The Mazda MX-5 RF Is Like A Mini Porsche 911 Targa

The ND MX-5’s manual roof is incredibly quick and easy to put up and down, but what if you’re really lazy? Enter stage left, the MX-5 RF. The ‘RF’ bit of the name stands for ‘retractable fastback’, as it has a roof arrangement similar to that of the Porsche 911 Targa: the rear section lifts up, allowing the roof to neatly fold away underneath.

Impressively, it doesn’t hurt the boot space all that much. At 130 litres, it has exactly the same amount of luggage space at the rear as the soft top. It can open and close automatically at speeds of up to 6mph, and unlike the hardtop NC MX-5, it only takes the touch of a button: no fiddly manual clamp arrangement here.

The suspension meanwhile has been adjusted “to achieve unique driving feel with agility suitable for an MX-5 while offering composed and high-quality ride feel” - in other words, this ND will probably be a little softer than its brother.

It’s available with the same choice of 1.5 and 2.0-litre N/A Skyactiv petrol engines, but unlike the standard car, it also has the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox. But since the slick manual gearshift is one of the best things about the ND, that’s an option you’d be properly bonkers to tick.

Performance figures have yet to be announced, but since all the ‘leccy roof gubbins will add a bit of weight (exactly how much hasn’t been revealed yet), expect it to be slightly slower.

Also new for the RF is a special ‘Machine Grey’ “premium” paint, using a three-coat structure comprising of colour, reflective and clear coats. The new finish will be made available on “a range of Mazda models”.

Fancy a look in the metal? It’ll be on display at the New York Auto Show from tomorrow.