The latest anniversary edition of the world’s most famous roadster cannot be unwrapped by Kiwi fans.

AS special gifts go Mazda’s latest to MX-5 cognoscenti might seems especially seasonally-flavoured, this bauble being in a lustrous red metallic.

The perfect surprise Xmas gift … in spirit at least, as deliveries don’t begin until January?

Not here.

Kiwi super fans contemplating making the latest Anniversary edition of the world-famous roadster are in for disappointment.

The latest edition of the gift that keeps on giving … isn’t being handed out here.

Though vowing that their love affair for the timeless two-seater remains strong, Mazda New Zealand has also turned down representing the latest special edition, issued to tick off the nameplate’s 35th year. 

Inquiry today elicited “for New Zealand, we do not plan to have the MX-5 35th Anniversary model join our local range” from product and communications manager Paul Sherley.

That decision bases on thought that the car in its current standard format, which received refinements during the year, is good enough, he added.

“Following updates made to MX-5 earlier in the year we have been pleased with its performance in the market.  

“With the two distinct variants we have seen almost two thirds of sales from the Roadster GT, with the remainder being the RF Limited.  

“Of course, the MX-5 remains unique in its pure, driver-focused and highly enjoyable package.”

Nonetheless, the local call also appears to represent a change in policy.

Previous factory issue Anniversary cars for the international market from the current ND and previous NC eras always availed, albeit in limited count. 

Anecdotally, those cars achieve special place within the thriving MX-5 club scene, which made news this year when a annual national activity, a show and shine in Auckland, attracted 216 cars from around the country.

Whether Mazda here will be considered a grinch for not delivering the latest variant remains to be seen, but Sherley has indicated a good chance they won’t be.

“From observation there are a number of markets that don't appear to be introducing the 35th Anniversary variant, however all markets make their respective decisions independently.  

“To date we have had very limited enquiry as to its availability in New Zealand.”

Any examples that do get here via independent means - likely more easily snaffled from Japan than closest regional recipient Australia (which is taking 50) - will be easily spotted, due to its triple-layer Takuminuri Artisan Red premium metallic paint. 

It’s a distinctly different hue to the Soul Red Crystal Metallic on the standard colour chart.

The 35th Anniversary is the first international special edition since the 100th Anniversary of 2020.

That one was part of a broader model mix, also including the CX-5 and Mazda3/Mazda6 passenger cars, celebrating the maker’s history, not only as a car maker but in its very first iteration, in the cork industry.

The 100th Anniversary MX-5 was in a special Snowflake White Pearl Mica, with a burgundy roof and interior. 

The latest colour is paired with a beige soft top and 17-inch alloy wheels exclusive to the model. Inside, the car features Tan Nappa leather upholstery, beige carpets and floor mats, and headrests with “35th Anniversary” logos.

There are no upgrades to the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, which produces 135kW and 205Nm, and in this format matches exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

It also includes Mazda’s DSC-TRACK mode, a stability control system that allows for greater driver control by lowering intervention thresholds.