The first UK special edition roadster for 2017 has been announced as the MX-5 Arctic. Like the Icon before it, the new Arctic edition is based on the 1.5i SE-L Nav trim level and includes some additional equipment over the regular model.
The new special edition will be the second MX-5 to use the Arctic name. The first came in 2005 and brought with it the unique Razor Blue colour combined with bright chrome trim and special alloy wheels. The new version features a similar colour scheme, here we get Blue Reflex mica paintwork with silver contrast highlights. This blue and silver combination lends itself well to the chilly Arctic name.
The Blue Reflex paintwork is included free of charge with the Arctic which is a saving of a couple of hundred pounds. The exterior gets a fresh look thanks to the addition of the silver door mirror covers, silver windscreen trim, and silver roll bar trim. Each of these accessory parts are available separately from Mazda's shop options catalogue. Although not the most exciting extras, the silver trim details do give the Arctic a unique appearance. The 16" silver alloy wheels are the same 8-spoke design found on other models.
Inside we find the standard black cloth seats have been replaced with the heated black leather seats with red stitching from the Sport models. There are also stainless MX-5 logo sill plates, and silver trim for the two cup holders. A unique "Arctic" badge sits on the dashboard showing the number out of the 400 available. There are also a unique set of floor mats featuring an Arctic badge. As the car is based on the SE-L Nav spec, Mazda's navigation system with 3 years of updates are included. Rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, and automatic wipers are also included but there is no Bilstein sports suspension or limited slip differential.
The new Arctic is another example of a 1.5i SE-L model given a slight trim boost with parts from the better equipped Sport model combined with an interesting exterior appearance at an attractive price. Arctic should represent good value when compared with buying the accessories individually and is due on sale early 2017 with prices starting at £20,995.
