2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

In the UK the RF is 2000 GBP more than the soft top.

So when I add ~R33700 + some markup to the local RRP of

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I get an amount of around ~R490k side
 
R532 800?! Fudge me!

MAZDA MX-5 RF LAUNCHES IN SA

The Mazda MX-5 RF is a product that has been highly anticipated by some members of the CAR team because of its fresh approach to one of our favourite roadsters. Finally, it’s available in South Africa but it seems that the manual option is nowhere to be seen.

This means that the RF’s (retractable fastback) naturally aspirated 2,0-litre Skyactiv engine will only be available with the six-speed torque converter found throughout the Mazda lineup which is odd considering that the MX-5 has always focused on a very interactive driving experience. Those who want a manual ‘box can still get it in the soft-top.

The MX-5 RF Automatic will cost R532 800 (R91 000 more than the Roadster) and come standard with a limited slip differential, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, lane departure warning and blind spot detection. This purchase is backed up with a three-year unlimited km factory warranty and three-year service plan.

The power output for this engine remains at 118 kW and 200 N.m of torque but seeing as this car is slightly heavier than the roadster, it may just be a bit slower as well. On a whole, the RF aims to be a leisurely variant to the roadster as the double-wishbone and multilink suspension have been tuned to make it’s ride smoother and softer.

The roof itself takes 13 seconds to complete its cycle from the moment the button is pressed. When the roof is retracted, the RF maintains its 127 dm3 boot capacity found in the Roadster as well.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mazda-mx-5-fr-launches-in-sa/
 
Sad to say you can buy a lot more car for your money. Mazda needs to rethink their game plan and pricing
 
Mazda MX-5 RF Lands in SA

The folding hardtop version of the Mazda MX-5 is now available in South Africa, here are the details.

The Mazda MX-5 RF is the second derivative of MX-5 to hit the market after the standard roadster model (with a fabric-trimmed folding roof) arrived in late 2015. The retractable hardtop gives the MX-5 a fastback or coupe style depending on the configuration of the roof. To open the roof takes just 13 seconds and crawling speeds of up to 10 kph.

The same 2.0-litre engine is deployed in the RF with 118 kW and 200 Nm of torque. There is a 6-speed automatic gearbox for the RF that improves the overall fuel economy from 6.9 L/100 km to 6.7 L/100 km, but the downside is slower acceleration. The auto takes a full second longer to reach the 100 kph sprint time (8.6 seconds) and the top speed is just 194 kph.

Despite the extra bits and heft of the hardtop folding roof, the boot size isn’t affected that much. It’s only 3.0 litres smaller than the standard model, which has a tiny boot to begin with. Upgrades to the RF model range include adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, navigation, blind spot monitoring and steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

Mazda MX-5 pricing in South Africa
Mazda MX-5 manual R441 700
Mazda MX-5 RF auto R532 800

Prices include a 3-year unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, service plan and roadside assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mazda-mx-5-rf-lands-in-sa/43097/#.WLaisFV95hE
 
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF debuts in SA

Mazda South Africa introduces the Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) to local buyers

The Mazda MX-5 RF is based on the fourth-generation MX-5 Roadster Coupe.

Classic design

Mazda says the design of its RF allows for the retractable hardtop to be opened and closed with ease; The new fastback closes and opens in 13 seconds at the flip of a switch, even when the car is moving at up to 10km/h.

The RF’s steering and suspension has been tweaked and in addition, says Mazda, the new model offers "a quieter cabin" than the MX-5 Roadster with its roof down.

The Roadster RF features fastback styling with a roofline that curves towards the rear end. Mazda says it managed to stow the roof efficiently, enabling the Roadster RF to offer nearly the same boot space as the soft-top model.

Only one derivative is available; a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a six-speed auto transmission.

