Mazda Launches MX-5 Kendo: UK Limited Edition

We wrote earlier that a total of 900,000 units of the 1^st generation, 2^nd generation & 3^rd generation Mazda MX-5 Roadster were sold worldwide when we test drove the car. But what we failed to mention was the fact that 100,000 or so units were sold in the UK which is a whole lot of MX-5s. So in celebration of this sales achievement, Mazda has launched a special edition in the UK called the Mazda MX-5 Kendo Special Edition.

'Kendo' means “the way of the sword”. It is basically a Japanese method of fencing and is based on Kenjutsu as practised by the samurai. How Kendo relates to the MX-5 may be hard to fathom but we'd guess that the MX-5 handles as sharp as a sword, hence the moniker.

We all know that the Mazda MX-5 is known as the most British of all British roadsters but it isn't British at all. And now, when Mazda releases a limited edition version that commemorates its sales achievement in the UK they name it after a Japanese martial art form. Maybe they should name it the MX-5 Earl Grey or the MX-5 Robin Hood – both very British indeed.

Anyway, the MX-5 Kendo is based on the type UK MX-5 SE roadster (soft top) and roadster coupe (hardtop). The MX-5 Kendo gets standard heated leather seats, aluminium trimming, two new to the UK exterior paint colors (grey and black mica) and 'Kendo' badging. The hardtop Roadster coupe gets a Bose audio system with Bluetooth as well as cruise control.

The MX-5 Kendo will be available from the 1^st of March onwards for a limited period of time. Prices will start at £19,255 for the entry level 124bhp, 1.8-litre soft-top up to the 158bhp 2.0-litre roadster coupe that will be priced from £22,320.