MOTORING
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.