The roadster is sold with a three-year or unlimited kilometre factory warranty, a three-year service plan, a three-year roadside assistance and a five-year Corrosion Warranty

Model Lineup and Pricing

2.0-litre RF Roadster Coupe Automatic - R532 800

• Max power: 118kW

• Max torque: 200Nm

• Keyless entry & push-button engine start

• Airbags SRS: front (driver and passenger) and side

• Bluetooth

• Climate control

• Cruise control

• Daytime running lamps (LED)

• Emergency stop signal (ESS)

• Headlamps auto on/off function

• Adaptive front-lighting system (AFS)

• Hill launch assist (HLA)

• Leather seats

• Leather-wrapped: steering wheel, handbrake handle and gearshift knob

• Limited slip differential

• Navigation system

• Premium Bose® 203watt amplifier with nine speakers

• Rain-sensing wipers

• Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function

• Touchscreen display

• 17" alloy wheels

• Lane departure warning (LDW)

• Blind spot monitoring (BSM)

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/2017-mazda-mx-5-rf-debuts-in-sa-20170301
 
Folding-hardtop Mazda MX-5 RF lands in SA

Mazda’s fourth-generation MX-5 roadster is joined in South Africa this week by its folding-hardtop sibling, the MX-05 RF.

RF stands for Retractable Fastback, and it’s an interesting way to make the world’s most successful roadster ever more accessible to drivers who like the idea of a nippy little two-seater but who don’t want to go the hard-core ragtop route.

So the new MX-05 has a one-piece metal targa top that disappears under the rear deck in just 13 seconds at the press of a button, at up to 10 km/h, leaving the buttresses that form the fastback section standing to create a silhouette reminiscent of the original Porsche 911 Targa, but with the rear window also open and without the hassle of having to get out and do it yourself.

There’s even an animated graphic display in the instrument cluster that shows you where the roof is in its cycle without having to look up over your shoulder. And when it’s closed, says Mazda, the inside of the car is as quiet as if it’s a fixed-head coupé.

Refined ride

When it’s down, the roof sits flat on top of the bulkhead between the cockpit and the boot; it doesn’t protrude into the boot volume and luggage capacity is reduced by only three litres, from 130 to 127 litres.

The steering and and suspension have been smoothed out for a more refined ride, but the two litre petrol four is the same as that of the roadster at 118kW and 200Nm. However, the MX-5 RF is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission, which says more about the target market than it does about the car.

Satnav is standard on this upwardly mobile MX-5, as are leather trim, auto aircon, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.The MX-5 RF sells for R532 800 (R91 200 more than the roadster!) which includes a three-year, unlimited distance warranty and a three-year service plan. Availability is very limited, Mazda has also set up a special MX-5 RF launch microsite, so you can go online and book your RF directly, in the colour of your choice, before they even arrive in showrooms - and before they’re all gone.

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/folding-hardtop-mazda-mx-5-rf-lands-in-sa-7989717
 
Seems Car and Driver had a typo, more 7.9s and not 5.9s...
C&D did seem a little too quick. Okay if I'm not mistaken Mazda claims 7.1s so lets go with that that still isn't a slow car by any means. It's not a fire breathing Focus RS but then again it's not meant to be.

Remember the Golf 5 GTI's claimed 0-100 was 7.2s with its 147kw
Golf 6 Gti claimed 6.9s

No one ever criticised the Gti for being slow. In fact I think they're bloody quick for what they are.
 
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How is a 2l petrol engine making only 118kw in 2017 ?? For half a mil I would expect more
 
To put it all in perspective a second generation 2.7L 177kw flat 6 Tiptronic Porsche Boxer will do 0-100 in 7.1 seconds.

It's not held up as a slow car. I don't understand how people can still call a Naturally aspirated 4 cylinder MX-5 slow at 7.1s. Infact it's mind boggling fast for what it is compared to the turbo charged Gti or huge displacement Porsche.
 
How is a 2l petrol engine making only 118kw in 2017 ?? For half a mil I would expect more
It simply doesn't need more power. That same engine is detuned in the MX-5 because you can have it in a 6 or CX-5 with 121kw

And its not like Mazda couldn't give it mad power if they wanted to. Their previous version of this engine along with a turbo made 191kw in the MPS. If they wanted they could just bang that in there. They also have a turbo 2.5 in their CX-9. But than it would not be an MX-5 in spirit and the MX-5 has a huge loyal following. It wouldn't make sense for them. It would kill the purist cult following the car has.

But i agree with the fact that its moerse expensive along with everything else on the market
 
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How is a 2l petrol engine making only 118kw in 2017 ?? For half a mil I would expect more

See here for some context

[video=youtube;-WNRlyeoETw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WNRlyeoETw&t=8s[/video]
 
I love the look of that RF but more than half a mil for an automatic MX-5?
Jirr, no. What are you doing Mazda!?!
I hope it sells bad so that this doesn't become the new norm.
 
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