It has been announced that the Mazda MX-5 RF, the Retractable Fastback hardtop version of the top-selling sports car, will go on sale in Britain from March 4th 2017. Pricing will start at £22,195, making the RF just under two grand less than the convertible version.
The main differences of course with the RF compared to the original MX-5 convertible are centred around the top of the car. The soft-top folding roof is replaced with removable metal panels to offer drivers a hardtop driving experience.
When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create an open-topped look.
Like with the convertible MX-5, the RF is available with two naturally-aspirated petrol engines. There’s a 1.5-litre unit with 129bhp and a 2.0-litre option with 158bhp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, although the Sport Nav version can swap to a six-speed automatic ‘box if customers choose.
The MX-5 RF line-up starts with the SE-L Nav trim and that’s followed by the Sport Nav trim. Pricing starts from £22,195 and £24,795 respectively when using the 1.5-litre engine. Standard equipment includes sat-nav, climate control and Bluetooth connectivity.
MX-5 RF unique styled Launch Edition
Topping the Mazda MX-5 RF range is a Launch Edition, which features unique styling and equipment. Only 500 examples of the Launch Edition will be offered to UK buyers and each costs £28,995. It uses the MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine only.
Spending that extra money gets you unique sporty styling touches including a twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and a black rear spoiler. The Safety Pack is also added as standard and the trim receives Alcantara trim and new Recaro sports seats.
Customers can have their MX-5 RF Launch Edition finished in one of two metallic paint finishes for no extra charge - either Soul Red or Machine Grey.
Check out what we thought of the convertible version of the MX-5 with its 1.5-litre engine in our video review:
