Mazda MX-5 RF [UK]
Designed to offer a new dimension of open-top driving fun, while at the same time staying true to the underlying principle of the previous generation MX-5 retractable hardtop, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF's 'fastback' styling gives it a unique appearance roof up or down, broadening the appeal of the world's best-selling two-seater sports car.
As with the established Mazda MX-5 convertible, all manual models powered by the 2.0-litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17-inch wheels; while Sport Nav manual models feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up. Plus, with the introduction of the £27,595 Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 is offered with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK.
Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.
The Mazda MX-5 RF's retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. 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 a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.
Building on the Mazda MX-5's award-winning design, the RF's roof up style sets it apart. A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the MX-5 convertible, but thanks to gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF's elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5's dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions in a completely unique way.
After producing more than one million MX-5s, Mazda has created a new personality for its world famous sports car - the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF. Designed with the objective of making the MX-5's legendary handling attractive to an even wider audience and appeal to customers who might shy away from a traditional soft-top, the RF marks the next chapter in the evolution of the world's best-selling two-seater sports car.
Standing for 'retractable fastback' the RF is a stunning hardtop interpretation of the 2016 World Car Design of the Year winning fourth-generation MX-5.The beautifully engineered three-piece fully automated roof delivers a unique look roof up or down, at the same time as maintaining the perfectly proportioned lightweight sports car dynamism of the MX-5 convertible.
Shorter, lower and wider than the last-generation MX-5, with the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet, the Mazda MX-5 RF's athletic proportions reflect the MX-5's focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and vibrant way, yet at the same time the Retractable Fastback respects the design principles that have been a key part of the Mazda MX-5's allure for the last 27 years.
Originally born of the desire to recreate the simple beauty of the classic British roadster, the Mk1 MX-5 is a design icon and the genesis point of an unmistakable lineage that has seen the MX-5 stay true to the classic roadster principles of a long bonnet, a rear-set cabin and a short tail. These values of compact dimensions and sporty proportions remain at the heart of the RF's design, yet with its teardrop-shaped cabin and fastback roofline there's no mistaking the unique look of the Retractable Fastback.
Thanks to successfully blending Mazda's KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy with traditional fastback styling cues, the RF represents the perfect balance between tradition and progress. In keeping with the principles of KODO, it conveys motion even at standstill, and like MX-5 convertible its visual appeal is anchored by its taut proportions - in fact aside from a 5mm increase in overall height - the RF retains identical dimensions to its soft roofed brother, retaining a planted stance on the road that is perfectly complemented by its powerful and assertive lines.
Its sleek nose features ultra-compact LED headlamp units and a low-slung bonnet with powerful character lines that flow towards the edges of the sweptback windscreen. In profile the clean panels look as if they shrink wrap around the car with the body appearing to tuck in to the corners. With minimal gaps between the roof pillars and the surrounding body panels this elegant execution means you could mistake the RF for a fixed-roof coupe.
Yet at the touch of a button the front and centre sections of the roof disappear entirely behind the seats along with the rear window glass, while the sporty fastback buttresses remain in place to give the RF a completely distinctive roof down look, adding a new dimension to the MX-5's lithe profile.
As with the MX-5 convertible, a prominent hip-line emphasises the rear-wheel drive layout and perfect 50:50 weight distribution by building a sense of energy from the rear, while the tail itself makes an equally bold statement. Hinting at power and stability, the integrated bumper dramatically tapers out to the wheels from the lights, while the higher positioning of the bumper allows for a taller deck, enhancing aerodynamics and downforce without the need for a spoiler. Sharing the circular forms of the original MX-5, the classically shaped taillights are another highlight, yet the modern LED lighting signature is unique to this generation and unmistakably new.
The most compact hard-top MX-5 ever produced, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF's stunningly balanced proportions and beautiful detailing are complimented by a choice of seven body colours and sporty eight-spoke design alloy wheels.
Available across the rest of the range as a £670 option both Soul Red and Machine Grey Metallic use Mazda's premium 'TAKUMINURI' paint process, which has a three-coat finish of clear, reflective and colour layers that produce a unique metallic texture thanks to a uniform pattern of aluminium flakes in the ultra-thin reflective layer.
In SE-L Nav trim, the 1.5-litre 131ps car features 16" alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors, while Sport Nav trim 1.5 MX-5's come with 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and Piano Black door mirrors.
