ALL THE RIGHT CURVES
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2016 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW,
The New York Auto Show anchors the end of a l ong and torrid show season. As such, it brings a few gems that have been held in reserve — the 2016 edition of the Big Apple’s automotive extravaganza did not disappoint. These were j ust some of the noteworthy speedsters guaranteed to raise anyone’s heart rate. What is it? When the fourthgeneration Mazda MX- 5 Miata debuted last year, it was missing something. Purists rejoice at the thought of a lightweight canvas roof that can be stowed with just one hand in a matter of seconds, but an equal portion of MX5 Miata enthusiasts were pining for a metal roof — a hardtop, at the very least.
Well, Mazda has answered their calls with the 2017 MX5 Miata RF, which stands for Retractable Fastback. That’s right — it’s not just a tin roof as it was on the third-generation model. This one kicks things up a notch with a targa-styled folding roof, which stows away behind the rear seats. The advantages are aplenty — buyers can enjoy their MX-5 Miata year-round without worrying about snow or ice, while the roof panel is concealed beneath a fastback-styled rear window. Oh, and the roof doesn’t take up any extra trunk space — a rare commodity any Miata owner is familiar with.
Under the skin, the MX5 Miata RF is powered by the same running gear as the soft- top variant. That is to say, we’ll see Mazda’s 2.0- litre SkyActiv fourcylinder engine, good for 155 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. It will be hooked up to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Why does it matter? Since 1989, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been the de facto choice in the affordable sports car world. ( It has also been the butt of many jokes, but I digress.) It might have come across as a cutesy roadster and it could be faster in a straight line, but the driving dynamics are second to none. Not only that, a majority of Miata enthusiasts seemingly constantly pine for a fixed- roof coupe version. This, coupled with the fact that many Japanese aftermarket parts manufacturers already make fastback-style hardtops for older Miatas and the flexibility of four- season usability, make the MX-5 RF a no-brainer. When is it coming? Look for the Mazda MX- 5 Miata RF to hit dealers in a year — at the latest. Should you buy it? Weight is another of the Miata’s strengths. If the car’s looks and four- season usability is more important to you than how much weight the roof will add, then the MX-5 Miata RF is a no-brainer.