Mazda MX-5 Cabriolet RF ( two thousand seventeen )
Pros: Sleek styling switches, better insulated, joy drive
Cons: Stronger, roof only operates at low speeds
Mazda `s MX-5 has amassed a legion of fans since it was very first launched in one thousand nine hundred eighty nine to become the world`s best-selling two-seater sports car. Prompt forward to 2017, and an all-new version of the MX-5 has just been released, the RF, which stands for Retractable Fastback. With a rigid folding roof that drops at the touch of a button, sleeker coupe-like styling and pronounced buttresses behind the driver, the MX-5 RF marks a significant switch from the soft-top MX-5 too. We spent time with the MX-5 RF on Irish roads recently to see if it is worth the extra investment over the traditional MX-5 that we love.
It`s interesting just how different the RF looks to the regular MX-5 and that`s thanks to a series of styling tweaks at the rear end of the car. The MX-5 RF`s eye-catching Fastback design and three-piece retractable roof lend it a sleek silhouette, especially when the roof is down. The RF`s styling is somewhat reminiscent of legendary sports cars like the Porsche nine hundred eleven Targa, while the version that we drove is finished in a striking ‘Machine Grey’ colour scheme and is a high specification GT model.
The MX-5 RF`s interior is virtually identical to the regular MX-5 , so it’s puny and there are few areas to store items, aside from in its 127-litre boot. That`s to be expected however, and the cabin remains a special place when you step inwards. With the touch of a button on the centre console, the RF`s roof drops down in thirteen seconds and at driving speeds of up to 10km/h. When the roof is down, the cabin feels pleasurably cocooned, and that`s mainly due to the buttresses behind the driver and passenger seats.
The MX-5 RF is available with two different engines in Ireland, a 130hp 1.5-litre petrol, which is the unit that we sampled when we tested the MX-5 last year, and a fresh larger 160bhp Two.0-litre petrol. This MX-5 RF has the larger Two.0-litre engine and as you`d expect, it`s a upbeat unit and longs to be revved, while the six-speed gearbox offers slick brief shift throws. Running costs are reasonable too with annual motor of €570 and we managed 7.8 litres per one hundred kilometres of driving in fuel economy (36MPG). The MX-5 RF is stronger than the regular MX-5 due to the added weight of the roof, but it can still cover 0-100km/h in 7.Four seconds and go on to a top speed of 215km/h, which is only fractionally slower than its lighter soft-top sibling.
We commended the MX-5 for its strong treating capabilities when we tested it last year, and this trend resumes in the RF. The added weight of the roof is virtually unnoticeable out on the road, with the same responsive steering, confidence-inspiring grip and sprightly rear-wheel power delivery that make it a hoot to drive on taut and twisty roads. The added insulation of the metal roof mean it is quieter and ultimately more convenient at motorway speeds and during longer journeys too.
Prices for the fresh Mazda MX-5 RF embark from €31,495 in Ireland, which is €Trio,500 more than the standard MX-5 but still lower than Fiat`s fresh one hundred twenty four Spider (€32k+). As standard, the RF is well tooled with keyless entry, heated mirrors, a tyre pressure monitor and of course the electronic retractable roof system. Our test car is the high specification GT model and has some very desirable upgrades including heated seats, automatic headlights, Bilstein sports suspension and a 7-inch TFT display screen in the centre of the dashboard. That`s not to mention some optional extras including a superb BOSE speaker system and utter sunburn leather upholstery.
The Mazda MX-5 RF builds on the success of the exceptionally popular soft top MX-5 , with sleek fresh styling and a very practical retracting roof system. Purists may argue that it doesn`t treat as energetically as the regular soft top MX-5 and it costs extra €Trio,500 over said car, but given the added practicality and convenience on suggest, we reckon it makes for a worthy investment. That`s not to mention that it`s better-suited to Ireland`s often raw and wintry conditions than the standard MX-5 too.