After weeks of TV and newspaper ads heralding the arrival of the much-anticipated latest addition to the Mazda stable of two-seat convertibles the MX-5 RF, has finally landed on our shores.
I’ve been waiting to try out the RF (Retractable Fastback) for months, and for me the wait has been worth it. Not that anyone could have possibly doubted the ability of Mazda to deliver the goods considering its pedigree stretching over three decades of producing lightweight, performance-led sports cars which has led to sales in excess of 120,000 in the UK alone.
Driving the 2.0 Nav and the 1.5 Nav with the roof retracted and the sun shining was a pure delight especially if you consider it was the first week in February - okay, we had the heated seats and blower turned on.
With just part of the roof section dropped it gives protection against any wind and even on a couple of occasions light drizzle.
The roof folds into three segments and tucks neatly into a space behind the cabin’s glass screen, leaving the rear section in place to create a unique driving experience, giving passenger and driver a feeling of being in the open air while tucked comfortably away inside the cabin.
When the roof is up, sound-absorbing material, as used in the MX-5 convertible, as well as insulation around the wheel housings, keeps any noise to a comfortable level.
As with the MX-5 soft-top convertible, launched in 2015, the RF maintains the same agility, handling and performance, powered by a 2.0-litre 160ps engine or a 1.5-litre 135ps six-gear manual gearbox.
Regardless of wind noise or lack of it, driving with the roof up or down is a joy. Actually everything about this car is a joy. It handles well and the steering, particularly in the 2.0-litre models is positive and the engine copes comfortably with quick acceleration in a higher gear without much need to change down. Meanwhile, the higher revving 1.5-litre engine requires much more interaction but ultimately delivers on a fun and positive driver experience which has become the byword for Mazda’s two-seater sports cars.
The RF goes on sale in the UK on March 4 with a limited run of just 500 cars, the six-model ranges will be heralded by a flagship launch edition. Powered by a 160ps 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, it is marked out by a unique twin-tone roof, 17in BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler. It will be available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint and comes with a safety pack as standard. The exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.
Meanwihile those who prefer an automatic gearbox, a 2.0 131ps version goes on sale in May.

If you have driven and enjoyed convertibles and thought you’ve had the best possible driving experience, this car will not only make you think again, but might even persuade you that driving this car is, in fact, the best way to drive.

Six models from 1.5 litre 131ps – 2.0 litre 160ps
From £22,195 - £28,995

Performance and economy
Manual 1.5 131ps
0-62mph 8.6 seconds
Miles per gallon: Urban 34.9, Extra Urban 57.6, Combined 46.3
CO2 emissions: 142
Manual 2.0 160ps
0-62mph 7.4 seconds
Miles per gallon: Urban 30.1, Extra Urban 51.4, Combined 40.9
CO2 emissions: 161
Automatic 2.0 160ps
0-62mph 8.4 seconds
Miles per gallon: Urban 28, Extra Urban 51.4, Combined 39.2
CO2 emissions: 167
For more information go to https://www.mazda.co.uk/