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 lowest Mazda MX-5 RF CO2 rating belongs to the 1.5-litre engine, at 143g/km. The manual 2.0-litre measures 156g/km, and the automatic 157g/km.

The 2.0-litre is the thirstiest version, averaging 40.9mpg combined with either gearbox fitted.

Thriftiest on fuel is the 1.5-litre, available with a manual gearbox only, which officially averages 44.8mpg.

• Smaller 1.5-litre engine is the eco-friendliest in the range
• Automatic gearbox adds 1g/km of CO2 to 2.0-litre model
• Marginal CO2 penalty for 1.5-litre engine over soft top MX-5

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 143g/km of CO2 – three more than in the soft top MX-5.

Emissions for the 2.0-litre manual remain the same at 156g/km of CO2, although spec the automatic gearbox option and this increase to 157g/km.

• 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 an almost faultless record with no official 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.

Make sure you treat both with care in order to get the best out of your MX-5 RF, regular 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.