Mazda's MX-5 RF Is Massively Out-Selling The Traditional Soft-Top
The Mazda MX-5 RF outsold the traditional soft-top version in the UK by almost 40 per cent last year, despite being on sale for two months less.
The RF hit showrooms on 4 March last year, giving the soft-top a two-month, three-day head-start, but the electrically folding hard-top is clearly a winner with buyers. Sales figures obtained by Car Throttle show that the MX-5 RF found 2911 homes in Britain last year, versus 1787 sales for the rag-top.
Mazda’s available global sales figures don’t break things down by body style, so we can’t compare the UK’s results to those from around the world, but it’s a clear indicator of how much a tin-top roof matters to British convertible buyers – at least towards the lower end of the market.
The likes of Audi, Bentley, BMW and Mercedes have all previously stated that their customers prefer a canvas roof, because they want people to know they’re in an expensive convertible.
MX-5 buyers seem to want the extra security of metal protecting their heads – and potentially their valuables – instead of the lower centre of gravity and lighter weight of the original ND variant.
As long as the soft-top keeps its position as the original and best, we don’t mind one bit. It’s still one of this writer’s favourite new cars on sale today. In 2.0-litre Sport Nav guise, thanks, or better yet, the 1.5-litre car after a visit to BBR…
Comments
RF looks million times better. Plus there is less wind
I disagree, but I can’t quite put my finger on why. Just , something about the proportions of the RF look a little off to me. I think it might be something to do with how high the back of the car is; the back section of the roof looks a little too small for the rest of the car.
with the windows up, my ND the only wind you can feel is a little lick over the top of the windscreen, I have no problem driving it in 0C weather
I agree. It looks like a mini GT86/BRZ. I’d love one.
The original looks so much better and gives respect to the original miata
The RF is just a lot more practical while being just a tiny little bit less fun.
I also would go for the RF…
Saw a RF for the first time in the flesh at the weekend and can fully see why its outselling the soft top.
Looks way nicer.!!! Forgot how small it was as even my 3 Series dwarfed it. Id love to drive one
The likes of Audi, Bentley, BMW and Mercedes have all previously stated that their customers prefer a canvas roof, because they want people to know they’re in an expensive convertible.
That’s exactly the difference. The people who buy a Mazda MX-5 don’t buy the car just to show off to other people. Also, when you buy a car in Britain, you’d probably want a car that doesn’t look stupid when the roof is up, because you’d only be able to put it down like three days in a year anyways.
Uhm if you lived in Croatia you would. MX5 is like a Ferrari here
To be honest, compared to most city cars, an mx-5 does give a ‘’big’’ sportcar feel
I thought Mx5 roof was always down if it wasn’t raining 😅
They buy it for the movement
I’m 5’ 10” and I swear that hard top was within an inch of taking my head off
Well sheit. Im a bit taller then you so that hard top will take my head if i ever get in one.
I own an rf and am 6 foot, it’s perfectly comfortable for me. I still have an inch between my head and the top.
What about a 2.0 after a visit at BBR?
Then again, the 100-odd lbs. difference between the two doesn’t exactly make the RF a tank… although I prefer the looks of the soft top.
I have always preferred hard tops anyway.
One of the best cars on sale atm
Driving experience? Check
Looks? Check
Quality and reliability? Check
Low price and running costs? Check