Mazda has revealed a range-topping MX-5 Sport Recaro limited edition, with a production run of just 600 units.

Priced at £24,295, the MX-5 Sport Recaro sits at the top of the MX-5 range, carrying a £1000 premium over the Sport Nav model on which it is based.

The Sport Recaro MX-5 is so called because of its Recaro seats. It also offers 17in alloys and black aerodynamic bodywork and spoiler - all unique to the special edition. A numbered badge on the interior also signifies the limited-run MX-5. Further interior upgrades include alloy pedals and edition-specific floor mats.

The Mazda MX-5 costs from £18,495, while the Sport Recaro is priced at £24,295.

Mazda's fourth-generation roadster made its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. It is new from the ground up and enters the market with a brand new rear-wheel drive chassis and two new petrol engines, all built using the company’s Skyactiv technology.

Mazda MX-5 program manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto said the new car had to conform to five crucial rules that now characterise the MX-5 – rear drive with a front-mid engine layout, 50/50 weight distribution, minimal “yaw inertia” (how quickly it changes direction), a low kerb weight and affordability.

There are five trim levels for the smaller-engined 1.5-litre model, and five for the 2.0-litre, including the limited-run Sport Recaro edition.

All models get six-speed manual gearboxes, air conditioning, LED headlights and alloy wheels. Stepping up to SE-L gets daytime running lights, climate control, cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a touch-screen infotainment system. Sport models get automatic lights, heated leather seats, keyless entry and a upgraded sound system. As the names suggest, SE-L Nav and Sport Nav models get satellite navigation for a £500 premium.

The 2.0-litre engine is only available on the SE-L and above. Opting for it adds a limited-slip differential, larger 17in wheels a strut-tower brace. Sport models also get upgraded Bilstein dampers.

Other options include a choice of seven colours, a tan leather option and blindspot monitoring on Sport Nav models.

Prices

1.5i SE £18,495

1.5i SE-L £19,245

1.5i SE-L Nav £19,845

1.5i Sport £18,050

1.5i Sport Nav £18,550

2.0i SE-L £20,095