Mazda releases MX-5 "Prestige Edition" in Japan

Click the image above for more high-res shots of the Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition.

It's already been two full years since Mazda released its third generation MX-5 (NC), and in keeping with tradition, it's rolled out another limited edition model for enthusiasts in its home market. The "Prestige Edition" Roadster (as it's known abroad) is based off the RS and VS retractable hardtop models, and is equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, 17-inch BBS wheels, stainless steel scuff plats and front fog lamps. Underhood, the MX-5 gets a front strut tower bar along with DSC when equipped in six-speed auto guise.

Mazda's full press release is posted after the jump, and we've included a gallery of all the glitz below.

[Source: Mazda]

PRESS RELEASE

HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of the special edition Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition for the Japanese domestic market. Mazda's two-seat lightweight open-top sports car (known as the Mazda MX-5 in overseas markets) has been newly outfitted with premium features including black genuine leather seats and alloy wheels made by BBS Japan Co. Ltd. The Prestige Edition goes on sale from today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan.

The Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition is based on the Roadster RS RHT and Roadster VS RHT - the premium grades of the Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top range. This new top-of-the-range sports car appropriately features heated bucket seats with black genuine leather upholstery, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels forged by BBS Japan Co. Ltd., stainless steel scuff plates and front fog lights. Additionally, a front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type) and Mazda's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system are specially added to the six-speed automatic transmission (AT) model.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price (including consumption tax) for the Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition is 2,950,000 yen for the six-speed manual transmission model and 3,050,000 yen for the six-speed automatic transmission model. Sales will be conducted on a made-to-order basis.

Main features of the Mazda Roadster Prestige Edition
Base models

Roadster Power Retractable hard Top RS RHT (six-speed manual transmission version) and VS RHT (six-speed automatic transmission version).

Special equipment
- Exclusive heated bucket seats with black genuine leather upholstery and door trim
The high quality, refined leather bucket seats are exquisitely crafted and highlighted with bold grey stitching. The seats enhance the black interior design and match every body color.
- Driver's side ratchet lever seat lifter
A lever on the side of the driver's seat can be used to adjust the seat height by 30 mm.
- Exclusive 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels forged by BBS Japan Co. Ltd.
The alloy wheels combine ruggedness and refinement and have a highly reflective chrome finish for maximum impact. The forged aluminum also contributes to improved driving performance by reducing vehicle weight and increasing rigidity.
- Exclusive stainless steel scuff plates
The glossy stainless steel enhances the quality of the door surrounds.
- Front fog lights (clear type) with black bezels
- Front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type)
Specially added to the six-speed automatic transmission model. It is standard equipment for the 6-speed manual transmission base model.
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system
Specially added to the six-speed automatic transmission model. It is available for the six-speed manual transmission base model as a factory-installed option.

Body Colors

A range of seven body colors is available to choose from.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the Roadster Prestige Edition
Model Engine Transmission Price (yen)
With tax Without tax
Prestige Edition 2.0L DOHC 6-speed MT 2,950,000 2,809,524
6-speed AT 3,050,000 2,904,762
- A separate recycling fee of 10,600 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer's suggested retail prices listed above (for the optional SRS side airbag system, the fee is 10,910 yen).

Changes to the Roadster RHT base model
- The driver's side ratchet lever seat lifter (featured on the Prestige Edition) is newly available as a factory installed option.