• Six-strong model range on sale now, priced from £18,210
• World’s fastest retractable hard-top, with no impact on boot space when down
• Climate control air-conditioning and iPod connectivity for all models
• Dedicated website to buy online at www.mx5roadstercoupe.co.uk

Mazda Motors UK has announced that the exciting new Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe six model range, which starts from £18,210 (on-the-road), is on sale now at its 160-strong dealer network and through the special website at www.mx5roadstercoupe.co.uk. All four 2.0i models can be ordered at the website or at dealerships and both 1.8i models will be in showrooms by year-end.

“We are delighted to announce this immediate availability of the new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe,” enthused Mark Cameron, Marketing Director Mazda Motors UK. “Demand for this new model is already very strong, so to be sure of obtaining the model they desire this year, customers should visit a Mazda dealer or the special website soon to avoid possible disappointment. I am also pleased to confirm that every model will have iPod® connectivity. Next year, we expect the MX-5 Roadster Coupe to account for 30% of all Mazda MX-5 sales in the UK.”

A first in the Mazda range, every model in the MX-5 Roadster Coupe line-up will have iPod® connectivity. The connection is located in the glovebox and the iPod® can be operated using the steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Owners can play their favourite tunes from their iPod® playlist through the car’s audio system, though the audio display will not show the artist or track name. The system is compatible with Apple iPods® only, not with other MP3 players. Every MX-5 Roadster Coupe buyer will also be able to order a BOSE® ‘SoundDock’ home iPod® docking station at a 20% discount on the normal BOSE® retail price.

Roadster Coupe prices, which range from £18,210 to £21,265 (on-the-road), represent a modest premium of £1,200 over the soft-top model, as both climate control air-conditioning and the Option Pack are standardised on the 1.8i and 2.0i Roadster Coupe models.

Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe customers have a choice of three powertrains (1.8i or 2.0i with 5-speed gearbox, 2.0i Sport with 6-speed gearbox), and a range of options and accessories to personalise their car.

The MX-5 Roadster Coupe special website now offers customers a choice of all four 2-litre models (2.0i Option Pack, 2.0i Option Pack with Leather, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Sport with BOSE®), in up to six colours (depending on model) for delivery from 1 October 2006.

All Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupes come with 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, iPod® connectivity, leather steering wheel with audio controls, leather gear knob and handbrake lever, six audio speakers and stainless steel scuff plates.

All 2-litre models, which are currently available on the special website, feature side airbags to protect the head and torso as standard, integrated into the seatback sides and designed to achieve an effect similar to curtain airbags in a closed-body vehicle. Dynamic stability control with traction control is also standard on 2.0i Option Pack models and above.

A choice of six body colours is available – including two new mica colours (Stormy Blue and Copper Red), plus one mica (Galaxy Grey), one metallic (Sunlight Silver) and two solids (Brilliant Black and True Red).

The new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe achieves an ideal 50:50 weight distribution – just like the soft-top MX-5 – and a perfect balance between the front and rear axles because the roof retracts into a space behind the seats. The new model’s beautifully balanced driving dynamics accurately reflect the Japanese ideal of Jinba Ittai – the symbiosis between rider and horse – ensuring maximum fun-to-drive motoring pleasure.