Mazda MX-5 RF a-la targa… but different

What does RF mean?

A new motoring term has been coined:  Retractable Fastback.  This is what the letters RF mean on the Mazda MX-5 RF.

The previous Mazda MX-5 were initially in soft-top, then folding hardtop called Roadster-Coupé as reviewed on AutoTrader.  With the new going-back-to-its-roots MX-5 launched in 2015, the lighter, simpler, smaller soft-top roof was re-introduced.

But what if you want an MX-5 with a hardtop, for more of a coupé feeling?  That’s what the MX-5 RF is for – it has a targa-style folding metal roof which leaves a gap above your head for that semi-open less-attention-drawing feeling, with the mid-section roof packed into storage in the boot, but without the need for manual labour of lifting off the targa panel by hand and storing it – the RF does it all, open or close, using button convenience.

MX-5 a-la targa… but different

The Mazda MX-5 RF folding roof is similar to the solution Porsche has with its latest 911 targa model, except the RF doesn’t have the targa’s sloping glass rear window: on the MX-5 RF, the rear buttresses (the triangular panels of the rear roof, above the rear fenders) are folded away, while the back window is vertical so it slides away into the car, like on a BMW 6 Series Convertible / M6 Convertible back window.

Mazda has broken from conventional convertible thinking, featuring fastback styling with a smooth profile roofline – they are first in offering this combination of sloping rear metal roof + vertical back window, which is justification for their new Retractable Fastback name.

The new Machine Grey is a new premium colour designed to specifically accentuate the MX-5 surfaces, and requires a different multi-layer application to achieve the sheen.

Roadster experience to more drivers

Mazda states this latest version of its legendary sports car offers a new dimension in open-top driving fun, making the roadster experience more accessible to a broader range of drivers (who may have chosen to not buy the fully open roadster MX-5?).

Another benefit is that, where a usual folding hardtop eats up boot volume, the RF has the same boot space as the soft-top.  In Europe, the MX-5 RF will be available with 2 revvy engines as it is on the roadster, in 1.5 or 2.0 sizes, with the crisp 6-speed manual or, just for the RF, a 6-speed automatic.  Mazda SA has not indicated whether we would get the RF here.

The Mazda MX-5 2.0 Roadster-Coupé soft-top is available in SA for a current retail price of R 413 800.  There is no other small roadster, and certainly not at this price, available on the market.

Hunt for your Mazda MX-5 on Auto Trader SA.