With the 2.0-litre 160ps engine, SE-L Nav models are distinguished by 17-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and Piano Black door mirrors, while Sport Nav cars are visually marked out by their 17-inch Bright alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors. All models have slender LED daytime running lights at the outer edges of the front bumper.
The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF is yet another example of the 'innovating to preserve' ethos that dominates Mazda's approach to the legendary MX-5. Its unmistakable coupe inspired fastback profile delivers a more assertive look, yet it stays true to the proven focus on lightweight affordable roadster simplicity.
The Mazda MX-5 has always been the definitive expression of 'Jinba Ittai' - the concept of car and driver as one, and from the start the MX-5's driver-focused cabin and communicative controls have been a big part of this focus on delivering driving pleasure.
Today, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF is more than ever built to feel like an extension of the driver. It retains the MX-5 convertible's ergonomic simplicity but the power retractable hardtop offers the security and flexibility that make the MX-5 a feasible choice for customers deterred by a traditional soft-top.
The RF's clever roof design features an exceptionally narrow mechanism, which has allowed Mazda's designers to retain the taut exterior proportions and sleek cabin environment of the MX-5 convertible - a car that erases the boundaries between interior and exterior design with clever features like the body-coloured signature ridgeline that extends from the front wing past the screen and into the upper door trim - to link the interior and exterior from the drivers shoulder to the tip of the bonnet.
This sense of sophisticated quality and design symmetry continues with the sleek wing-like dash, which stretches out horizontally to create a sense of space, while the lower door panels seamlessly flow towards the front and rear of the cockpit. The quality and feel of the cabin materials, switchgear and fabrics set new standards, while in true lightweight sports car tradition, the compact and attractive three-spoke wheel is a joy to hold and use.
The elegant three-gauge analogue instrument cluster has satin chrome rings and is centredaround a large rev counter with the speedometer to the right and an information display on the left. Unique to the RF this left hand dial has a 4.6-inch high-resolution TFT screen that animates the roof operation movement, and when the roof is not moving shows engine temperature, fuel consumptions and compass information. This circular satin chrome trimmed theme extends to the air vents, engine start/stop button and the design of the tactile rotary air-conditioning dials, while the slender central air vent sits neatly alongside the hazard warning light switch.
When it comes to connectivity, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF benefits from Mazda's MZD-Connect infotainment and integrated navigation system. All models feature DAB radio, Bluetooth® and cruise control, with 7-inch colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.
The display is ergonomically positioned at the ideal height and distance from the driver, while the Multimedia Commander allows for the effortless control of the MX-5's infotainment. Sport Nav models will appeal to music lovers thanks to the nine-speaker Premium Bose® sound system specially designed for an open-top roadster, featuring UltraNearfieldTM speakers in the driver and passenger headrests. Mazda's integrated navigation system comes with 3-years of free European map updates.
With occupants of the Mazda MX-5 RF likely to spend plenty of time with the roof closed, Mazda's engineers focused on delivering a cosseted coupe like cabin environment by ensuring refinement levels set new standards for this type of car. A three-layer headliner on the front and middle roof panels cuts road and wind noise, while further examples of the single-minded attention to refinement include sealing holes around the gearlever and adding noise and vibration dampening materials to rear wheel wells, door trim, body panels and transmission tunnel, plus even introducing floor mats with improved noise suppressing material.
Yet for all the RF's premium equipment and improved quality, the spotlight on the driver and the creation of a complete sense of oneness with the car is as inviolable as ever. Despite being the most compact MX-5 ever made the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has the best driving position yet, with more knee room and better head clearance. This is achieved thanks to improved packaging, which compared to the last-generation MX-5 Retractable Hard Top (RHT), sees a seat hip-point that's lowered by 20mm, plus to increase the amount of knee room for the driver, the steering wheel diameter has been reduced by 4mm and an extra 10mm of tilt steering adjustment added.
As you'd expect for a sports car, the MX-5 RF's driving position allows you to be completely harmonised with the car and the road. The pedals, wheel and dials are laid out in a single axis that centres the driver in perfect symmetry, while the throttle and brake pedal are aligned for heel-and-toe downshifts. An equal amount of work has gone into the design of the seats, which forgo the usual metal springs and urethane pads internals, to use a lighter net structure that reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the occupant, at the same time as offering the support and comfort you'd expect. Equally important for a driver's car, the Mazda MX-5 RF's low bonnet, large windscreen and thin A-Pillars ensure visibility is excellent.
