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Mazda MX5 : Fastback or Drop-top ?
hen you ’ re buying a sports car the first decision is fastback or droptop ?
WA droptop or convertible is very nice on a good sunny day – wind in your hair , attracting attention – it ’ s all good for those who like that . When you have reached your destination you park up and secure the roof – usually an simple process at the touch of a button . If the roof is fabric , albeit a very tough one , it feels like the car is still vulnerable to who might want to ruin your day .
Mazda have sold millions of MX5 ’ s worldwide and spotted that three quarters of the MX5 ’ s sold in the UK and Europe were hard top versions , thanks in no small part to weather and security . Hence the arrival of the Fastback even though the MX5 is available with a retractable roof .
The RF is a very different proposition to the RC ( Roadster Coupe ) versions of the MX5 that Mazda has previously produced . Whereas with their roofs down and tucked under a panel on the rear flanks those cars looked just like the roadster , the new RF is styled first and foremost as a coupe . The ‘ natural ’ position appears to be with the roof in place , in which form the car looks like a purposeful little coupe – a bit square in the rear quarters and , some would say , a little odd .
I drove one of the ‘ Launch ’ models of which there will only be 500 . Powered by a 160ps 2.0litre SKYACTIVG engine , the Launch Edition is marked out by its unique twintone roof , 17 ” BBS wheels , black door mirrors and black rear spoiler ., while the exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats . The interior is nicely kitted out but I found it quite cramped and I am only
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5 ’ 8 ’’ but then this is a sports car .
It is good fun to drive . You do need to rev the engine above 4,000 rpm and then it really comes alive . As with the established Mazda MX 5 convertible , all manual models powered by the 2.0litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17inch wheels ; while Sport Nav manual models ( and the Launch Edition ) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up .
The MX5 RF steers well maybe not quite as sharp as the Coupe version , I think that is due to the extra weight but it will still put a smile on your face . The six speed manual gearbox is a short shifting treat to use .
The MXR RF has been designed to offer a new dimension of opentop driving fun , while at the same time staying true to the underlying principle of the previous generation MX5 retractable hardtop , the allnew Mazda MX5 RF ’ s ‘ fastback ’ styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down , broadening the appeal of the world ’ s bestselling twoseater sports car . The MX5 RF is a little taller 5mm , and about 40kg heavier than its sister model the Roadster Coupe .
As with the established Mazda MX5 convertible , all manual models powered by the 2.0litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17inch wheels ; the Launch Edition feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up .