2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

What's it like living with the new 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF?! - Forrest's Auto Reviews

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF & Roadster – Redline: Comparison

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2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Comparison Review | Edmunds

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Mazda MX-5 RF Automatic (2017) Quick Review

Facts & Figures

Price: R532 800 (August 2017)
Engine: Naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 118 kW
Torque: 200 Nm
Fuel Consumption: 6.7 L/100km
0-100 kph: 8.6 seconds
Top Speed: 194 kph

Price and warranty

The Mazda MX-5 RF is priced at R532 800 and is sold with a 3-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/unlimited km service plan. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.

Verdict

The MX-5 RF will appeal to those with a penchant for style, but for the ultimate MX-5 experience, the manual MX-5 still rules.

Yes, practicality is not the MX-5’s strong point, but buyers will be well aware of – an unperturbed by – that fact. It’s undeniably a stylish package and there is much to like about this MX-5 RF automatic, even if its appeal is somewhat eroded by its lofty price tag. There is enough performance available for driving enthusiasts to enjoy themselves, but most purists will probably find the automatic RF less entertaining than its manual sibling.

The MX-5 RF will, therefore, appeal to buyers who want to own a sportscar with head-turning appeal first and foremost. For those seeking the traditional roadster experience, the manual soft-top is not only cheaper, but offers a more entertaining drive with its manual transmission. Compared with hardtop roadsters such as the Mercedes-Benz SLC and BMW Z4, the MX-5 RF is like a palate-cleansing sorbet. Those who get it will love it.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/mazda-mx-5-rf-automatic-2017-quick-review/43850/

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Mazda MX-5 RF long-term test review: splitting opinion

The fun, everyday sports car is living up to its description

“That’s just great.” It took me a few moments to realise the words weren’t coming from the radio, but from a cyclist who’d pulled up next to me at a set of traffic lights.

He was the owner of a soft-top Mazda MX-5 and, having seen me drive past in the MX-5 RF with the roof down, he’d frantically pedalled after me for a closer look. And he loved what he saw, saying he preferred the styling to his soft-top.

That encounter, and several similar ones in various car parks, came to mind when I read Simon Astley’s letter (Your Views, 21 June) in which, among other things, he called the RF “unattractive”.

It just shows that styling is personal opinion, which is something everyone is entitled to. And although it may seem superficial, looks do matter with this sort of car. So I decided to so some (entirely unscientific) research: a Twitter poll, asking people whether they preferred the style of the MX-5 soft-top or RF.

Result? A 50/50 tie. An unsatisfying finding, sure, but perhaps one that suggests the RF can, as Mazda hopes, carve out its own appeal.

Mind you, our RF isn’t looking quite so good after a careless driver reversed into it recently, leaving a dent in the bonnet. More on that next time.

MAZDA MX-5 RF 1.5 SPORT NAV

Price £24,895 Price as tested £25,965 Economy 44.5mpg Faults None Expenses None

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/our-cars/mazda-mx-5-rf-long-term-test-review-splitting-opinion

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'Soulful, infectious and spirited'- Mazda MX-5 RF Driven

You know you're in a good car when you can sum it up perfectly after just a day of driving. However, you know you're in a great car when you can tell a whole story about it after shifting from 1st to 3rd gear. Yes, the new Mazda MX-5 RF is that good a sports car.

What's so special about this model? Well to start with, Mazda gave it a 'Soul Red' paint job and as far as first impressions are concerned, the automaker can tick the good looks department for sports cars.

It has soul

The MX-5 turned heads everywhere I drove. The colour, along with its sleek and elegant lines makes it unique on our roads. It's new design gives it a high-perceived quality. It has elements of the TVR Tuscan about it, particularly when looking at the wheel arches and front-end.

Nonetheless, while some may agree that looks are subjective, the MX-5 RF looks absolutely stunning. Just look at it...

Interior design, comfort

The Mazda MX-5 has a cosy cabin with everything being at an arms length away. Its infotainment system, steering wheel gadgets are user-friendly and doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what they do. Also, its black leather is given a detailed edge courtesy of red stitching along its bucket seats and steering wheel.

That drive though...

As far as driving is concerned, well... I never wanted to stop planting my foot down. If you enjoy the sensation of shifting through gears along mountain passes or the countryside... the MX-5 RF is the perfect car for you.

There is a basic and simple feel to the MX-5; It's relatively easy to drive, invigorating behind the wheel and makes every drive exciting... exactly what you'd expect from a roadster.

Its precise handling, low center of gravity and balance makes for dynamic experience, provided you don't encounter poor roads. Its a car that you want to be in and wont feel laboured to drive whether its a quick run to the local shopping centre or weaving through traffic.

And the drawbacks...

If you're a tall fella, hoping inside the MX-5 will be awkward. The rear window visibility is also at a minimum and a glance over your blind spots might be a challenge with the seats head rests blocking your view. The boot space is without it's single biggest negative; there's just enough space for a medium sized suit case.

If you have a family these will be major drawbacks but being practical isn't what the MX-5 was built for.

In a nutshell

I never expected to struggle in summarizing the MX-5 but I'm afraid to say I did. I battled a bit because the car is brilliant, well-balanced, refined, soulful, infectious, spirited and a whole manner of positive adjectives...

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/soulful-infectious-and-spirited-mazda-mx-5-rf-driven-20171018

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Mazda SA Kills Off The MX-5 Roadster (But Retains RF)

Mazda Southern Africa has quietly removed the MX-5 roadster from its local line-up, but interestingly chosen to retain the RF variant of the little rear-wheel-drive sportscar.

We asked the local arm of the Japanese automaker for the rationale behind the decision to kill off the six-speed manual MX-5 roadster, which was priced at R441 700, and a spokesperson told us that Mazda’s policy was “not to keep two body styles or even two transmissions in its production line if the market sells low volumes”.

The MX-5 (which grabbed the World Car of the Year title for 2016) has often found itself on our list of worst-selling vehicles each month, including our latest table from October. In fact, combining roadster and RF figures, just 62 units of the MX-5 have been registered in South Africa in the first ten months of 2017.

And the reason for preferring the RF over the roadster? Well, Mazda SA says feedback from “public and dealers” helped it make the choice.

So, the MX-5 RF (which stands for “Retractable Fastback”) soldiers on locally, powered by the same 118 kW/200 N.m 2,0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. But, priced at R532 800, this model (pictured below) is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/mazda-sa-kills-off-the-mx-5-roadster-but-retains-rf/
 
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