Mazda has launched a new special edition MX-5, limited to just 500 cars and called the Sport Graphite.

Available only with the folding hard-top roof, which is painted Meteor Grey whichever of the four unique body colours is ordered, buyers have a choice of a 124bhp 1.8 petrol or a 158bhp 2.0-litre, with prices starting at £20,995 on the road.

Every Sport Graphite model will have 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels, black leather heated seats with unique grey stitching, a 5.8-inch TomTom navigation system with integrated Bluetooth, glossy dark grey ‘fashion bars’, the hard-top roof and door mirrors all in Meteor Grey, and limited edition badges throughout.

The car also brings with it stainless steel scuff plates, body-coloured door handles, side, driver and passenger airbags, a CD radio with an auxiliary jack and six speakers, electric windows, electric adjustable mirrors with heating function and climate control.

Keen drivers will want the 2.0-litre car not just for its extra power. It’s fitted as standard with a limited-slip differential, cruise control and Bilstein suspension, all of which the 1.8 does without.

Each Mazda dealer is offering the first buyer of the Mazda MX-5 ‘Sport Graphite’, a signed limited copy graphite pencil drawing of the car. Drawn exclusively for Mazda by hyperrealist artist Paul Cadden, the 47 year old artist from Scotland, recreates photos or stills in amazing detail just using a graphite pencil, drawings that are often mistaken for photographs.

“The introduction of the Mazda MX-5 Sport Graphite this summer embraces everything our immensely popular sports car stands for: fun to drive with spirited performance and premium levels of specification, with the added benefit of distinct styling for those who dare to be different,” said Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.

“With just 500 models available in the UK, the Sport Graphite is sure to be highly sought-after, offering exclusivity – and an excuse to escape the city.”