Arctic chill

The latest model is the special edition Arctic, thoughtfully designed to help owners to cope with the British weather, providing air conditioning as a standard fitting.

Consequently, the Arctic will keep owners cool in the heat, while new blue heated leather seats will take off the autumn and winter chill, allowing open-top motoring whatever the weather. A lively 1.6-litre 110PS engine, or the 1.8-litre 146PS unit powers the Arctic, which is fitted with a cloth soft top and unique design 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.

These return 36.2mpg and 32.5mpg respectively on the official combined cycle.

Other specifications include remote central locking and deadlocking, a single CD player with additional tweeters and a wind blocker with two built-in additional speakers, which is normally an option on the 1.6-litre model.

Other things to look for are the chrome scuff plates and side window trim, black leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever to complement the blue leather seats, blue door trim and a colour-matched blue soft-top cover.

The Arctic will be offered with a choice of three exterior colours and these are a new razor blue metallic, unique to the MX-5 model, as well as the popular choice of titanium grey and sunlight silver.

To give Arctic owners something extra, they will also have the chance to buy an "ice cool" accessory pack (as described by Mazda), which includes a rear style bar, sound board, chrome filler cap, chrome outer door handle finish and chrome door mirror finish, all for £499.95, saving £375. All the usual safety and convenience features are to be found, including anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and seats with integral head restraints.

The insurance group for the Arctic remains unchanged from the standard versions, with the 1.6-litre at 11E and the 1.8-litre 12A.

Incidentally, MX-5 fans ought to know that only 2,000 Arctics will go on sale.

Updated: 09:43 Friday, August 13, 2004