New Mazda MX-5 RF will cost from £22,195 when it goes on sale in the UK

The new Mazda MX-5 RF (that’s Retractable Fastback) has now gone in to production in Japan and will go on sale in the UK in March 2017 from £22,195.

If you want a Mazda MX-5, but you want one with a hard top that retracts then you’re in luck – the Mazda MX-5 RF has gone in to production in Japan, perfectly fitting the bill with its ‘Retractable Fastback’.

Topping out the MX-5 RF range will be a limited edition Launch Edition which will set you back £28,995 – £6,800 more than the entry-level RF – with just 500 car on offer.

The spec for the Launch Edition will include Mazda’s 158bhp 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G engine, two-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and spoiler, Safety Pack, Alcantara Recaro Seats and a choice of Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint.

Perhaps the best MX-5 option, the RF gets a limited slip diff and 17″ alloys, with the Sport Nav (and Launch Edition) getting Bilstein dampers and strut brace for a more dynamic drive, plus there’s an auto ‘box opt ion too for the first time on the MX-5 in the UK.

Masashi Nakayama, Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer, said:

If we consider the convertible model to represent the purist of lightweight sports car appeal, the new Retractable Fastback epitomises a new type of MX-5 that aims to be a compact sports car with a natural charm that everyone will find beautiful.

The new Mazda MX-5 RF is available to pre-order from Mazda’s UK dealers, with first cars arriving in dealers on 4 March 2017.

Apart from the entry-level £22,195 MX-5 1.5 131ps SE-L Nav and the £28,995 160ps Launch Edition, you can also opt for the MX-5 RF 1.5 131ps Sport Nav, RF 2.0 160ps SE-L Nav, RF 2.0 160ps Sport Nav and 2.0 160ps Sport Nav Auto at price points in between, and options including Leather at £400, posh paint at £550-670 and Safety Pack at £400.