Decisions

The Mazda MX-5 RF is motoring at its most thrilling, roof up or down, as discovers

After weeks of TV and newspaper ads heralding the arrival of the muchanticipated addition to the MX-5 range the RF has finally landed on our shores.

I’ve been waiting to try out the RF (Retractable Fastback) for months and it’s been worth it

Not that anyone could have possibly doubted the ability of Mazda to deliver the goods considering its pedigree, which stretches back over three decades of producing lightweight, performance-led sports cars which has led to sales in excess of 120,000 in the UK alone.

Driving the 2.0 Nav and the 1.5 Nav with the roof retracted and the sun shining was a pure delight, especially if you take into account it was the first week in February (okay, we had the heated seats and blower turned on).

With just part of the roof section dropped it gives protection against any wind and, even on a couple of occasions, light drizzle.

The roof folds into three segments and tucks neatly into a space behind the cabin’s glass screen, leaving the rear section in place to create a unique driving experience, giving passenger and driver a feeling of being in the open air while tucked comfortably away inside the cabin.

When the roof is up, soundabsorbing material, as used in the MX-5 convertible, as well as insulation around the wheel housings, keeps any noise to a comfortable level.

As with the MX-5 soft-top convertible, launched in 2015, the RF maintains the same agility, handling and performance, powered by a 2.0litre 160ps engine or a 1.5-litre 135ps with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Regardless of wind noise, or lack of it, driving with the roof up or down is a joy. Everything about this car is fabulous. It handles well and the steering, particularly in the 2.0-litre models, is positive and a generous spread of torque means that changing down is often an option, rather than a necessity. The higher revving 1.5-litre engine needs to be worked a little harder but ultimately delivers on a fun and positive driver experience which has become the byword for Mazda’s two-seater sports cars.

The RF goes on sale in the UK on March 4 with a limited run of just 500 cars, the sixmodel ranges will be heralded by a flagship launch edition. Powered by a 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, it is marked out by a unique twintone roof, 17in BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler. It will be available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint and comes with a safety pack as standard. The exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.

For those who prefer an automatic gearbox, a 2.0 131ps version goes on sale in May.

Meanwhile, inside there is as much room as you would expect in a two-seater. There are cup holders which are detachable, a little lockable cupboard between the seats into the rear bulkhead and somewhere to put your keys

CO2 emissions: For more information go to www.mazda.co.uk/

in the centre console.

Talking of space the folding roof doesn’t take up any room in the boot, so up or down there’s enough space for a couple of cabin bags.

If you have driven and enjoyed convertibles and thought you’ve had the best possible driving experience, this car will not only make you think again, but might even persuade you that driving this car is, in fact, the best way to drive.