First launched in December 2001, the MV Limited followed on from the Mazdaspeed and YS Limited editions. This edition was based on the standard SP model with the 1.6 litre 125PS engine, and either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. This model's special features included the new Titanium Grey exterior colour and a unique Sienna Brown colour for the interior and tonneau cover. Heated seats were included as was a two-tone Nardi steering wheel.
Manual cars were given aluminium pedal covers, and all cars had silver interior trim with stainless sill covers. There were also some new design 15" alloy wheels (a silver version of the NR-A wheel). These changes from the standard SP model put the MV at a small price premium with just 300 available in Japan.
For the UK and other European markets this car was known as the Phoenix and was sold as a 2002 model. The specification of the Phoenix differs slightly from the MV Limited. Two colours were used with Brilliant Black being the standard and Titanium Grey becoming a £150 option.
Phoenix was available with both the 1.6 and the more powerful 1.8 S-VT engine. The 1.8 was given a 4.1 ratio Torsen limited slip differential but lacked the chassis bracing and Bilstein suspension of the top Sport models. Front foglights, style bar, windblocker, and a chrome luggage rack were available as optional equipment. For the UK, Phoenix was limited to 1200.
Let's look through the Japanese brochure...
