Mazda MX-5 RF Buyers Guide, Everything From Features, Reliability, Models & More | 02 April 2024

The New Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) is a version of the iconic Mazda MX-5 - which is also known worldwide as the Miata.

The MX5 RF model, though, blends the open-air thrill of a convertible with the sleek lines and weatherproof comfort of a coupé.

Launched initially in 2016, the MX-5 RF quickly gained attention for its innovative retractable hardtop design, distinguishing it from its soft-top counterpart.

Consequently, in this buyer's guide to the MX-5 RF, we will review everything you need to know before making a purchase.

Distinctive Features of the Mazda MX-5 RF

Some of the top features of the MX-5 RF include the following:

☑ The MX-5 RF's innovative retractable hardtop gives you the freedom of a convertible with the practicality and security of a hardtop. For instance, it allows you to have an open-air experience while offering better insulation and noise reduction when the roof is closed.

☑ The MX-5 RF boasts a sleek, modern design that stands out. Consequently, its fastback silhouette and elegant lines offer you a more sophisticated and premium look than traditional convertibles.

☑ The car's lightweight construction further helps to enhance its performance as well as its efficiency. For instance, this helps to contribute to better acceleration, braking, and fuel economy all combined.

☑ The interior of the MX-5 RF has also been designed with the driver in mind - featuring ergonomic controls, comfortable seating, and a layout that puts everything within your easy reach.

☑ The MX-5 RF is relatively unique in its segment, offering you a blend of features that few other cars can provide. This uniqueness makes it clearly stand out from the crowd and be a head-turner on the road.

Table of Contents

• Design Philosophy
• Exterior Design
• Interior Design
• Overall Design
• Seating
• Noise Insulation
• Craftsmanship
• Comfort
• Space
• Steering and Responsiveness
• Handling
• Engines
• Acceleration and Top Speed
• Ride Quality
• Traction and Stability Control
• Braking Performance
• Boot Space
• Advanced Technology
• Mazda MX-5 RF Reliability
• What types of Alloy Wheels can come with the Mazda MX-5 RF?
• What Paint Colours can the Mazda MX-5 RF come in?
• How Many Models of the Mazda MX-5 RF are there?
• How do the different Mazda MX-5 RF models differ?
• Price
• Mazda MX-5 RF Final Thoughts

Design Philosophy

At the heart of the MX-5 RF is Mazda's philosophy of "Jinba Ittai," a Japanese term that signifies the unity between a horse and its rider.

This principle is clearly embodied in the MX-5 RF's design and engineering - offering you a driving experience that gives you a clear connection, balance, and responsiveness between you and the car.

For instance, the MX-5 RF's design philosophy emphasises the use of high-quality materials combined with meticulous attention to detail, which is clear throughout.

Exterior Design

Regarding the exterior design, the Mazda MX-5 RF will impress you with its distinctive retractable hardtop - combining the classic roadster aesthetics with a sleek and modern twist.

Furthermore, the car's dynamic silhouette and balanced proportions also showcase a sense of agility and sportiness, making it instantly recognisable on the road. s well

Interior Design

Inside, the Mazda MX-5 RF welcomes you to a world where comfort blends seamlessly with sporty elegance, which is evident when you get inside.

For instance, the MX-5 RF cabin shows Mazda's dedication to quality - featuring high-grade materials like soft-touch leather and intricate stitching.

The design is then further complemented by metallic accents and a choice of tasteful trim options that enhance the cabin's high-end feel.

Driver-focused Controls

The interior layout is also heavily driver-focused, with all controls conveniently placed within easy reach. All of these ensure you get a perfect driving experience.

Ergonomic Seats

This is then further supported by ergonomically designed seats in the MX-5 RF. These seats then provide you with both comfort and support - specially tailored for the more spirited driving.

These ergonomic seats are not just about support but also about ensuring comfort during long drives, making every journey in the MX-5 RF a delightful experience.

Ambient Lighting

With the MX-5 RF, you can also get thoughtfully designed ambient lighting and the retractable hardtop, creating a captivating and adjustable cabin atmosphere.

This feature allows you to set the mood for any driving experience, while the option to open the roof will also enable you to invite natural light to illuminate your interior space.

Overall Design

Overall, the MX-5 RF boasts a unique retractable hardtop design that differentiates it from the standard convertible. Its sleek, fastback style then enhances the car's aerodynamics while providing you with what can only be seen as a sophisticated silhouette.

