2017 Mazda MX-5 RF targa-top coupe debuts

The Mazda MX-5 roadster is a hot favourite among sports car enthusiasts, loved for its good looks, nimble handling and a high-revving engine. A new variant of this little car was showcased at the 2016 New York Motor Show. Mazda has named it the MX-5 RF, where RF stands for “Retractable Fastback”.

As the name suggests, the RF comes with a retractable targa top that can be automatically folded into the boot. Unlike the existing roadster model, which has a fabric roof that has to be manually pulled up, the new targa top works at the touch of a button. Surprisingly, Mazda has managed to offer boot space equal to that of the roadster. The pull-up or push-down operation of the electric roof can be executed even when the car is running, provided the speed is under 10 kph.

The new MX-5 is also endowed with a 3-coat unique paint shade “machine grey”, which is classified as a premium colour.

The MX-5 will be made available with two engine choices, the SKYACTIV-G1.5 and the SKYACTIV-G2.0. The smaller one is a 1.5-litre engine which puts out 130 hp, while its 2.0-litre big brother manages 158 hp. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic can be mated to these engines. The G2.0 will be the only engine available for the U.S. market, where it was unveiled. Mazda hasn’t released information regarding the powertrain for the GCC market yet.

The new MX-5 RF will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2017 model and we expect the pricing to be about 10% higher than the roadster. Considering the roadster is going on sale in the UAE, the RF should follow in a year or so.

Keep track of updates in the Mazda buyer guide.