Mazda MX-5 RF Review 2026
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Mazda MX-5 RF Verdict
Coupe style and folding hard top. Just as good to drive as the soft-top. Available with an auto.
Very limited headroom for taller occupants with the roof up. Poor over the shoulder rear 3/4 vision. Lots of wind noise with the roof down at motorway speeds. Avoid the auto unless you really have to.
Find out more about the Mazda MX-5 RF
Want a Mazda MX-5, but worried about the lack of security or refinement provided by a fabric top? The MX-5 RF – Retractable Fastback – should fit the bill perfectly. It’s just as good to drive as the soft-top yet still provides wind-in-the-hair thrills - but make sure you fit in it because headroom is tight.
The roof mechanism isn’t hugely complex, so the two-part metal top fits neatly into the same space as the fabric roof of the regular MX-5. The trade-off is a pair of coupe-like pillars that give the RF a targa-like profile, rather than traditional convertible looks. It takes 13 seconds to fold up or down and works at speeds up to 6mph.
Despite the way it looks, the RF feels like a proper convertible on the road. It’s also more refined and quiet when the roof is in place, thanks to the thicker metal top. The downside is the reduced head room versus the soft-top – which was already tight for tall drivers.
Aside from the roof, the MX-5 RF is largely the same as before. The dashboard has an identical layout, the boot is the same size and the engine range is mirrored with a 131PS 1.5-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre petrol with 160PS (132PS and 184PS respectively from 2019).
The 2.0-litre's available with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The manual is lovely to use - possibly one of the best manual gearboxes available on a new car - that opting for the automatic feels like a shame, especially as the auto is a bit clumsy on the upshift.
The handling is as good as the soft-top too – if not a tiny bit better - thanks to some extra stiffening in the chassis and bespoke suspension settings, making the steering more sharp and immediate. It’s an absolute joy to drive, with beautifully weighted controls and superb precision through bends.
It costs a little more and there is no basic SE trim level, but the RF feels worth the extra. It looks good, drives well and has the added benefit of better security and improved refinement over the convertible. It might not have the same pure roadster feel, but it’s a better all-rounder. If you can fit that is.
Reviews for Mazda MX-5 RF's top 3 rivals
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Mazda MX-5 RF handling and engines
The Mazda MX-5 RF is every bit as good to drive as the soft-top, despite the extra weight and complexity of its folding metal top. That’s partly down to some additional body stiffening, but largely because of Mazda being so fastidious with its weight saving – it’s only 45kg heavier than the convertible.
In fact, the two cars are so similar to drive you won’t feel you are missing out on the driving experience by picking one or the other. The steering is beautifully weighted and pinpoint accurate, the suspension keeps the car neat and poised in the corners and the petrol engines sound fantastic, roof up or down.
It is a sublime car for tackling a British back road. It manages to deliver big smiles and excitement without huge amounts of power and massive speed, which is great for uneven, twisting lanes. Even with relatively modest 1.5-litre engine, the MX-5 RF doesn’t feel like it lacks anything.
Both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre engines options do without turbocharging, so they rev smoothly right up the red line, making a lovely rasp that never gets too intrusive. The manual transmission, fitted to both engines as standard, is a joy to use, with a short, chunky throw that’s really satisfying without feeling heavy.
The 1.5-litre might have less power and torque but it's still a good fit for the MX-5 in both convertible and RF forms. And even though the RF is a little more firm - and a little heavier than the fabric-topped car - it doesn't feel necessary to opt for the more powerful engine. Though you won't regret the decision if you do decide to spend a little more...
From 2019, the 2.0-litre comes with 184PS which makes it feel genuinely quick - and a noticeable upgrade from the 160PS of the older model. It still likes to be ragged towards the limiter, though - you really have to drive the MX-5 hard to get the best from it, but it rewards that.
Even in the dry, you can feel the power being sent to the rear wheels. Boot it on a roundabout or when pulling out of a junction and it'll squirm playfully with the traction control keeping things reigned in (incidentally, there's a button conveniently located right next to the steering wheel should you wish to turn it off).
