The top retracts in 12 seconds flat, one of the quicker such times in the industry.
3
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The front sheetmetal on the Miata MX-5 RF is understandably unchanged from its soft-top brethren.
4
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The fastback treatment lends the MX-5 RF a coupe-like profile.
5
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
For the fourth-generation Miata, Mazda adopted a much more aggressive and less cutesy front end.
6
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Despite its compact proportions, the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF has a long hood to emphasize its rear-wheel-drive nature.
7
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Rear three-quarter visibility is likely to be an issue with the RF, but the standard Miata does offer blind-spot assist technology, and it's reasonable to expect it here.
8
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The small rear window power retracts without impinging on interior or cargo space.
9
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
You can see the panel cut lines on the RF's blacked-out roof, but they're a lot subtler than most retractable hardtop convertibles.
10
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Underneath that hood beats Mazda's Skyactiv 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, good for 155 horsepower.
11
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
LED headlamps are standard on the ND Miata -- they're brighter, physically lighter and more compact than standard halogen lights.
12
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The Miata MX-5 RF will likely continue to be available in a range of trims, including Club and Grand Touring.
13
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
This particular model is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, but the manual transmission will likely be more fun.
14
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Dubbed Machine Gray, this new paint color does a nice job of looking sinister while showing off the Miata's body lines.
15
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Flying buttresses!
16
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The real question is, will this car feel like a true convertible underway, or more like a targa or a car with a large sunroof?
17
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The addition of the rear buttresses will likely serve to reduce cabin wind turbulence.
18
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
This Miata is shod with Bridgestone Potenza rubber.
19
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The soft-top Miata's tail lamp design makes it over to the RF, too. It's one of the car's most unique and controversial styling elements.
20
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
A pair of simple, unadorned tailpipes sits underneath the rear fascia.
21
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The RF's fastback roofline almost imbues it with a certain Pontiac Solstice Coupe-like quality from some angles.
22
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The new mechanism for the retractable lid weighs about 110 pounds. That's more than the power folding hardtop in the previous-generation model.
23
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The flying buttresses help give the car more visual directional thrust than a more conventional hard top.
24
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
A power folding hardtop was a very popular body style with the last-generation Miata, and the RF will likely prove no different.
25
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Pricing has not yet been released for the RF, but expect it to be available largely in upper trim levels, at a cost premium over the current soft top model.
26
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
This Machine Gray paint will likely be a cost option. It's the result of a time-intensive three-coat process including color, reflective and clear coats.
27
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
This new contrasting interior leather looks great.
28
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The Miata's seats are a unique thin-back design to maximize interior space and minimize weight.
29
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
From this view, the RF might as well be a conventional soft-top Miata.
30
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Note the way the exterior paint finish is brought into the interior on the door panels.
31
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
It's always easier to get into a convertible with the top down.
32
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
Note the blacked-out portion of the flying buttresses, designed to visually trick the eye into thinking the side window line extends further than it does.
33
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The trunk lid raises vertically to swallow the roof.
34
of
34
Sarah Tew/CNET
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
The roof mechanism can be actuated on the move, but only just -- 6 mph is the maximum speed.
Close
Discuss: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF arrives with a big Targa on its back (pictures)
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.
Discuss: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF arrives with a big Targa on its back (pictures)
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.