MAZDA is celebrating the 25th birthday of its MX-5 sports car with a special anniversary edition model.

Called the MX-5 Roadster Coupe 2.0-litre 25th Anniversary Limited Edition, it goes on sale on August 1.

While just 1000 individually numbered examples of the car will be built, some 750 will be made available to UK customers - testament to Britain's love affair with open-topped motoring.

And number one is being unveiled at next week's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Equipment is based on the MX-5 Sport Tech Nav, but with extra kit like a model-unique Soul Red metallic paint finish with Brilliant Black door mirrors, A-pillars and power-operated retractable hardtop roof.

You also get 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear diffuser and chrome exhaust trim- and each car comes with Limited Edition badges.

Inside there's heated Light Stone leather trimmed upholstery with red stitching to the seats, steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever and 25th Anniversary logo-embossed headrests.

Also specific to the 25th Anniversary edition is a 6.1-inch touch screen Mazda Navigation System featuring 46 European country maps, 29 different languages, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

That's in addition to an integrated CD, radio and DVD player with a 50:50 split screen allowing for the simultaneous viewing of two input sources, and customisable user profile settings for each driver.

Beneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 160PS and capable of 0-62mph in less than eight seconds and a top speed of 136mph.