A downside to the RF over the soft-top is that, when cruising at high speeds with the roof retracted, there's an awful lot of wind noise caused by the targa-like rear body. With the roof up or down, the fastback roof does hamper rear visibility.
Unique to the RF is a six-speed automatic transmission, available with the 2.0-litre engine only. You'll have to take over using the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel should you want an enthusiastic drive (and even then it lacks the fun of the manual), but the automatic's better suited to relaxed cruising. That'll be fine for some drivers, but you probably shouldn't opt for an MX-5 in the first place if you're after a relaxing drive.
Mazda MX-5 RF interior
The MX-5 RF has a folding metal top in place of the fabric roof fitted to the convertible. It’s operated by holding a switch, with no manual clip like the convertible, taking 13 seconds to raise or lower. It can be operated while moving, but only at speeds of up to 6mph which is only likely to be useful on a driveway or in slow moving traffic.
To keep things simple and light, there are only two sections to the roof which fold down – the rear pillars stay in place and give the RF the look of a targa. In practice, while it isn’t as open to the elements as the cabriolet, it does still feel very much like a convertible car.
Otherwise, the RF is very much the same as the convertible, with the same interior layout, instrument binnacle and touchscreen system. However, the folding metal top means head room is tight for taller drivers. Anyone over 6ft will struggle to get comfortable and particularly tall drivers simply won’t fit.
On the plus side the load area is exactly the same size as in the soft-top, despite the added complexity of the metal roof. That said, space is still very limited, with enough room for a small shopping trip or a couple of weekends bags but nothing more. There's no glove box and you'll find yourself struggling for places to keep things like your wallet or mobile phone.
The RF has no basic SE trim level, like the convertible. That means there are only Sport Nav and SE-L Nav variants to pick from (badged the Sport Nav+ and SE-L Nav+ from 2019), while a new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ was brought in with the 2019 updates.
Standard equipment's good across the range, with features like a seven-inch colour touchscreen display and DAB radio across the range, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a £350 optional extra.
Standard Equipment (from 2019):
SE-L Nav+ trim features 16-inch black alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, climate control, premium black cloth seats with red stitching, heated seats, cruise control with speed limiter, seven-inch colour touchscreen display, Bluetooth, DAB radio, driver headrest speakers, Piano Black door mirrors, integrated navigation with three-years European map updates. The 2.0-litre SE-L Nav+ adds 17-inch black alloy wheels, limited slip differential, i-stop and i-ELOOP (regenerative braking system).
Sport Nav+ adds 16-inch bright alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, rear parking sensors, dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing front wipers, adaptive front lights, black leather seat trim with red stitching, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, smart keyless entry, premium Bose sound system with nine speakers, lane departure warning system, drive attention alert, traffic sign recognition. The 2.0-litre Sport Nav+ adds 17-inch bright alloy wheels, sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, strut brace, limited slip differential.
GT Sport Nav+ builds on the Sport Nav+ spec with sand leather seats, stainless steel scuff plates, blind sport monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive LED headlights, reversing camera.
Model History
- October 2016: UK pricing announced for MX-5 RF
- June 2018: Mazda MX-5 revised
- July 2018: Mazda MX-5 gets more powerful engine
- November 2018
- February 2019: Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition announced
- March 2020: Mazda MX-5 range updated including new flagship GT Sport Tech trim
- December 2021: Updated Mazda MX-5 priced from £24,755
October 2016
UK pricing announced for MX-5 RF
The Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback is on sale in the UK on the 4th March 2017.
With a limited run of just 500 cars, the six model range will be heralded by the flagship Launch Edition. Powered by a 160PS 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine, the Launch Edition is marked out by its unique twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler. Available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, it also comes with a Safety Pack as standard, while the exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.
As with the established Mazda MX-5 convertible, all models powered by the 2.0-litre 160ps engine feature a limited slip differential and 17-inch wheels; while Sport Nav models (and the Launch Edition) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up. Plus, with the introduction of the £27,095 Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 is offered with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK. Offered in both SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim, RF’s powered by the 1.5-litre 131ps engine will arrive in dealerships in May.
Developed to deliver enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride, while at the same time maintaining the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible, the suspension and electric power steering parameters of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback. In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.
The MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop consists of front, middle and rear roof sections, and a rear screen. When the top is lowered the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look, and a cabin feeling that combines a sense of open air freedom with the impression of being securely ensconced within the car.
On the Launch Edition the front and middle roof sections feature a piano black finish that contrasts with the Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique “TAKUMINURI” paint process to deliver glossy depth and nuanced shading that intensifies the contrasts between light and shadow with its high-density finish, giving the impression that the body was sculpted from a solid block of steel.
Building on the all-new Mazda MX-5’s award-winning design, the RF’s roof up style will set it apart when it arrives on UK roads early next year. A 5mm increase in roof height aside, the RF retains the same overall length, width and wheelbase as the MX-5 convertible, but thanks to gently downward slopping buttresses that tuck in at the sides to create a teardrop shape, the RF’s elegant fastback silhouette accentuates the MX-5’s dynamic and contemporary sports car proportions in a completely unique way.
June 2018
Mazda MX-5 revised
Both soft-top and RF feature improvements in dynamic performance, an upgrade to Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, and refinements to design and packaging.
These include updated 1.5 and 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engines with improved combustion and greater torque comply with new WLTP/RDE test cycle and meet Euro 6d Temp emission regulations. Both powertrains benefit from refined acceleration control to minimise lag between throttle applications and vehicle response.
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 engine is now higher-revving and acoustically tuned, with maximum engine speed raised from 6800 to 7500 rpm, maximum horsepower increased from 160 to 184PS @ 7000rpm, and maximum torque from 200 to 205Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Five new i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies2: Advanced Smart City Brake Support which detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead and helps avoid collisions, and Smart City Brake Support (Reverse) which detects vehicles and obstacles behind, as well as Driver Attention Alert, a Traffic Sign Recognition System and a Rear View Camera.
The look of the car is enhanced by a darker paint finish for both 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, and the availability of a new brown canopy colour for soft-top models.
July 2018
Mazda MX-5 gets more powerful engine
Substantially redesigned with lighter pistons and con-rod, the 2.0-litre engine also features revisions to the camshafts and exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake.
The end result is an increase from 160PS to 184PS and a heightened redline, which rises from 6800 to 7500rpm. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.
As a result on the convertible 0-62mph performance improves by 0.8 of a second to 6.5seconds, while manual and automatic RF models see a 0.6 and 0.5 second increase, respectively, while tuning of the main silencer delivers a cleaner more powerful engine note.
Even better, this enhanced performance hasn’t come at the cost of efficiency, as fully homologated to the WLTP/RDE test cycle, both the 2019 MX-5s engines achieve Euro 6d Temp emission regulation compliance, while the introduction of Mazda’s i-ELOOP and i-stop kinetic recovery and stop-start technology on 2.0-litre models means all 184PS cars have a lower CO2 output than the outgoing 160PS car.
The upgraded 184PS 2.0-litre engine will initially be offered exclusively in the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ trim in both the RF and convertible, while SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ 184PS models will go on sale later in the Autumn.
The 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G engine benefits from improved combustion and reduced internal friction to see a slight power increase to 132PS and a moderate torque improvement to 152Nm while at the same time retaining its superb efficiency and fuel economy. 2019 MX-5’s fitted with the smaller engine go on sale on the 1st September.
Across all models in the range, the 2019 MX-5 now features telescopic steering adjustment and improved seat sliding operation to further enhance driver comfort and improve the famous Jinba Ittai ‘car-and-driver as one’ ethos that sits at the heart of the MX-5 experience.
November 2018
Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 184 6-speed automatic introduced at £29,995. 6-speed torque converter auto with paddleshifts. Very high gearing in 6th at 35mph per 1,000rpm.
