Mazda is no stranger when it comes to producing popular Special Edition vehicles. The MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition models, complete with exclusive orange paint jobs and Mazda racing enhancements, sold out within hours. The 100th Anniversary MX-5 was also released this year to celebrate the first model ever manufactured by the automaker.

Mazda just announced yet another upcoming special edition run, dubbed the Carbon Edition, according to Car and Driver. These models will be released for the 2021 model year, but not every Mazda will receive the special Carbon treatment. In addition to the unique paint color, what else will the Carbon Edition Mazdas have to offer?

What’s included in a Carbon Edition Mazda?

According to Mazda, each Carbon Edition model will be painted in Polymetal Gray, complete with black accents. These cars also feature red leather seats with red stitching, as well as black honeycomb patterning throughout the interior. Each model will come standard with advanced tech features, some of which are usually reserved for higher trims.

A Carbon Edition Mazda is equipped with heated front seats, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. The automaker also stated that most of the features in the i-Activsense safety suite will also be included. Mazda has given us no word on the pricing of the Carbon Edition models yet.

What vehicles are included in the Carbon Edition run?

Only three models are included in the limited Carbon Edition run. The Mazda CX-5 is eligible, one of the best compact SUVs on the current market. Its 187-hp four-cylinder base engine is highly efficient, averaging 28 mpg combined city/highway. The base offering is definitely powerful enough for daily driving, but you can also get either a turbo-four or turbo-diesel motor.

As you’d expect from a Mazda, the CX-5 is fun to drive and can handle corners with no issue. The cabin is so well-insulated that Consumer Reports recommends the CX-5 as one of the quietest compact SUVs available. Riders also enjoy the cabin because it’s made with premium materials and has comfy seats.

Another SUV included in the Carbon Edition announcement is the Mazda CX-9. It’s in the midsize segment, but many critics don’t think the seats are roomy enough compared to some rivals. Cargo capacity is also on the smaller side, especially with all the seats upright.

Still, the Mazda CX-9’s seats are still as comfortable as they are in the CX-5. It can carry up to seven passengers, with available captain’s chairs for easy third-row access. The turbo-four engine is powerful and conservative on fuel. For 2021, both the CX-9 and the CX-5 received infotainment system updates, plus bigger touchscreens.

Drivers who want to break away from the SUV mold can get a Carbon Edition Mazda6 sedan. It has the same Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine as the Mazda CX-5, so it’s equally fun to drive. However, most critics recommend the available turbo engine for more speed.

Like other Mazda models, the Mazda6 has a luxurious interior. However, the infotainment system is annoying because it only works when the car isn’t in motion. It also doesn’t have the largest trunk, but at least the rear seats can be folded down.

Are Carbon Edition Mazda models more powerful?

Mazda didn’t mention any special equipment available for Carbon Edition models in the press release. However, drivers will still be able to choose between the standard and available engines for each model. 

It’s also possible that Mazda is waiting until the release date nears to reveal additional details about the new models. The Carbon Edition Mazda vehicles are expected to arrive at dealership lots later this year.