The interior gives you a high-end feel, with ambient lighting and the ability to let you control your mood by allowing the natural light to bathe the cabin, supported by custom ambient lighting.

Seating

Drivers will find the seats more than just accommodating, with adjustments for height, angle, and lumbar support - ensuring you get a perfect driving position.

The heating function in the seats is also a welcome addition, especially in a sports car - offering you both warmth and comfort on those chilly days.

The seats in the MX-5 RF are also very supportive and, at the same time, give you a feeling of luxury. This is due to them being wrapped in premium leather. All of which makes the seats both visually appealing and satisfying to touch.

This luxurious feel is accentuated by the detailed stitching and ergonomic design - making every journey in the MX-5 RF a first-class experience.

Noise Insulation

When it comes to isolating exterior noise, Mazda has placed a significant emphasis on this in the MX-5 RF.

This is evident when you drive it, as you will soon notice that the cabin is a sanctuary from the outside world's noise. This noise cancelling is thanks to advanced sound-dampening materials and the retractable hardtop’s construction.

Consequently, this focus on a tranquil cabin environment means that road and wind noise are impressively minimised, allowing for conversations - or music - to be enjoyed without raising your voice to be heard over the road.

This quietness is especially appreciated on long drives, adding to the overall sense of comfort and enjoyment you get from driving this car.

Craftsmanship

In the Mazda MX-5 RF, meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of its interior design. From the precision stitching on the leather seats to the strategically placed ambient lighting, each element works together to create an atmosphere of sportiness.

Retractable Hardtop

The MX-5 RF's retractable hardtop also only adds to the car's aesthetic appeal by contributing to a unique overall cabin experience.

When retracted, it transforms the interior, providing you with an open-air ambience that enhances your sense of freedom and luxury.

Quality of Materials

Attention to detail in the MX-5 RF is not just about looks; it extends to your physical touch experiences as well.

For instance, the quality of materials, from the soft-touch leather to the brushed metal accents, could be more noticeable.

Switches and controls have also been designed for aesthetic appeal and satisfying tactile feedback - ensuring that every interaction you make with the car feels intuitive and premium.

Comfort

In the Mazda MX-5 RF, comfort is not just a feature; it's a cornerstone of the driving experience.

This begins with the climate control system, which has been calibrated to maintain an optimal cabin temperature regardless of the outside conditions.

Heated Seats

Heated seats further enhance your comfort, making even the coldest days enjoyable behind the wheel.

Suspension

The MX-5 RF clearly has a finely tuned suspension system.

It is evident that Mazda has skillfully balanced the need for responsive handling with that of a smooth ride.

This means that whether you are navigating tight city streets or cruising on the open road, the ride quality remains consistently comfortable - absorbing bumps and providing you with the ideal driving experience.

Generous Space

Despite being classed as a compact sports car, the MX-5 RF surprises you with its intelligent use of space.

For instance, the cabin is designed to provide you with ample legroom and headroom - ensuring that both you (the driver) and your passenger can enjoy a comfortable ride, free from the constraints of feeling contained in a tight space.

This intelligent use of design proves that a sports car can simultaneously be exhilarating and comfortable.

Steering and Responsiveness

When it comes to handling the Mazda MX-5 RF, it excels as you would expect. This is partly due to the steering system, which has been precision-engineered to provide you with an exceptionally responsive and engaging driving experience.

This steering system, for instance, allows you to feel intimately connected to the road, offering precise feedback and control that is essential in a sports car.

This steering setup ensures you get a confident driving experience - whether navigating the twists and turns of a winding road or cruising at higher speeds on the motorway.

Furthermore, its responsiveness is evident in every manoeuvre, providing you with assurance and ease in various driving situations.

Handling

The Mazda MX-5 RF is widely acclaimed for its exceptional handling and drivability, striking a perfect balance between sporty performance and everyday comfort.

After all, this is a hallmark of the MX-5 series, and the RF model elevates this standard with its unique features.

Consequently, the MX-5 RF's handling is precise and intuitive, making driving a joy in any setting.

Engines

Thanks to its well-engineered balance of power and efficiency, the MX-5 RF delivers you an engaging and enjoyable driving experience.

For instance, the car's agility and responsiveness make every drive truly memorable, whether a leisurely cruise or a spirited journey.

This is in part due to what is under the hood. For instance, the MX-5 RF has robust engine options that provide thrilling performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.

