Mazda has unveiled a new hard-top version of the MX-5 roadster at this year’s New York International Auto Show, the MX-5 RF.
Standing for ‘retractable fastback’, the RF features a unique coupe styling and an almost Targa-style roof, with a hinged rear deck which allows the metal roof to fold in and out at speeds of up to 6mph.
Offering a different type of open-top driving to the regular fabric roof, the MX-5 RF keeps the same boot space and the same 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre SKYACTIV petrol engines as the regular version.
However, while the soft-top MX-5 is available only with a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox, the MX-5 RF now comes with the exclusive option of a six-speed automatic for either engine.
Metal roof, auto gearbox and new paint
The RF version also features a new Machine Grey paint finish, which uses the same layered paint structure as the Soul Red finish and which will appear on upcoming models like the CX-9 SUV.
A hardtop version of the current fourth-generation MX-5 was long rumoured given the popularity of the previous model, and Mazda began to send strong hints about it earlier this month.
It’s expected that the MX-5 RF will be the best-selling version of the MX-5 when it arrives here in the UK, given that the last generation hardtop MX-5 accounted for nearly 80 per cent of total sales.
Prices for the RF have yet to be announced, but order books are due to open later in the summer with first deliveries estimated to start towards the end of this year.