February 2019
Mazda MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition announced
3000 sold worldwide and 600 brought to the UK - 400 convertibles and 200 RF, all based on the 2.0-litre MX-5. Finished in Racing Orange paint with bespoke wheels and Brembo brakes. RF priced at £29,895 and convertible £28,095.
March 2020
Mazda MX-5 range updated including new flagship GT Sport Tech trim
The updated 2020 Mazda MX-5 is now available to order. Features a 10-model line-up - four Convertibles and six RFs - the 132ps 1.5-litre Convertible is offered in SE-L and Sport trim, while the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to Sport Tech and the new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim. As with the Convertible, SE-L and Sport trim RF’s are powered by the 1.5-litre engine, while Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech come with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. In addition, 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox.
New for the 2020 Mazda MX-5, the GT Sport Tech flagship model is marked out by 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and Burgundy Nappa leather seats, while across the whole range the MX-5 is available with Polymetal Grey Metallic paint for the first time. The updated version of Mazda’s sports car also benefits from extra standard safety equipment: from Sport models and above, the MX-5 features Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert. While Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech models.
Across all models in the range, the 2020 MX-5 features telescopic steering adjustment.
December 2021
Updated Mazda MX-5 priced from £24,755
The 2022 Mazda MX-5 is available to order now with both the Convertible and RF Retractable Fastback models ready for delivery from February 2022. Featuring a 10-model line-up - four Convertibles and six RFs - the 132ps 1.5-litre Convertible is offered in SE-L and Sport trim, while the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to Sport Tech and the range-topping GT Sport Tech trim. As with the Convertible, SE-L and Sport trim RF’s are powered by the 1.5-litre engine, while Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech come with the more powerful 2.0-litre engine. In addition, 2.0-litre RFs in both trim levels come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox.
Updates for the 2022 Mazda MX-5 include the addition the new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour for the first time, while all models are now fitted with Kinematic Posture Control (KPC). Mazda’s KPC system is designed to increase stability during cornering without impacting the purity of the MX-5’s handling and driver engagement. The KPC system applies a very small amount of brake force to the inner/unloaded rear wheel during cornering, the resulting brake force pulls the body down, suppressing body roll to provide more reassuring cornering so subtly that the MX-5’s engaging handling remains unpolluted.
As you’d expect for a car so famed for its dynamic abilities, outside of the addition of KPC, the 2022 Mazda MX-5 retains the same award-winning mechanical set up as before. Introduced in September 2018, the updated 184ps version of the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine features lighter pistons and con-rod, plus upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, all of which increase performance over the 160ps version that featured in the fourth-generation MX-5 at launch in 2015. As a result, the engine has a redline of 7,500rpm. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion than the 160ps version, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.
Compared to the 160ps version, the Convertible’s 0-62mph performance improved by 0.8 of a second to 6.5seconds, while manual and automatic RF models are 0.6 and 0.5 seconds faster. In addition, the tuned main silencer delivers a more powerful engine note. As before 2.0-litre cars with the manual gearbox have a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers.
What to watch out for
Complaint of annoying resonance that occurs during deceleration at approximately 2500 to 2000 rpm. Mazda UK says this is natural and there is no fault.
04-05-2018:Report of 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF draining its battery every 4 days. Booked in to Mazda dealer for a "software upgrade" to cure this.
16-07-2019:Mazda MX-5 30th anniversary Edition of both roadster and RF announced, celebrating 30years since MX-5 first went into production.
Special vivid colour developed called Racing Orange. Other features include forged aluminium wheels by RAYS Co., Ltd. in dark gunmetal paint with a design based on the wheels fitted to Global MX-5 Cup race cars, orange callipers (Brembo at the front, NISSIN at the rear), Bilstein dampers and RECARO seats with contrasting orange stitching and piping. Mazda Connect system isupports Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM*. Through a simple USB connection, customers can easily use applications from their iPhone® or smartphone on the car’s system via Mazda Connect’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
1,998cc DOHC 16v Skyactiv G engine developing 184PS at 7,000rpm and 205Nm torque at 4,500rpm. 6-speed manual transmission.