Unique to the RF is the use of a transparent acrylic aero board, which ensures rearward visibility is at the same level as the soft-top in spite of it being larger than the black lattice wind break in the convertible. This enlarged transparent deflector suppresses wind swirl entering the cabin by directing airflow outwards and increasing cabin air pressure compared to the soft top. The shape of the rear roof buttresses themselves also serve to ensure that, while the RF delivers the wind-in-your-hair experience you'd expect of a convertible buffeting is never an issue.
With generous standard equipment across the range the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF delivers a new level of comfort, style and quality. SE-L Nav cars feature cruise control, Integrated Bluetooth®, climate control air-conditioning, headrest speakers, body coloured inner upper door trim and 7-inch colour touch-screen, while Sport Nav models add further luxuries including heated seats with leather trim and a Premium Bose® sound system, while high-class Nappa leather trim is a £400 option.
From the launch of the original MX-5 in 1989, Mazda's biggest-selling sports car has delivered the right balance between power and weight. It's never been a car that chased outright performance at the expense of affordability and handling balance. Through all three-generations, the MX-5's engines have complimented the chassis with a positive throttle response and an eager to rev character.
Thanks to bespoke versions of Mazda's petrol SKYACTIV-G powertrains, these winning ingredients are more clearly displayed than ever before. Customers in the UK can choose between two proven normally aspirated direct-injection engines - the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G or the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G, both mated to Mazda's crisp shifting SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual gearbox, which has been adapted for the MX-5's classic front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, while exclusive to the Retractable Fastback, the £27,095 Sport Nav Auto model brings an automatic option to the current generation of MX-5 for the first time.
However, while both engines share much with the versions found in other new-generation Mazdas, including piston cavities, high tumble ports, multi-hole injectors, duel sequential valve timing and other efficiency enhancing features, many components were modified for the MX-5's layout, size and performance criteria.
In fact most of the components of the smaller 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G were modified for the MX-5's requirements of increased output, reduced weight and improved packaging. To ensure the 1.5-litre engine delivers the precise and immediate throttle response expected by sports car owners, Mazda's engineers changed the cam timing and rotating parts to raise the redline to 7,000rpm, adding a custom steel crankshaft to support the revised engine's higher and free-revving nature. With a 131ps output - compared with a 120ps maximum output in the Mazda3 - the MX-5 version of the 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G also has more power. Even better, there's more power than the previous generation 126ps MZR 1.8-litre MX-5, with significantly better fuel economy and emissions.
The 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G has been tuned for extra low and mid-range torque, delivering 160ps at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 200Nm at 4,600rpm. Compared to last-generation 2.0-litre MZR MX-5 acceleration has been enhanced while again emissions and fuel economy have been significantly improved. To maximise the fun factor, both engines feature lighter and more compact intake and exhaust systems to allow the engines to reach their full potential. The intake system, which weighs 30 per cent less than the previous MX-5, significantly reduces airflow resistance while cleverly removing exhaust heat to maintain intake efficiency.
Weight savings extend to the engine blocks themselves, which are lighter than the outgoing 2.0-litre MZR engine. The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 is 8kg lighter, while the smaller 1.5-litre engine is 14kg lighter. Both the engines in the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF feature attractive die-cast aluminium head covers that are reminiscent of the original MX-5 and weigh the same as a plastic cover.
Another example of the all-encompassing focus of Mazda's engineers is the radiator, which is smaller and lighter, and now features air ducts and flaps to regulate air pressure from the fan to enhance cooling efficiency. And as one of several measures to optimise weight distribution within the engine compartment, the radiator is repositioned closer to the car's centre of gravity. In addition, Mazda's 4-2-1 exhaust manifold is a SKYACTIV mainstay feature that has been redesigned for the MX-5's rear-wheel-drive layout and tuned to deliver a pleasing exhaust note, at the same time as maintaining its core efficiency benefits.
