MIAS 2017: Mazda unveils MX-5 RF

The Mazda MX-5 Retractable Fastback, RF in short, made its debut at this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

The MX-5 RF has 2 distinctive characteristics to differentiate itself from the soft-top variant. First is the fastback contour that sums up the overall appearance of the car. The other one is the 3-paneled hard top roof, which folds down to the size similar to the soft top variant. The Japanese brand claims that retracting the roof only takes 13 seconds at running speeds of up to 10 km/h.

Through a flip of a switch, the roof's side section slopes down toward the rear as it tucks inside the fastback trunk. Moreover, the overhead roof panels and back window glass are hidden away from sight, while the rear roof retains position when the roof is retracted in.

Ambience in the cabin is highlighted by the black leather upholstery or the auburn Nappa leather option. The steering wheel gets the same treatment and is designed to attain symmetrical placement of controls. The interior is completed with the 7-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) touch screen and a 4.6-inch TFT LCD display in the instrument cluster.

While the soft top variant is offered with options of manual and automatic transmission, the MX-5 RF comes with a single option of 6-speed automatic. This is mated to the 2.0L Skyactive-G engine that is capable of putting out 155 horses and 200 Nm of torque.

The Mazda MX-5 RF has a price tag of P2,180,000 for standard configuration in the Philippine market. If you're opting for a standard color (Ceramic, White Pearl, Jet Black, and Blue Reflex) with the auburn Nappa leather interior, price is at P2,250,000.