Mazda MX-5 RF
After an indifferent start and a few niggles, the tin-top Japanese roadster bows out having become an evo office favourite
‘It wormed its way into our affections in a way even the Toyota GT86 might not have managed’
THE FOURTH-GENERATION MAZDA MX-5 received a frosty reception when we first tested it at evo. While I understood the reasoning (it lacked dynamic focus next to some of our favourite performance cars), it never really harmed the fun factor for me. As such, it gives me a quiet satisfaction that a few others at evo have also become MX-5 converts during our time with VN66 ZHR, a 2-litre MX-5 RF Sport Nav that joined us after a twin test back in February 2017 (issue 234). While it finished runner-up to the Toyota GT86 on that windy day in Wales, it spent the following 12 months worming its way into our affections in a way that even the Toyota might not have managed.
It’s difficult to pinpoint just what about the RF experience stood out the most, though the coupe-like roofline and convenience of that electric roof could both lay claim. While a little stubby from some angles, the RF looks surprisingly exotic on the road, and our Ceramic White example was especially crisp. The convenience of a tin-top also made bad weather more bearable, though contrary to expectations, the buttresses seemed to result in more wind noise than the soft-top with the roof down.
Those larger of frame felt a little squeezed within the cabin, but despite some misgivings about seat comfort – they lacked lumbar support, and the leather trim meant plenty of sliding around when the roads got twisty – it was a joy to slip into the low-slung driving position. There was a great view over the ridged bonnet, all the controls were well placed and the cabin design was simple and classy.
Even the infotainment set-up wasn’t too bad – the satnav proved relatively easy to fathom, and the idrive-style controller made navigating the menus very simple. Storage was more of an issue, with no glovebox and only a couple of small cubbies between the seats, but the boot proved suitably sized for supermarket shopping, or a carry-on bag when travelling.
Problems were few. Our car was serviced just before it finally left us, and while the bill was relatively large at just over £600, that did include a full set of front brake discs and pads. Unusual wear? Not for a car that did four evo track evenings during its time with us.
A brief period of inactivity led to a flat battery that caused a few issues once it was recharged, notably a lack of power assistance to the steering for the first few miles. Neither problem raised its head again after more regular use, though.
It’s worth noting that we suffered no problems with the manual gearbox, either, despite some evidence of failures on various MX-5 forums. In fact, by the time the car was returned to Mazda the shift felt as snappy as ever, complementing the 2-litre’s keen throttle response and light clutch. Zipping up and down the ’box was always one of the RF’S greatest attributes, even if the 158bhp Skyactiv engine itself lacked a little personality and top-end zing. The trade-off? Excellent economy – figures in the 40s were the norm.
And the chassis? Originally one of our criticisms of the first fourth-gen MX-5S, I found it enjoyable from the outset. Admittedly, a little less body movement would have been welcome when really pressing on, but at a gentler pace the roll felt more in tune with the steering, brakes and throttle.
It was this combination of talents that made the RF a joy. Being able to enjoy a sunny day with the roof down, a balanced chassis underneath you, and the prospect of manageable fuel bills, is a rare pleasure these days, particularly in a traditional front-engined, rear-drive package. One has to wonder how much longer a car of this formula can exist – but it’s worth celebrating while it does.