X

Check out the curvaceous 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF

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.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
1 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF builds on the Miata's formula with a new targa-style retractable fastback roof.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017-mazda-mx-5-rf-19
2017-mazda-mx-5-rf-19
1:49
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
4 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The new hard top trades a few millimeters of headroom for a significantly quieter cabin at freeway speeds.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
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.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
12 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The RF's motorized roof stows or deploys in just around 13 seconds.

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
13 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
14 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
15 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
16 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
17 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
18 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
19 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
20 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
21 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
22 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
23 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
24 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
25 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
26 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
27 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
28 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
29 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
30 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF
31 of 31 Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

 

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos