2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Hot Lap

Two years ago, Mazda took the wraps off of the fourth generation MX-5 and when we had a chance to sample it, we were suitably impressed by its road-holding, balance and eagerness to take a corner as fast as possible. Fast forward two years and Mazda released a folding hard-top version, the RF. With a retractable steel roof, the RF displays fastback-style appearances while still offering open air enjoyment.

The additional weight was somewhat of a concern of ours. Would it ruin the handling? We actually should have been more weary of the automatic gearbox which, sadly, compromises the overall experience of this great chassis. Nevertheless, we still wanted to see how it would fare around the track, in this instance, Red Star Raceway in Mpumalanga.

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF is powered by a 118kW and 200Nm torque from a naturally-aspirated, 16-valve, Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder petrol engine with Variable intake Valve Timing (VVT). It powers the rear wheels through a 6-speed Sport automatic gearbox with paddle shifters to rear differential that has to do without a limited slip function, further hindering the dynamic handling that the MX-5 is revered for.

The chassis is a monocoque unibody with backbone frame construction and front and rear suspension subframes connecting a double wishbone front suspension up front with a multi-link rear. Steering is electronically power assisted but is of the best we have encountered, especially when pressing on.

Braking is in the form of 290mm ventilated discs up front with 279mm solid discs at the rear, supplemented by ABS and EBD.