Mazda puts a lid on MX-5
Mazda makes its own rules. It certainly has in creating a hard-top version of the MX-5, David Linklater reports.
equivalent because all of the fastback models have the 2.0-litre engine and the $48,495 RF GSX is only available with the six-speed automatic transmission. Similar standard equipment levels between the two, though.
There’s more parity between the 2.0-litre Limited roadster and RF models. The top-spec roadster is $46,995 in manual form, with a $1500 premium for the automatic. Which makes the RF GSX the same price as a roadster Limited automatic.
The RF Limited is $51,495 in manual form ($4500 more than the equivalent roadster) or $52,995 as an automatic.
Mazda NZ sees RF sales heavily biased towards the Limited model (over 80 per cent) and automatic transmission (70 per cent).
There’s also a launch edition called the RF-S, with just 15 units available at $54,995. It comes only in Mazda’s flash new Machine Grey exterior finish and has Nappa leather upholstery with the model name embroidered on the head restraints, Piano Black roof, unique badging and a nice Certificate of Authenticity from Mazda.
Mazda’s obsessive-compulsive approach to the MX-5 means that it’s gone all out to ensure dynamic parity between roadster and RF. The fastback roof adds 45kg, which doesn’t sound like a lot but is significant for a sports car that weighs a little over a tonne. It’s enough to bump fuel consumption up by half a litre over the roadster to 7.4 l/100km for the RF Limited automatic.
To compensate for the extra bulk and higher centre of gravity, Mazda has made the front suspension slightly stiffer and the rear slightly softer.
The company also has this thing about the MX-5 having enough roll and pitch to feel like a properly entertaining sports car; it found the Rf-roof made the body structure stiffer, so it hollowed out a tunnel member in the platform to reintroduce some flexibility. That’s attention to detail, people.
A day spent driving the MX-5 RF back-to-back with the roadster was enlightening. Very little has been lost in translation in terms of the roadster’s communicative steering, perfect weight distribution and that desire to dance around every corner.
If you’re all about top-down sports car driving, the roadster is still the one. You do get that convertible sensation in the RF because the air flows through the cabin and out between the rear pillars. But it doesn’t feel as open as the roadster because you’re aware of that roof structure behind you. At open-road speeds, the RF also suffers from more cabin turbulence than the roadster, although the reverse is true for urban motoring.
But the RF presents a compelling case in terms of that cute-as-a-button coupe-like styling, enhanced security and greater comfort in winter weather.
The folding hard-top makes the MX-5 even more of an everyday car. Anything that makes driving an MX-5 every day a more compelling proposition should be celebrated.