[Auto] Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Skyactiv-G 184 CV, in-depth test of the reinterpreted icon

[G h o s t l y.]

What began in 1920 as a company dedicated to cork and its derivatives, has now become a benchmark in the automotive world. Having the opportunity to test drive the Mazda MX-5 RF is the best way to celebrate the centennial of the Hiroshima brand. The main reason is that it is one of the few current cars that have that X factor, that something so special that you can only experience getting behind the wheel as we are going to do next.
 

It must be said that the Japanese sports car has more than three decades behind it and that this is the fourth generation, the ND. In this time it has become the best-selling convertible in the world and, in addition, now there are two options to choose from. On the one hand, the more traditional and purist soft-top convertible is maintained, and on the other hand this RF also recently arrived, the Retractable Fastback that introduces a retractable hardtop to be a different option.

The tendency to buy only SUVs and their reduced practicality has significantly reduced the number of compact openers available on the market. Despite being practically niche vehicles, they still have an aura that makes them very special in the eyes of the most purist fans. If they are accompanied by qualities such as the naturally aspirated engine, propulsion or low weight like this Mazda MX-5 RF; the formula gains integers enormously as we will analyze next.

 

In a world in which cars have grown in size generation after generation, the truth is that it is surprising to have such a small size as this Mazda MX-5 RF. It is a two-seater that does not even reach 4 meters long, specifically it is 3,915 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width and just 1,236 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,130 mm.
 

When we see the exterior, the truth is that the Kodo design language so characteristic of the brand is perfectly perceived. In this convertible, it is transformed to have sharper lines and is enhanced by a front end with an elongated hood, teardrop-shaped LED headlights and a grill located in a very low position. On both sides there are small air intakes in which the fog lamps have been placed.

 

The side of the Mazda MX-5 RF is probably its most unique sight. This is where it differs from the soft top variant, because here we have a targa silhouette that is achieved with these humps behind the seats, which correspond to the rear arches. With that long hood, the cabin is in a very backward position. Although the really interesting thing is to show you the opening of the retractable hard roof, something that is done in just 12 seconds by pressing and holding a button.
 

When it is convertible, there are no pure cabrio shapes left, but rather the targa that we mentioned by only dispensing with the roof section just above the heads. In any case, we move on to a well-recognizable rear in which circular rear lights stand out that want to wink at previous generations, a rather bulky bumper that gives it presence and a double exhaust outlet on the right side.