For instance, this car can come in one of 3 engine types, which consist of:

• 1.5 Skyactiv-G 132ps Manual
• 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184ps Manual
• 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184ps Auto

When we look at its engine stats, the Mazda MX-5 RF gives us:

Acceleration and Top Speed

Regarding speed, the Mazda MX-5 RF can come equipped with a responsive 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine, showcasing its impressive acceleration capabilities.

For instance, it quickly goes from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere 6.5 seconds, providing you with an exhilarating burst of thrilling and controlled speed. This makes the MX-5 RF a delight in city and town environments and a spirited performer on open roads.

As for top speed, the MX-5 RF competes admirably within its segment, reaching up to 140 MPH.

This capability ensures that the car offers you a blend of excitement and stability - perfect for those who desire a sports car experience without compromising on safety and control.

Ride Quality

Central to the MX-5 RF's is its ride quality. This high ride quality is due to its advanced suspension system.

For instance, the front features a double wishbone setup renowned for absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a high level of steering precision and control.

This setup ensures you get a smooth and refined ride, making the MX-5 RF a pleasure to drive on everyday roads. At the rear, the MX-5 RF utilises a multi-link suspension system instead. This configuration allows for a fine-tuned balance, enhancing the vehicle's stability and agility, particularly in those corners, as the rear setup complements the front, resulting in a cohesive and enjoyable driving experience with minimal drift.

Traction and Stability Control

When we talk about traction and stability control, the Mazda MX-5 RF is equipped with sophisticated traction and stability control systems - to enhance its performance as well as its safety.

These systems work together to maintain stability and grip, which are especially important in varying weather conditions, on challenging road surfaces, or on track days.

As a result, this integration not only bolsters safety but also elevates your driving experience - ensuring you get a confident and enjoyable ride at all times.

Braking Performance

The braking system in the MX-5 RF is designed to match its sporty performance one-to-one.

As a result, it provides you with reliable - and potent - stopping power when you need it, essential for a car with its level of dynamic capabilities.

The brakes are further engineered to efficiently handle sudden stops, offering you a sense of security and control in everyday commuting and more demanding driving conditions.

Boot Space

While the Mazda MX-5 RF is a sports car, it efficiently uses its compact dimensions to provide practical boot space. The boot, for instance, is thoughtfully designed, offering you around 127 litres of storage space.

This is sufficient to accommodate the essentials for day trips or weekend getaways - reflecting the car's focus on driving pleasure and daily usability when going to the shops.

The layout of the boot space in the MX-5 RF is also really straightforward, allowing you to quickly load and unload items of a car of its class

Advanced Technology

When it comes to technology, just because the Mazda MX-5 RF is a sports car, this is included. Consequently, the Mazda MX-5 RF integrates the latest automotive technology available - offering you a suite of safety, entertainment, and convenience to enhance your driving experience.

For instance, critical technologies in the MX-5 RF include a user-friendly infotainment system - with smartphone integration to remain constantly connected - advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and seamless connectivity options to keep you engaged and secure on the move.

Mazda MX-5 RF Reliability

When it comes to reliability, the MX-5 RF has won many awards in this regard. A small sample of which consist of:

• Driver's Car of the Year at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Sports Car for Value at the What Car? Awards
• Sports Car of the Year at the Top Gear Awards
• Convertible of the Year at the Auto Express Awards
• Japanese Car of the Year at the Autocar Awards
• Most Fun Car to Drive at the Auto Trader Awards
• Compact Convertible of the Year at the Japan Car Awards
• Best Convertible at the Carbuyer Awards
• 10 Best Roadsters and Convertibles Award at the Car and Driver Awards
• Red Dot Best of the Best Award at the Red Dot Design Awards
• Top 10 Cars at the Good Housekeeping Awards

What Types of Alloy Wheels Can Come with the Mazda MX-5 RF?

The Mazda MX-5 RF offers a choice of alloy wheel designs, enhancing its sporty appeal. The available options include the following:

• 16-inch Black Metallic Alloy Wheels
• 17-inch Dark Silver Alloy Wheels - Standard on higher trims

What Paint Colours Can the Mazda MX-5 RF Come In?

The Mazda MX-5 RF is available in a range of striking paint colours, offering personalisation to suit your individual style. The colour options, for instance, include:

• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Machine Grey Metallic
• Arctic White
• Jet Black Mica
• Eternal Blue Mica
• Snowflake White Pearl Mica

How Many Models of the Mazda MX-5 RF Are There?

