2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

[FiestaST]

The new Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback)

"The Mazda MX-5 has been tremendously popular with car enthusiasts around the world and will soon reach the 1 million mark in global production volume. While the fourth-generation soft-top model honed the pure driving pleasure of a lightweight sports car, the hardtop model, with its exquisite fastback styling and a new open-top feel, has a personality all its own.

Changing Style, Unchanging Value, New Name

By the end of the third-generation MX-5's model life, the retractable hardtop model accounted for more than half of all MX-5s sold and was popular with those who wanted all-season comfort and utility.

As a member of the MX-5 family, the fourth-generation retractable hardtop model embodies the core value of "Lots of fun," which the MX-5 has consistently offered since 1989. At the same time it features a new and unique design, and lets occupants enjoy a new kind of open-air driving feel. Therefore, our challenge was to create a name that would more accurately define this new, more premium experience we envision will attract a new kind of buyer yet preserve the unchanging values that MX-5 fans have admired since the inception of the model.

The result was Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback), a name that denotes the model's retractable hardtop and fastback styling, and will surely resonate with enthusiasts and drivers around the world.

Same philosophy. New design. Mazda MX-5 RF."

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2017-mx-5_rf/

 

[Drifter]

Almost looks like a MX-5 and a 370Z had a bastard child.

 

[XennoX]

Would buy.

 

[FiestaST]

I like it





http://youtu.be/4XjamioT-Gs

 

[Brawler]

Now on Mazda SA website:
http://www.mazda.co.za/cars/mazda-mx5rf/

 

[FiestaST]

Coolio....current MX-5 pricing is close to R440k mark. So possibly add another R30k; maybe R40k for the higher positioned RF model.

 

[FiestaST]

First examples of folding hard-top version of the new Mazda MX-5 will arrive in Britain in the first quarter of 2017

Production for the Mazda MX-5 RF has begun and pre-orders for the model are being taken in the UK.

The hard-top version of Mazda's latest roadster was revealed more than six months ago in New York and is expected to be priced from £21,000 when UK sales commence at the start of next year.

The MX-5 RF will be built at Mazda's Ujina plant near its Hiroshima headquarters. It's expected to account for the majority of MX-5 sales in Britain, beating its soft-top sibling.

First deliveries are due to arrive here before the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Design changes

Named for its retractable fastback roof (RF) design, Mazda has reinvented its popular hard-top MX-5 for its fourth-generation model, taking on a Porsche 911 Targa-style aesthetic characterised by hinged rear pillars and a powered, stowable middle section and rear window.

As well as a change in design over its predecessor, the MX-5 RF roof is fully automatic for the first time, with the control system enabling the roof to open and close at speeds of up to 6mph. When open, the front and middle roof sections are stowed together with the back window glass in the space behind the seats. As a result, luggage space, at 130 litres, matches that of the soft-top MX-5.

A spokesperson said that any similarities with the 911 Targa were "purely coincidental. We were designing this solution before the 911 was revealed. The car is smaller than its predecessor, and this system meant we didn't intrude on boot space," he added.

New auto ’box

Unique to the RF is the addition of a six-speed automatic gearbox option, alongside the existing six-speed manual offered on the soft-top. Engines, however, remain the same, with the choice of Skyactiv-G 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol units.

Performance figures are unknown for the MX-5 RF, but given that the car will be 40kg heavier than the 1050kg soft-top, it is expected to be slightly slower; the 2.0-litre soft-top achieves 0-62mph in 7.3sec, with a top speed of 133mph.

Mazda has also tuned the suspension and power steering specifically for the MX-5 RF, aiming to deliver a comfortable and refined ride. Mazda has made a concerted effort to reduce cabin noise in the RF, with extra sound deadening in the rear wheel wells and headliner of the front and middle roof panels.

Another distinction from the soft-top is the introduction of a new ‘premium’ Machine Grey paint colour (pictured). Using three coats – one colour, one reflective and one clear – Mazda says this RF-unique paintjob creates “a sheen when illuminated and a genuine metallic look”.

Most popular model in UK

Despite the expected price premium of around £2500 over the £18,495 starting price of the regular car, the MX-5 RF is expected to be the best-selling UK model when it goes on sale in 2017.

The hard-top version of the previous-generation MX-5 accounted for 80% of sales in the UK, presumably due to Brits’ preference for the extra insulation and comfort in a hard-top, alongside the increased ease of an electric folding roof over a manual one. However, a Mazda spokesperson told Autocar that the global sales split for the MX-5 RF was expected to be 50/50.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-hard-top-mazda-mx-5-rf-production-begins

 

[FiestaST]

 

[FiestaST]

Mazda has started production of its retractable fastback version of the legendary MX-5 roadster, and it's coming to South Africa!

Mazda’s iconic and much loved MX-5 roadster will now feature a fastback design incorporating a three-piece electrically retractable roof, which will soon stand alongside the fabric roof version.

Production of the new MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) commenced this month at Mazda’s Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima. The MX-5 RF will go on sale in Japan before the end of the year and will also be exported to Europe and North America, with sales starting in early 2017.

South African MX-5 fans can expect to see the RF on local soil in the first half of 2017.

The MX-5 is a successful model for Mazda, having won more than 280 accolades worldwide. The current fourth-generation MX-5 scooped the 2016 World Car of the Year and 2016 World Car Design of the Year and has also been nominated in the Fun Car category of the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mazda-mx-5-rf-coming-to-sa-in-2017/42760/

 

[Vegeta]

Yor bliksem, sys so mooi dis eina!!

 

[FiestaST]

Boner yo

 

[Drifter]

Slap on turbo upgrade, and you are good to go. Very sexy little car.

 

[nakedpeanut]

I like the aggressive front, such a mean looking little car!

 

[Vegeta]

Slap on turbo upgrade, and you are good to go. Very sexy little car.

Car and Driver published a 0-100 time of 5.9 that's hot hatch territory or better. Why do people consider the MX-5 a slow car but a GTI a fast car?

 

[Drifter]

Car and Driver published a 0-100 time of 5.9 that's hot hatch territory or better. Why do people consider the MX-5 a slow car but a GTI a fast car?

That's not bad at all.

 

[FiestaST]

Also buy in mind C & D is an 'Murican publication & always get better than quoted times.

I blame the 0-60 mph vs the correct 0-62 mph method.

 

[Vegeta]

That's not bad at all.

Funny what low weight does, no turbos, nothing fancy, no fancy quick gearbox and it still gets supermini like fuel consumption. It's almost inexplicable what Mazda have done with their cars.

 

[Vegeta]

Also buy in mind C & D is an 'Murican publication & always get better than quoted times.

I blame the 0-60 mph vs the correct 0-62 mph method.

Lol okay add 0.1 i suppose.

 

[FiestaST]

I was not dissing the speed of the MX-5 rather that for me I prefer Euro publications & measuring over US any day.

You guys know I have lots of love for the MX-5.

 

[Vegeta]

I was not dissing the speed of the MX-5 rather that for me I prefer Euro publications & measuring over US any day.

You guys know I have lots of love for the MX-5.

Nah we know.
Either way for all their boasting, "turbos", "boost", spoilers and racing stipes hot hatches wont run away from it and introduce a curve and they'll be forgotten. All the while having the wind in your hair.