The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF also enjoys the perfect transmission - the much celebrated SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual. When experienced in other Mazda models this gearbox has won praise from customers and journalists alike for its 'MX-5 like' shifting action. Now thanks to a version of the SKYACTIV-MT unit specially developed for the MX-5, things have come full circle. Modified to take into account the MX-5's front mid-engine, rear drive layout, changes include a simplified linkage to reduce sliding resistance in the gearbox without undermining the crisp shift action. The end result is the same 40mm shift stroke action common to the MX-5 since day one and a smooth, slick and light gear change that seems to draw the lever into the right position. Even better, the SKYACTIV-MT is 7kg lighter than the six-speed gearbox in the third-generation MX-5.
Other transmission highlights include a direct-drive sixth gear that lowers the final gear ratio to raise real-world fuel economy by reducing resistance. The all-new Mazda MX-5 also has a lighter ultra-compact limited-slip differential, which reduces energy loss by about one quarter relative to the outgoing car. With bespoke engines and a tailored transmission, the all-new Mazda MX-5 uses Mazda's award-winning SKYACTIV technology to deliver a benchmark sports car drivetrain that stays true to the MX-5's mechanical heritage.
More than anything else the world's bestselling two-seater sports car has been revered for the way it handles. This recognition of the MX-5's agility and driver engagement was at the forefront of attention for the team developing the fourth-generation of this sports car icon. Conceived under the concept of "innovate in order to preserve" this engineering philosophy has allowed Mazda to maintain the agility, fun and engagement that has always defined the MX-5 while at the same time meeting ever-increasing safety and efficiency requirements, alongside improved refinement.
During the development all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, Mazda's engineers aimed for a broader audience by specifically tuning the RF's suspension and steering to deliver handling and ride tailored to fit the Retractable Fastback, yet at the same time they stayed true to the principles of the MX-5 convertible to ensure that the RF's unique driving experience doesn't come at the expense of agility.
Building on the 2016 World Car of the Year winning MX-5 convertible's universally acknowledged benchmark for handling and agility, the RF merges Mazda's SKYACTIV technology of lightweight engineering and efficient engines with chassis fine-tuning explicitly developed to match the marginally increased weight and height of the hard roof.
Retaining the same front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension arrangement, the RF features revised settings for the front anti-roll bar, which has a larger diameter. In addition, to take into account the small increase in overall vehicle weight compared to the MX-5 convertible, front damper gas pressure settings have been adjusted to ensure the damping force characteristic is refined for a more comfortable ride. The front suspension spring rate is comparable to the convertible but stroke takes place more easily thanks to the slight increase in weight.At the rear axle - unique slightly softer RF bump stops and revised upper link geometry combine with a higher rear spring rate and modified rear coil spring properties - to improve suspension stroke and overall grip.
Matched to these suspension revisions, the RF's dynamic set-up is further honed by retuning the duel-pinion electric power assist steering to deliver more linearity and even better feedback. Mazda's engineers increased the amount of assistance at the point of turn in for added responsiveness but reduced it as the wheel is turned further, to transmit more counterforce from the tyres and with it enhance the direct feeling of oneness with the car you feel from behind the wheel.
In addition, an optimised brake booster delivers a linier brake pedal response and smooth transfers of g-forces under braking, while an air dam added to the RF's radiator undercover suppresses turbulence caused by airflow from the front wheel wells to the sides of the car. By adapting this aerodynamic lift balance to match the fastback shape, the air dam improves straight-line and lane change stability at speed.
Other hidden modifications designed to ensure a perfect handling and ride balance include a unique underbody cross-member. As you'd expect, roof aside, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF utilises the same lightweight and exceptionally stiff body and convertible engineered high-mount backbone frame, however to ensure optimal front to rear stiffness with the hard roof, the RF has a bespoke underbody cross-member designed to deliver exactly the right amount of body compliance. This enhances the driving experience by countering the effect of the retractable hardtop, which differs from the soft top in that it connects with the arches on each side of the car.Optimised engine mounts and reinforced rear suspension towers further hone the chassis set-up.
With additional weight over the convertible being just 40kg on the 1.5 RF and 45kg on the 2.0 RF, all of the above changes fine-tune the MX-5's award-winning chassis to take into account the retractable hardtop, while at the same time retaining focus on lightness that Mazda's SKYACTIV technology is famed for, to create a retractable hardtop sports car that stays true to the defining roadster principles that have marked out the MX-5 for more than 27 years.
