Overview

Retractable Fastback – that’s what the suffix stands for on the Mazda MX-5 RF. It swaps the regular Mazda MX-5’s manually operated convertible soft-top for a motorised steel/aluminium/plastic hard-top with an unusual design, sporting distinctive targa-style fairings.

There are very few hard top convertibles still on sale, so the RF’s rivals are quite varied. They range from more premium German offerings – such as the BMW Z4 and Audi TT – to the more performance-focused Toyota GR86 coupe and even the Mazda MX-5 soft-top.

Like the regular MX-5, two four-cylinder petrol engines are on offer: a 1.5- and a 2.0-litre, with 132hp and 184hp respectively. The 1.5 is manual only, while the 2.0-litre can be specced with an automatic transmission. The soft-top isn’t available with an auto, so if you’re searching for a brand-new MX-5 automatic then the 2.0-litre RF model is your only choice.

The MX-5 RF is available with three trim levels: Prime-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura. All models come with heated seats, cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Mazda MX-5 RF, including its practicality, comfort, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive and whether we recommend buying one.