MX-5 Club edition on the radar for Oz

Mazda Australia is considering the addition of an even more sporting MX-5.

The US market already receives a more focussed 'Club' edition of the latest MX-5, and now the local arm of the Japanese marque is considering the model for the Aussie market.

It's not as simple as it sounds, however. Optioning the model with BBS wheels, adjustable Bilstein dampers and a tower brace means the model will have to re-pass ADR compliance. But there is a precedent…

Mazda Australia last launched a 'Sport Edition' of the MX-5 in 2010. The more focussed model included the options listed above and Recaro sports seats. It also added a premium to the hardtop model's price tag.

Were any such variant to be offered again in the ND-series, a price increase would be expected, although those with an interest in track days and the like would likely be willing to part with the cash.

Speaking to motoring.com.au at the launch of the 2.0-litre MX-5 this week, Mazda Australia marketing director, Alastair Doak, said the 'Club' is high on the want list, but faces substantial hurdles.

"Because the brakes and things change [the vehicle from its current form] we would need to do some homologation on that car. It's not just a case of bringing it in as an option, that obviously makes it a much bigger conversation," he cautioned.

"It's on the radar for us, and although the concern is that the whole homologation process might make it too hard, we are certainly aware that there's a want for it."

Mazda said this week that the lower entry price of the fourth-generation MX-5 is working to attract younger buyers to the fold, while also drawing back enthusiast buyers put off by the previous model's higher starting price.

The ND-series MX-5, which is priced from $31,990 (plus on-road costs), is already selling in stronger numbers than the outgoing range, Mazda saying sales between the model's launch in August and the end of October are the best since 2006.

Mazda also said that buyers are willing to pay for the higher grade models, with 69 per cent of buyers opting for the high-grade GT Roadster. There also seems to be a number of buyers willing to opt for a sportier flavour with 170 pre-sales of the 2.0-litre version already recorded, and a 10 per cent take-up of the $2600 'Korai' pack showing enthusiast buyers will pay for a more focussed MX-5.

In the US the MX-5 'Miata' Club edition is a $3400 option pack that fits 17-inch lightweight BBS 'gunmetal' alloy wheels (shod with 205/45-series tyres), a limited-slip differential, aerodynamic body extensions (as per those fitted as part of the Korai pack locally), Brembo brakes, Bilstein shocks, and a front tower brace. The US model includes Mazda's BOSE MZD Connect infotainment array (offered here optionally on entry-grade Roadster variants and as standard on the Roadster GT).

We should also note that US models are offered only with a 2.0-litre engine where Australian models now receive the option of a 1.5 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Local models also already receive an LSD on manual Roadster variants.