► New MX-5 RF starts at £22,195
► 500 Launch Editions, each costing £29k
► Retractable Fastback on sale in March
Remember the Retractable Fastback version of the MX-5, unveiled in New York earlier this year? Well, Mazda has announced that the new version of its compact roadster will go on sale on 4 March 2017 – and that prices will start at £22,195.
So, what’s offered in the RF range?
Mazda is offering six versions of its new MX-5 RF, each commanding a premium of £2k over the regular soft-top version. As follows:
- MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps SE-L Nav: £22,195
- MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps Sport Nav: £24,795
- MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps SE-L Nav: £23,095
- MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav: £25,695
- MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav Auto: £27,095
- MX-5 RF 2.0 160ps Launch Edition: £28,995
Those of you with a keen eye on Mazda’s line-up will note that the launch of the RF marks the debut of a fourth-gen UK MX-5 with an automatic gearbox. So, if you’ve been hanging on for a self-shifting MX-5, you’ve not long left to wait.
What equipment is offered?
SE-L Nav models feature LED headlights, cruise control, climate control, a seven-inch media system, sat-nav and 16-inch wheels.
The pricier Sport Nav models benefit from upgrades including heated seats, automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry, a Bose sound system and rear parking sensors.
Opt for an SE-L Nav with the 2.0-litre engine and your RF will also come with an LSD, 17-inch alloys with a gunmetal finish and black door mirror housings.
Similarly, going for the more powerful version in the Sport Nav trim nets you Bilstein sport suspension, a strut brace, body-coloured mirrors and alloy wheels with a bright metal finish – as well as the LSD.
What options are available?
Relatively few, which is refreshing. You can choose pearlescent paint, costing £550, or Soul Red or Machine Grey Metallic for £670. There’s also an option for Nappa leather trim, on Sport Nav models, which costs £400.
If you’ve gone for the 2.0-litre Sport Nav model, you can additionally pick the Safety Pack – which adds automatic dipping, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. It’ll set you back another £400.
What’s the Launch Edition?
It’s a limited edition designed to commemorate the launch of the RF – and only 500 will be made. Each, featuring the 158bhp 2.0-litre engine, will cost £28,995. They come with a host of upgrades, including BBS wheels, the Safety Pack and a no-cost choice between Soul Red or Metallic Grey paint.
Production of the new Mazda MX-5 RF, which is being carried out at Mazda’s Ujina plant in Hiroshima, has already started – and UK buyers are expected to be able to get into a car in early next year. Versions with the 1.5-litre petrol, however, are due to arrive in UK dealerships in May.
Read more about the Mazda MX-5 RF