2017 MAZDA MX-5 RF: Sexy new Mazda is the new “It” sports car  

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) made its Canadian debut earlier this year at the 2017 Montreal Auto Show. This latest version of the popular Japanese roadster sports a new design with a unique rear roof and retractable back window offering a new open-air feeling. Looks-wise, the RF is refreshingly unique with its stylistic rear sail panels and dramatic stance. The RF has a funky coupe like appearance and does not look ungainly with the roof up or down. It is a great looking car for sure.  Press a button and the hoop behind the driver and the pair of sail panels behind lift up and back, while the rear glass and two-roof panels scissor back into the roof cubby behind the seats. What you get is a unique looking sports car built off the world’s best selling roadster.

The power hardtop of the new MX-5 RF can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 10 km/h with the press of a button, and the roof is stowed compactly and efficiently in a limited space. Despite its fastback styling and hardtop roof, the MX-5 RF offers almost the same amount of trunk space as the soft-top model. The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be the best-selling roadster of all-time, but apparently only 50 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF models will be available to Canadians – so buyers will have to move fast, unless they are all sold out.

For Canada, the limited RF model comes in two trims – GS and GT. The GS price starts at $38,800, and can be outfitted with different options and packages. The Sport Package adds 17-inch forged BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, red painted calipers, and heated Recaro sport seats (trimmed in leather and Alcantara).  The GT   builds on the GS with leather seats, BOSE premium audio system with nine speakers (including headrest speakers) and   features a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, and a shock-tower brace up front. Buyers can opt for either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to both models.

On the road, the 2.0L SKYACTIV gasoline engine and specifically tuned electric power steering combine are recalibrated for the RF, and additional sound deadening is used in the roof and around the rear wheel arches.

In Canadian spec, expect the RF to be powered by the existing MX-5’s 2.0-litre four cylinder and available with either a six-speed manual (our choice) or a six-speed automatic transmission. The RF will be priced from $38,800 – $42,200