As the name suggests, the electric, fully-automated top on the MX-5 RF retracts and folds neatly into a compartment behind the seats and in front of the trunk. The targa design does not negatively impact trunk space with the top up or down, unlike folding hardtop convertibles, which either have very limited trunk access or diminished trunk capacity when the convertible top is in the folded position.
Mazda has never built an MX-5 coupe–the RF is as close as they have come, but with the added bonus of being able to open up to the skies with the press of a button.
For us, choosing between the fastback and soft-top would come down to how much highway driving we were going to do. If the purpose of buying an MX-5 is mostly for weekend drives in the country, we would take the soft-top. It provides classic top down open-air driving, fewer blind spots, costs less and is 110 pounds lighter than the RF (2,348 versus 2,458 pounds for the RF). But, if we wanted to get more use out of the MX-5, drive it until the snow flies and again once it starts to melt in the spring, we would take the RF. Especially if we were going to use it more as a commuter car involving regular highway driving. With the top in place, the MX-5 RF provides its occupants with a very civilized environment at highway speeds, one appropriate for conversation with a passenger, or with anyone on the phone via the great Bluetooth phone system including speakers in the driver’s seat headrest.
The MX-5 RF provides miles and miles (or kilometers and kilometers) of folding fastback fun.
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