climate control, some nice aluminium pedal covers, a chrome front grille, 17" gunmetal finish alloy wheels, some piano black trim pieces, Venture wing badges, and chocolate havana brown heated leather seats with matching door panels are all standard features.
For the UK market the Venture model was available as a 1.8 soft top or 2.0 coupe in a choice of three colours. The dark purple Radiant Ebony Mica makes a return after previously featuring on the ZSport model, with the other options being Metropolitan Grey Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica. The Metropolitan Grey is probably my favourite grey it has a really vivid mica effect in the sunshine and seems to change to a bluey green hue then back to grey. I've tried to photograph the effect which you can see in the pictures at the bottom of the page. The 2.0 coupe model was based on the top Sport Tech trim so features a 6-speed gearbox and Bilstein suspension. The lower trim car was based on the 1.8 SE so has a 5-speed gearbox and no limited slip differential. What makes Venture special is the new 5.8" touchscreen navigation unit by TomTom as standard (the first time on an MX-5) which also has mapping for 45 countries and iPod & Bluetooth connections; cruise control, climate control, some nice aluminium pedal covers, a chrome front grille, 17" gunmetal finish alloy wheels, some piano black trim pieces, Venture wing badges, and chocolate havana brown heated leather seats with matching door panels are all standard features.
Venture was priced at £18,995 for the 1.8 and £22,285 for the 2.0 coupe. Availability was limited to 250 1.8 soft tops and 550 2.0 coupes for the UK. The Venture name would go on to be used in 2013 for a facelifted Venture model, and in 2014 for the Sport Venture edition. Here's a look at the UK brochure with more details on the standard equipment.
