The all-new MX-5 sports car proved a huge hit with customers when previewed at Wrights Mazda with the Norwich and Beccles dealership having already taken around 20 orders.

The iconic, driver-focused two-seater soft-top roadster was the star attraction at exclusive customer preview events on Saturday at its Beccles site in Common Lane North in the morning and the Cromer Road dealership in Norwich in the afternoon where guests could experience the new car in an exciting and dynamic new way using hi-tech Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets.

Sean Curtis, dealer principal at Wrights Mazda Norwich, said there was a good turnout at both events with most of the customers and guests existing MX-5 owners or people who had pre-ordered the car and wanted to see it in the metal.

The Norwich dealership had already taken 15 orders and the Beccles site a further five.

'Lots of people said they wanted to test-drive the MX-5,' he said.

Wrights Mazda is holding a test-drive event at both dealerships on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 – when the MX-5 officially goes on sale – and aims to have both 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol models.

'The car is fantastic with beautiful lines and looks. It is going to be one of those cars that pretty much sells itself,' he said. 'We are very pleased about it.'

His only regret is that he won't be able to drive one until Wrights Mazda gets its demonstrator MX-5s in time for the test-drive event and there is already a big demand for them from customers.

'I can't wait to get my hands on a demonstrator because I haven't driven it yet,' he added.

Priced from £18,495, the MX-5 is available with a range of finance options until the end of September – 0% APR representative with a minimum 50% deposit on Mazda conditional sale, over 12, 24 or 36 months, and 5.9% APR Mazda personal contract purchase (PCP) up to 42 months with no minimum deposit.

With rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, superior power-to-weight ratio and a low centre of gravity, the MX-5 features award-winning Skyactiv technology, ensuring that style and driving pleasure remains unmistakable, while delivering entertaining performance and impressive fuel economy.

And the Mazda2 supermini is now also being offered on PCP with 0% APR and no minimum deposit osver 24, 30, 36 or 42 months.

For more information about the Mazda range log on to www.wrights-mazda.co.uk, visit the showroom in Cromer Road, Norwich, or telephone 01603 427011 or Beccles in Common Lane North – 01502 713885.