Confidence inspiring stability, smile inducing handling and perfect 50:50 weight-distribution, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF is lighter, shorter, stiffer and safer than the last-generation RHT MX-5. Compared to the previous model, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF's suspension system is lighter with the front knuckle, plus the front upper and lower arms made from aluminium. The engine frame and rear hub supports also benefit from lightweight aluminium construction, while high-tensile steel is employed for the front cross-member. This commitment to saving every possible gram continues with the SKYACTIV-Body which features a considerably higher percentage of high-tensile steels and aluminium, which now make up 71 per cent of the body-in-white, up from 58 per cent with the outgoing car. With front wings, bumper reinforcements and seatback bars also made of aluminium it's clear to see the effort Mazda has made to buck the industry trend of creating bigger and heavier cars.
As with the convertible, cars with the 2.0-litre 160ps SKYACTIV-G engine have a limited slip differential and strut brace, while Sport trim cars with this engine feature sports suspension with Bilstein dampers. And across the range, the performance of the bespoke tuned SKYACTIV-G engines and the super slick shift action of the six-speed manual gearbox, work in harmony with perfectly weighted controls to deliver an unrivalled driving experience.
Lighter, faster and more engaging to drive than ever, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF provides the undiluted driving pleasure you'd expect from the latest version of the world's best-selling two-seater sports car, yet at the same time it delivers never seen before levels of comfort, refinement and sophistication.
Alongside the fun factor you'd expect of a lightweight sports car the all-new Mazda MX-5 offers unparalleled levels of safety, including Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology, and if an accident should occur, the benefits of a stronger SKYACTIV-Body.
Across all models the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF features front and side airbags, and the side airbags use special bracket on the outside shoulder of the seat to protect occupants' heads, even with the roof down. The seats provide improved head and upper body support during a rear impact, and along with the door panels, they have been optimised to enhance side impact protection. The seatbelts come with pretensioners and load limiters, while the passenger seat has anchors and top tether for ISOFIX child seats.
Tyre pressure monitoring and LED daytime running lights are standard across the range, while Sport Nav models add to the driver assistance tally with rear parking sensors, rain-sensing front wipers, dusk-sensing lights and an auto-diming rear-view mirror.
Mazda's Lane Departure Warning System is standard on both 1.5 and 2.0-litre Sport trim cars. It monitors the lane markings on the road, notifying the driver should its camera detect the vehicle straying unintentionally from its lane, while the Bose® audio system channels a rumble strip sound through the speaker on the corresponding side of the car. Optional on the 160ps Sport Nav, the £400 Safety Pack adds High Beam Control and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
High Beam Control uses a camera to detect the headlights and taillights of other vehicles, automatically switching between high and low beams to improve darkness visibility and reduce night driving fatigue at the same time as preventing the impairment of other motorists' vision.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses a 24GHz quasi-millimetre wave radar to detect approaching vehicles in blind spots to the side and rear of the car. By flashing a visual warning in the respective door mirror BSM makes the driver aware of the vehicle in the blind spot and will sound a buzzer if the driver signals to change lanes into the path of the an approaching car. Mazda's BSM system also incorporates Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which uses the BSM's sensors and warning signals to alert the driver of other vehicles when reversing.
When a crash is unavoidable, the latest MX-5 is designed to protect occupants from harm. The MX-5'sSKYACTIV-Body delivers excellent collision protection and in spite of the shorter front and rear overhangs the new cars unique structure and lightweight high-strength materials ensure the Mazda MX-5 RF's body absorbs and disperses impact energy to prevent cabin deformation. Frontal impacts are channelled around and underneath the cabin along a multi-load path via the side sills, B-Frame and tunnel section. To ensure the RF has the strength needed to resist side impacts without a permanently fixed roof, there's a seatback cross-member connecting the right and left sides of the body at the rear edge of the side sills. Together with other enhancements, like reinforced side sills, seatback brackets the all-new Mazda MX-5 effectively disperses side impact energy throughout the body, while the strong A-Pillars and seatback bars protect occupants in the event of a rollover accident.
As for pedestrians, the evolved active bonnet automatically rises during an impact to protect a persons' head by expanding the space between the bonnet and engine. New sensor technology compensates for the MX-5's low bonnet by raising it higher during an impact. Inside the bonnet, impact absorbing beads also soften the blow, while energy-absorbing foam in the front bumper beam protects the knees, while a lower bumper stiffener prevents legs from sliding under the car.
A truly modern sports car, the all-new Mazda MX-5 comes with the reassurance of 21st century safety technology, without the need to compromise its lightness and care-free nature.
