Stiffer, sharper Mazda MX-5 Club Edition revealed

Although we fell in love with the latest Mazda MX-5 when we drove it, it might be too road-focused for some. To answer any critics the fourth-generation roadster now gets a host of sporty tweaks in the form of the Club Edition.

The special edition MX-5 was unveiled at today's New York Motor Show, and this is a bit more than a marketing exercise with some new wheels and badging. Under the skin the 1.5 and 2.0-litre SkyActiv petrol engines remain unchanged, but things get more interesting when you look at the chassis.

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There's now Blistein shock absorbers and sharped dampers for a more focused drive, and new strut bracing helps stiffen the bodyshell further. A limited-slip differential is available for the first time too, which should allow you to wring the most out of the relatively modest power on offer.

More powerful Brembo brakes also feature, underneath a snazzy set of 17-inch lightweight BBS wheels. The only bodywork additions are a subtle set of front and rear spoilers and wider sills. LED headlights are also standard-fit, while kit such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Bose audio system also appear.

The downside? There's no official word on whether we'll be seeing any of this in the UK, although it's likely considering the MX-5's popularity here. Expect a price premium of between £2,000 and £3,000 if it does come over here in the next few months.