2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Karai Special Edition

Exterior and Interior

The MX-5 Miata Karai has been dressed with a unique lime-green paint finish that’s being called "Metal Green Metallic". Name redundancy notwithstanding, the Miata Karai’s color scheme does offer a fresh and dainty look to it. In addition to the new paint finish, the special editon MX-5 also features a contrasting glossy black finish for the metal retractable top, new exterior mirrors, a number of trim accents on the the front grille and fog lamp surrounds, and a new set of 17" multi-spoke alloy wheels shod in low performance tires.

Inside the car, Mazda dressed up the pair of Recaro sport seats with a black leather trim and Alcantara with white white stitching. Pedals are made of aluminum while the steering wheel comes in leather with white stitching, and to finish things off, there’s also plenty of glossy black interior trims to go around.

Mazda is also offering an optional sport package that features interior add-ons like an iPod and USB adapter and an exclusive set of floor mats.

Performance

The MX-5 Miata Karai is powered by a stock 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower. Despite the absence of a performance upgrade, the Miata is one of those models that don’t need engine improvements to sell like hotcakes. On its own, this particular car already attracts more than its fair share of attention. But if you prefer performance bumps, you can avail of the optional sport package that comes with a new exhaust system, a lowering kit for the suspension and a few more goodies to go around.

Pricing

The Japanese automaker has pegged the MX-5 Miata Karai to be limited to just 165 units for Germany at a price of 30,000 each - the model comes with a special Sinn timepiece to commemorate the occasion - which is around $43,500 based on current exchange rates. No word yet on whether the model will also drop in other markets, but considering that the MX-5 is a smoking hot model with a devout worldwide following, we wouldn’t be surprised if other countries get in on the fun with this special edition model.

Competition

Going up against a car that’s universally loved like the Miata is a tall order for any automaker not named Mazda. The MX-5’s combination of good looks, powerful engine, and affordable pricing means that it really is on a class of its own. But if you’re one of those that prefer alternatives to the fan favorite, you can avail of other options, including the soon-to-be rebooted Honda S2000.

For now, the Japanese sports roadster market is all about the MX-5 Miata and the only real competition the Karai has is within the ranks of all other special edition Miata models out on the market these days.