Test Mazda MX-5 RF, an alternative of the most attractive

Not even two months ago we were testing for the first time the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5. This iconic model is the best selling roadster in the world and during the past year reached the round figure of a million units. But it seems that the japanese brand not content with this, its philosophy is to improve and surprise with each product that makes. And their latest addition is the Mazda MX-5 RF with which we have had a touchdown.

The meaning of the abbreviation RF is ‘Retractable Fastback’ and make reference to its retractable hard top that provides an alternative to the soft top traditional. This model was presented almost a year ago in the Lounge of New York and highlighted by the silhouette targa that he was endowing the new roof. This configuration is totally new in a model that has been on the market since 1989, but after sharing two days with him, we are confident that will convince a good portion of the public.

The solution

If we look back, many will recall that the previous generation (NC) was a variant Roadster Coupe. This model took the majority of sales, but also lost a bit of its essence due to their larger size and increased weight. The fourth generation, we were able to verify that it was smaller and lighter, so if you wanted to use a retractable hard top, whatwhere I might fit? Of this problem space, precisely, is born this version that is not cabrio pure or coupe and that has surprised many.

The easiest solutions to put the hard top was to reduce the boot space or expand the size of the vehicle. None of these options were valid for the brand by his philosophy, so I searched for an alternative not to commit those aspects. They found it, with this hardtop is divided into three sections that hide in the hollow where I would go on the hood. When what has since maintained that aesthetic coupe that I was looking for and when you will descapotado becomes an eye-catching haart.

This maneuver can be done in place to roll under 10 km/h in a time of 13 seconds just hold down a button. In addition we have achieved the objective of does not subtract space from the trunk, which is maintained at 127 litres, affecting only the disappearance of a pair of glove compartment behind the seats. It also fulfills the purpose of the weight, because the new system only weighs 45 kg more that the soft-top.

personality

In the exterior of the Mazda MX-5 is necessary to emphasize the huge difference compared to NC. The design language KODO takes over all corners of your body and gives a dynamism that is enviable. Still standing, this MX-5 gives the a sensation of movement. Both the ‘Soft top’ as in this RF will have the same hood elongated, windshield is tilted, and headlights Full LED torn. 17-inch wheels (engine 2.0) or the drivers rear with a circular portion and another elongated are also shared between the two.

however, the differences are more notable between the two. The aesthetic targa is predominant if you see him in profile. The two ‘humps’ that depart from the body just behind the seats gives a touch of personality unpublished until now. Optionally we can ask for the roof to be black, , leaving a look bittern quite attractive in some combinations. There will also be a new tone in the palette of colors: the Machine Grey that you see in the pictures.

Interior unchanged

the interior of The Mazda MX-5 RF will be virtually identical to that of his brother of the fabric top. Its dimensions remain 3,91 meters long, 1.73 metres wide and only 1,22 m high, with a distance between axles is of 2,31 meters. This, and the solution of the ceiling, make all your interior dimensions are the same. For people over 1,85 will continue to be a problem the lack of space for the head.

Will be enough, but one of the novelties is in the instrumentation. There will be a TFT display of 4.6 inches occupying the place of the sphere on the left. It will be very useful and even will show us the sequence of how to remove and put the roof. Another novelty will be the finish Nappa Edition that we were able to see first-hand in the same unit of color Machine Grey. In the beginning it was launched as a limited edition, but the brand has decided to keep it as a finish.

On this occasion it will not come with the plaque identifying, with the suitcase MX-5, nor with the driving experience. But yes what you will do with the upholstery nappa leather in brown color that covers the seats, dashboard and interior doors. It is worth noting the quality of this material and the good combination that is achieved. The rest of the items will be included in the finished Luxury that we will discuss later and has a surcharge of 400 euros.

finally, this variant will continue to have a pretty simple design and classic. The multimedia system is the same MZD Connect with a 7-inch screen that sticks out on the dash, that has touch control in standing and using the control HMI in march. Below will be the controls of the air conditioning, which are three wheels for simple operation. Further down the small lever of change that we always want to have between the hands.

Same mechanical

The Mazda MX-5 RF is offered with the same engines that the soft-top. Both mechanics are of gasoline, and atmospheric four-cylinder. This way you will have the 1.5 SKYACTIV-G 131 HP and 150 Nm as access to the range. Above the 2.0 SKYACTIV-G 160 HP and 200 Nm of torque. It will be the most prestacional doing the 0 to 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds and reaching a tip of 214 km/h. The rear wheel drive and lightness are maintained in the formula of the Miata since more than two decades ago.

The 2.0-liter engine is going to be the protagonist for two main causes. The first is that Mazda estimated that the 80% of the sales correspond to this engine. The second is that this mechanical may be linked to an automatic change six-speed. This is a novelty, since the soft top does not offer this option. What is certain is that taking into account the philosophy of this model, we would not trade the manual transmission for anything in the world.

Test Mazda MX-5 RF SKYACTIV-G 2.0 160 CV

And our adventure begins with the Mazda MX-5 RF by the surroundings of Barcelona. Upon arrival at the airport we find no less than 30 units of the new and brand new model. We are left with the 2.0 SKYACTIV-G and its 160 HP and manual gearbox. It is not by despising the small motor, but I had already had a week between hands and now I wanted to try the other. We also have the excuse that will be the reference in sales. We put the bags barely in the little trunk, and we started the route.

I get to drive and after you boot the first thing I do is press that button that opens the roof and let in the sun’s rays. Even though it is January and the temperatures are low, a convertible is to go to heaven discovered. The morning goes through a very comprehensive route with some mountain roads that are perfect to enjoy the MX-5 RF. The curves are their natural habitat and slips in between them with a poise remarkable. The maximum torque of the engine compels us to play with the change and keep it in the revs optimum.

engine 2.0-liter I have to say that I have liked more that the 1.5 liters. The truth is that I loved the behavior of the Miata with the small block, but is that with this is even better. Note that is a mechanical more full and usable at any point in the cuentarevoluciones. The accelerations seem to have no end, gaining speed quickly and by drawing a smile on our faces. The touch of the change is simply exquisite.

By the way, when he went to the wheel or I had noticed in the air noise in the cabin. In the time that I had the privilege of co-pilot I realized that when we descapotados the noise is higher in the soft-top due to the air ‘bounces’ on the humps. In change when we go with the roof since the soundproofing is somewhat better and allows you to have a normal conversation at legal speeds. And speaking of sounds, you could use nothing wrong the exhaust is more noisy at the set.

we had Already spoken to the chassis of the MX-5 as one of the most balanced. Your weight distribution 50:50 and low centre of gravity make it a machine very fun. In addition, in the RF have decided to do a series of tweaks to the suspension, steering, and brakes. They follow the philosophy of ‘Jinba Ittai’ (harmony between driver and car), but now we promise to driving more precise and a better touch in the direction. We approve the change, because conveys to us with accuracy what happens at the wheels and gives us a lot of confidence.

The first day we spent with the unit Metallic Grey and with the quality of the Nappa Edition. The second we pass to another with the characteristic color Soul Net and finishing Luxury with the Sport Pack (+€1,800). In the interior we see a few sports seats signed by Recaro, which collected best our body and also adds a suspension Bilstein. Has a tare and a little more sportier than the series and it is slightly more dry and uncomfortable in the city.

we Arrived back at the airport and hurts us in the soul say goodbye the Mazda MX-5 RF. What is certain is that in these two days we have barely repaired in consumption. Have not been too high, since the onboard computer was showing us figures that there were around 7.5 liters. We are satisfied because our driving has not been efficient, though, to speak with greater precision of this topic we will be another remedy to re-try it out.

Conclusions

The Mazda MX-5 RF is a new and surprising variant of the legendary Miata. This ‘Retractable Fastback’ stands out for its silhouette targa that will not leave anyone indifferent and it seems that is gaining popularity. You have the best of the small cabrio but with a retractable hard top which will be an advantage in some situations. We must also assess its value, since the increase in price compared to soft top is 2,500 euros.

despite being more expensive, in the japanese brand calculated to be the version sold with the 70% of the mix in Spain. Estimates speak of about 450 units per year in our country, not bad considering that it is a model much more passionate than rational.

Equipment Mazda MX-5 RF

Style

• alloy Wheels of 16 inch Silver Aluminium
• Headlights Full LED function day
• Air conditioning
• trip Computer
• cruise Control
• central Locking with remote control
• Upholstery black cloth with red stitching
• steering Wheel, gear knob and hand brake in leather
• Inside top of the doors in body color
• System-MZD Connect with 7” touch screen and remote HMI Commander
• 6 speakers
• Bluetooth + 2 USB inputs + 1 AUX
• steering Wheel with controls for audio and Bluetooth
• starter Button
• electric Windows
• rear Spoiler

Style+

• Equipment Style
• alloy Wheels of 16-inch Gun Metallic (17-inch with engine 2.0)
• System alert involuntary change lanes (LDWS)
• automatic Climate control
• Upholstery leather
• heated Seats
• rain Sensors and lights
• interior Mirror with automatic-dimming
• digital Radio (DAB)
• exterior Mirrors in color-Piano Black
• limited-slip Differential (engine 2.0)

Luxury

• alloy Wheels of 16-inch Gun Metallic
• Browser
• BOSE sound System with 9 speakers
• Control of lights, long-range (anti-HBC)
• parking Sensors
• intelligent Access keyless
• exterior Mirrors in color-Piano Black
• System of directional lighting (AFLS)
• Control of dead angle (BSM)
• traffic Alert rear (RCTA)
• i-Stop & i-Eloop (with engine 2.0)
• alloy Wheels of 17-inch Bright Dark (with engine 2.0)
• exterior Mirrors in body color (engine 2.0)

Sport Pack

• Equipment Luxury
• Recaro Seats
• sport-tuned Suspension Bilstein
• Bar rope

Nappa Edition

• Seats of nappa leather in brown color
• heated Seats
• inner Lining of the doors in nappa leather
• central Line of the dashboard in nappa leather

Prices Mazda MX-5 RF in Spain

Gallery of images Mazda MX-5 RF

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