I think I have one of the above… but which one? How do you tell?
Lots of ways; different seats, Mk2.5 has integrated spotlights (or spot light mounts); Mk2, when they have them, have holes in the bumper for spotlamps. Rear cluster design if different. Mk2.5 “mouth” is more angular. Thats just some that come to mind.
VVT; Mk2.5s have it, Mk2s never had.
Headlights - orange indicators on MK2, clear on MK2.5 probably the easiest way
Or you could check VIN numbers, but where is the fun in that?!
From looking at that tiny picture it’s a Mk 2.5.
The Mk2 facelift ( 2.5 ) came out in 2001
It looks like you’ve got 16’’ alloys.
You should have 2 cup holders in the centre console not 1
Ian[;)]
Thanks for your advice - I have a 2.5! YEY!
If we bump into each other on a run, you can park next to mine, and we can play spot the difference. I’m virtually certain mine’s a mark 2. It’s a X reg, which I think means 2000, so it’s a pretty sure bet!
Of course, that brings up the question of what differs between the various versions of each mark… I believe mine’s a 1.8S, but I’m not entirely sure what that means!
I remember seeing references made to a site which had the details of all the different editions, but I think that was just the Specials, not the “normal” ones. I’ve just looked at http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/mx-5colours.htm and that makes me think that I might have a Nordic Green car, not Racing Green, since I’ve got a black interior… That’s mildly disappointing, but the colours are /very/ similar, so I don’t think I care!
Sorry, I seem to have rambled a bit off topic there! Hope you don’t mind. 
Bagel - just looked at the pics of your car, you’ve definitely got a Mk2. If you have a leather steering wheel, perhaps electric mirrors and possibly metal scuff plates then it’s probably the 1.8S! You say you have a mohair roof so that is definitely after market as I don’t think they came in until the mk2.5.
As for the colour, the paint code is on the label on the inside of the drivers door. It looks a bit like the SE which was Emerald Mica, which I think is 18J.
PS I work in Surbiton so I’ll look out for you on my travels!
Bagel - it’s Mike here, who you bought the car from! Yeah it’s a Mk2, if you want to see the differences between the models (and special editions etc.) there is a comprehensive list at the first link below. There is also a load of really useful information on the old forum (2nd link). The old forum was replaced with this one but unfortunately most of the old posts were not carried over. Almost any question you may have about the car will be answered on the old forum which was much easier to use and search and remains a vast database of useful info (the heart of the club really) but this forum supposedly has some benefits (to someone)…I can’t say I’m too convinced, but maybe I am being a luddite…
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/content/specifications.aspx
Paint code is also on the touch-up kit I left you. I have also realised I left my Autoglym mohair roof cleaning/treatment kit in my garage - if you were passing Basingstoke anytime you are welcome to drop in and take it.
Claire, all the insurance websites said “MX-5S, 1.8”, and it has electric windows, mirrors and aerial and the metal sill plates, so it sounds like you’re in agreement! I think the steering wheel’s leather - I’d have to check that next time I get in the car, and the mohair roof was definitely fitted aftermarket, byToffeeblock, who posted just after you, before I got the car.
I noticed the label on the door, but I haven’t got round to actually studying it yet - I’ve either been busy playing with the car, or it’s been dark! Hopefully I’ll get more of a chance this weekend. I would expect an emeral green to be a lot lighter, personally, although my assumptions could be way out!
I’ve just taken a proper look at http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/mx-5colours.htm and it turns out it must be Racing Green/Emerald Green because none of the other greens (except splash green, which it clearly isn’t!) were actually released in the UK! I’ll have a look and see what it says on the tin later!
Mike, yeah, I’ve seen the old forum, and I think I agree that it was better. Ah well, these things change! I’ll have to take a look at the paint kit, although I’ve left it at home - didn’t see any point in carrying around more than I had to! I’m not sure when I’ll next be heading down your way, but I’ll let you know if I am - thank you! I haven’t really thought about cleaning yet, but I’m going to need to at some point!