The gorgeously sculpted 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF is still the playful and perfectly balanced roadster we love, only now it's also more comfortable for non-enthusiasts to live with.
The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF builds on the Miata's formula with a new targa-style retractable fastback roof.
2
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
With its top up, the RF is one of the best-looking cars the Japanese automaker has ever built.
3
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
It's still a gorgeous ride with its roof panel retracted, but I think I prefer the pure open air of the Miata's soft top.
4
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
The new hard top trades a few millimeters of headroom for a significantly quieter cabin at freeway speeds.
5
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
The RF is also about 113 pounds heavier than the ragtop Miata thanks to its roof mechanism and improved sound-dampening materials.
6
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
However, you don't really feel the weight difference on the road. The RF is just as tossable and fun to drive as its sibling.
7
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine with the choice between six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.
8
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Cabin technology has never been the MX-5's strong point, but what's there is functional and easy to use.
9
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Like the MX-5 Miata, the MX-5 RF boasts some of the best driving ergonomics on the road. The seating position and control placement are simply perfect.
10
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
If I've one complaint about the MX-5, it's that the driver-focused cabin has no places to stow things like phones, wallets or purses.
11
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
I particularly enjoyed the Bose Audio system's headrest speakers, which allowed me to enjoy music at reasonable volume with the top down.
12
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
The RF's motorized roof stows or deploys in just around 13 seconds.
13
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
14
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
15
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
16
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
17
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
18
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
19
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
20
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
21
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
22
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
23
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
24
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
25
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
26
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
27
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
28
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
29
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
30
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
31
of
31
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
Close
Discuss: Check out the curvaceous 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.
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.