All-New Mazda MX-5 RF Revealed

Some great leasing deals are available with the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, the Mazda MX-5, but if you want to take that extra step forward towards having everyone jealous of what you drive, then the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback currently in production at Mazda’s Ujina Plant in Hiroshima before its forecourt UK debut in March 2017, is for you.

You'll have to be quick though because it is being produced in a limited run of just 500 cars over the six model range, heralded by the flagship Launch Edition. 

Powered by a 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, the Launch Edition in either Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint features a unique twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler, with a Safety Pack as standard, Alcantara trim and Recaro seats - as well as all-new Mazda MX-5 RF ‘fastback’ styling and a retractable hardtop. 

As with the established Mazda MX-5 convertible, all models powered by the 2.0-litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17" wheels; while Sport Nav models (and the Launch Edition) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace, thereby maximising the dtynamism of the car.

And, with the introduction of the Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 will find itself available with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK. 

“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open,” commented Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager, Nobuhiro Yamamoto.

Making sure that the feeling of wind in the hair is as comfortable as possible, cabin comfort and the actual ride have been fully developed to the max, with no effect when it comes to the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible. In fact, the suspension and electric power steering parameters of the Mazda MX-5 RF have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback, even when it comes to acoustics when 'roof-off', making use of the sound-absorbing headliner in the front and middle roof panels and rear house panel sound insulation. It goes almost without saying that the cabin is almost silent when the roof is closed.

The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen, the front and middle portions being stowed together when the roof is lowered, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, as well as offering a feeling of security during the period of open air freedom.

On the Launch Edition the front and middle roof sections will feature a piano black gloss finish that contrasts with the Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, helping to accentuate the teardrop shape that the roof creates, adding to the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette and the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions.

“If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful,” commented Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama.  

Ordering is now open, with the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF arriving in March 2017 - with RF’s powered by the 1.5-litre 131ps engine following in May - and Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director of Mazda Motors UK is very excited: "We’re very excited about the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF. It will add a unique and stylish model to our range, one that stands distinct from the MX-5 Convertible, yet retains all the award-winning driver appeal our sports car is famed for. With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story. The last generation of retractable hardtop accounted for a large percentage of MX-5 sales and we expect the all-new RF to continue that trend."

The All-new Mazda MX-5 RF is available in Sport Nav, SE-L Nav, Sport Nav Auto, and Launch Edition.

Specifications

SE-L Nav 1.5 131ps

• Black cloth seat trim
• LED headlights
• Climate control air-conditioning
• 7” Colour touch-screen display
• Multimedia Commander
• Cruise Control
• Integrated navigation system
• DAB radio
• Integrated Bluetooth®
• 16” Alloy wheels
• Body colour door mirrors

Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine

• Limited Slip Differential
• 17” Gunmetal alloy wheels
• Piano Black door mirrors

Sport Nav 1.5 -131ps (as above plus)

• Heated black leather seat trim
• Dusk-sensing lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Adaptive Front lighting System
• Smart keyless entry
• Rear parking sensor
• Premium Bose® sound system
• 16” Gunmetal alloy wheels
• Piano black door mirrors

Additional on 2.0-litre 160ps engine

• Bilstein Sport suspension
• Strut brace
• 17“ Bright alloy wheels
• Body colour door mirrors

Additional on Launch Edition

• Recaro seats
• BBS wheels
• Twin tone roof
• Alcantara pack including dashboard panel, gearshift boots, handbrake boots and door cards
• Limited Edition numbering
• Piano Black door mirrors
• Piano Black rear spoiler
• Safety Pack
• Free-of-charge Soul Red / Machine Grey Metallic paint

Contact one of our Customer Advisors to see how you could be the proud driver of an all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback in March.