2017 Mazda MX-5 special editions teased ahead of Tokyo motor show reveal

MAZDA will show two special editions of the 2016 Wheels Car of the Year, the Mazda MX-5, including a track-honed version loosely based on the tin-roofed RF.

However, both cars destined for an unveil at January’s Tokyo Auto Salon – the hot-tuning cousin to the Tokyo Motor Show – won’t be coming to Australia.

The more exciting of the duo, the Mazda MX-5 RF Custom Style, closely resembles the heavily performance-oriented RF RS coupe.

It will include black extensions across the front splitter and side skirts that give a more ground-hugging and aggressive look, and improved dynamics introduced via adjustable suspension, a strut tower brace and a sway bar.

These extra bits and pieces should stiffen the car’s ride and reduce body roll, increasing its handling ability.

It also gains new exhaust tips.

The highlight of the second car is its Classic Red paint; one of three original colours used when the NA launched in 1990.

Mazda Australia says the two special editions were created for the Tokyo Auto Salon, and won’t be coming here. However, while we miss out on the Custom Style, the RF on which it is based will go on sale in Australia from February 1.

The MX-5 RF will join the rag-topped MX-5 Roadster, which hit a record 1490 sales in Australia in the 11 months to the end of November. It is poised to break the previous sales record held by the third-generation NC, which hit 1498 sales in 2006.

The most popular variant of the current-generation ND has been a manual version of the range-topping 2.0-litre Roadster GT, accounting for almost two in every five sales.