Mazda MX-5 RF running costs, mpg and CO2

• Thirstier 2.0-litre engine still reasonably cheap to run
• Smaller 1.5-litre car remains the most economical
• Relatively low power output means reasonable insurance costs

The most economical Mazda MX-5 RF belongs to the 1.5-litre engine, with a claimed 44.8mpg. The 2.0-litre still manages to hover about 40mpg, with a figure of 40.9mpg, although the automatic gearbox sees this dip down to 37.2.mpg.

Stop-start is standard on all engines, while fuel tank capacity is 45 litres, so you should see towards 400 miles between fill-ups.

Green credentials

If you’re looking to minimise your carbon footprint then the cheaper 1.5-litre MX-5 is the one to go for, emitting just 142g/km of CO2.

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Emissions for the 2.0-litre manual rises up to 155g/km of CO2, although if you spec the automatic gearbox, this jumps up further to 171g/km.

Reliability

• Simple but well-engineered
• No official recalls for MX-5
• Hard-top roof worth keeping an eye on

The MX-5 RF’s reliability should be very similar to that of its soft-top sibling – a car that possesses very few major safety recalls or major faults.

However, there’s no denying that the RF is more complicated than the famously simple MX-5 soft top, with an electric folding hardtop roof and automatic gearbox option. Models with the latter fitted were subject to a recall in 2018 for a software update, as the automatic gearbox could unexpectedly downshift into a lower gear.

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Make sure you treat both with care in order to get the best out of your MX-5 RF, regularly getting the vehicle serviced and not attempting to lower the roof in unsuitable conditions.

The Parkers’ Owners’ Reviews section suggests MX-5 customers are highly satisfied with their cars and rarely report any serious problems.