The Mazda MX-5 RF is available in 4 models, each offering a unique blend of features and styling. The main models include:

• MX-5 RF Prime Line
• MX-5 RF Exclusive Line
• MX-5 RF Kizuma
• MX-5 RF Homura

Mazda MX-5 RF Model Comparison

If you're considering a Mazda MX-5 RF, it's essential to understand the differences among its various models. Here's a breakdown of the key features for each version:

Mazda MX-5 RF Prime Line

The Mazda MX-5 RF Prime Line offers you a host of features, including:

• 16 Inch Black alloy wheels
• Black premium cloth soft-top with heated rear glass (Roadster)
• Body colour power retractable hardtop, with heated rear glass window, electrically operated (RF)
• LED headlights with auto levelling
• LED daytime running lights
• Coming home / leaving home lights
• Piano Black fashion bars
• Piano Black electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors
• Twin exhaust system
• Body-colour co-ordinated interior upper door trim
• Premium black cloth seat trim with silver stitching
• Heated seats
• Leather-wrapped handbrake lever
• Leather-wrapped gear shift
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• AM / FM / DAB radio, with 6 speakers (includes 2 driver’s headrest speakers) and USB input
• Mazda Connect multimedia system with 7 Inch Colour centre display and Multimedia Commander
• Mazda Navigation System with European mapping and 3-year free map updates
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® & wired Android Auto™
• Climate control air-conditioning
• Cruise control with manual speed adjustment and adjustable speed limiter
• Electric windows
• Deployable Hood System
• Hill Launch Assist
• Remote central locking with deadlocking
• Thatcham accredited alarm & immobiliser

Mazda MX-5 RF Exclusive Line

Stepping up to the Exclusive Line model adds even more to your MX-5 RF experience in addition to that that comes with the Prime model. These can include, for instance:

• 17 Inch Bright alloy wheels (184ps)
• Adaptive LED Headlights (184ps)
• Adaptive Front lighting System (132ps)
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Body coloured electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors
• Front rain-sensing wipers
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera (184ps)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Black leather perforated seat trim^ with silver stitching
• Black plastic scuff plates with stainless insert
• Steering wheel mounted paddle shift (184ps Automatic models only)
• AM / FM / DAB radio, with premium Bose® sound system with 9 speakers (includes 2 driver’s and 2 passenger’s headrest speakers)
• Driver Attention Alert
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Smart City Brake Support – Front (including autonomous emergency braking) – Rear
• Smart keyless entry
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Drive selection switch (Sport mode) (Automatic models only)
• Front strut brace
• Limited Slip Differential
• Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers

Mazda MX-5 Kizuma

For those seeking a sportier feel, the MX-5 RF Kizuma offers these distinctive features in addition to the Exclusive Line amenities:

• Premium blue cloth soft-top
• Inclusive Machine Grey or Deep Crystal Blue exterior paint finish
• Light Stone Nappa leather^ seat trim with light stitching

Mazda MX-5 Horuma

In addition to the Exclusive Line, the MX-5 RF Horuma gives you the following:

• 17 Inch Gun Metallic BBS Alloy wheels
• Piano Black electrically adjustable, heated door mirrors
• Two-tone Black & Body colour power retractable hardtop, with heated rear glass window, electrically operated (RF)
• Front Red Brembo Brake Calipers (Manual Transmission only)
• Light Stone Nappa^ leather seat trim with light stitching
• Stainless steel scuff plates featuring ‘MX-5’ logo

Pricing

Due to pricing changing over time, please find our detailed MX-5 RF product page, for the most up-to-date pricing available for each model.

Mazda MX-5 RF Final Thoughts

After delving into the details of the Mazda MX-5 RF in this buyer's guide, it's evident that this sports car offers you a unique blend of style, performance, and driving pleasure.

For enthusiasts seeking a convertible sports car that excels in both daily driving and exhilarating road trips while also providing you with space and storage to go to the shops when you need to do errands, the Mazda MX-5 RF is a top choice. Especially as it seamlessly combines aesthetics, performance, and modern technology.

In summary, the Mazda MX-5 RF is the perfect option for buyers searching for a sports car that delivers a unique driving experience while standing out in a competitive market and who want a head-turner on the roads.

So why not schedule a test drive of the Mazda MX-5 RF at our nearest Mazda dealership and experience the thrill for yourself?