Final drive in the Mazda MX-5RF
The Mazda MX-5 soft-top roadster was introduced in 2015 and debuted Mazda’s striking ‘Kodo’ design language for the little sportscar. The MX-5 is one incredibly popular little car and has been since its introduction in 1989. It is considered to be one of the best handling vehicles of all time. Mazda has removed it from the local line-up as the focus is on crossovers and SUV’s. We had one last go in the RF model, here is what it was like.
MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) is a hard-top convertible offering slightly different styling to the soft-top and is available only as a 6-speed automatic and without the mechanical limited-slip differential. The new roof design and the auto transmission add 40 kgs over the now-defunct roadster and the suspension has been tweaked for a softer ride. This has detracted from that iconic enthusiastic driving experience that made the car so popular.
Underneath the bonnet, the 2.0-litre engine is highly responsive and surprisingly torquey for a naturally aspirated motor. It’s, however, not the sort of drivetrain you gently lean on to make progress as you would in a turbocharged car. Peak power of 118kW is made available at 6 000rpm but with Sport mode engaged the transmission will allow you to push to 6 800rpm. Once you realize that the car is not the fastest thing on four wheels, you can actually enjoy the experience. You can push the car hard and it returns a relatively fun driving experience. The soft suspension is not very sporty if we are honest and the body roll is fairly excessive but the MX-5 rewards you with a sense of balance and loads more grip than the chassis needs.
The interior is a bit tight but there is a sporty feel from behind the wheel. Mazda has been using decent materials in their cars of late. This includes quality fit and finish, a large infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There is also a clutter-free facia which reduces your need to fiddle with controls. One thing that we did notice though is that there is very little storage space inside the cabin.
The MX-5 RF package is not ideal but it still deserves its place in the local sportscar world as we simply cannot find another fun-spirited rear-driven convertible for the money. Are we sad to see it go? Yes, we are, however, the world has moved on and cars like this are just not the cash cows that they used to be, you, the buying public want crossovers, you want SUV’s and with a push for electric alternatives the little sportscar that changed the world has no place in the world anymore. It’s a pity however we will never forget our last drive in this little icon.
Also worth a look: the Mazda Gives the CX-3 a Tech and Style Boost for 2026 and the Mazda Cx 60.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mazda MX-5 RF cost in South Africa?
The Mazda MX-5 RF was priced around R650,000 to R700,000 when it was available in South Africa, but Mazda has since removed the MX-5 from the local lineup to focus on crossovers and SUVs.
Q: Is the Mazda MX-5 RF worth buying?
The MX-5 RF is worth buying if you can find a good used example and prioritise style over pure driving thrills, but the soft-top version offers a more authentic MX-5 experience with better handling and less weight.
Q: What's the difference between the MX-5 RF and the soft-top version?
The RF has a retractable hardtop roof, weighs 40kg more, only comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, lacks the mechanical limited-slip differential, and has softer suspension tuning compared to the more focused soft-top model.
Q: How much power does the Mazda MX-5 RF have?
The MX-5 RF produces 118kW from its 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, with peak power delivered at 6,000rpm and the ability to rev up to 6,800rpm in Sport mode.
Q: Can you still buy a new Mazda MX-5 in South Africa?
No, Mazda has discontinued the MX-5 from the South African market to focus on crossovers and SUVs, so you'll need to look at used examples or consider importing one privately.
Should You Buy It?
The Mazda MX-5 RF is a solid choice if you want a stylish convertible with a premium hardtop roof, but it's not the purest MX-5 experience. At around R650,000 to R700,000 when new, it was expensive for what you got, especially considering the softer suspension and heavier weight detracted from the legendary MX-5 driving dynamics. Since Mazda has pulled it from the local market, your best bet is finding a well-maintained used example for around R450,000 to R550,000. If you're after the most fun per rand, hunt down a soft-top manual version instead, but if you prefer the convenience of a hardtop and automatic gearbox for weekend cruising, the RF delivers decent thrills with added refinement.
