Mazda Roadster RF (known as MX-5 RF overseas) equipped with a power retractable hardtop roof will go on sale on Dec. 22 at Mazda dealerships throughout Japan. While remaining true to its desire to make the pleasures of a convertible more accessible with the Roadster Power Retractable Hardtop, Mazda took the car one step further, adding an innovative design and a retractable hardtop that can be opened and closed with ease.
The roof opens and closes in a beautifully choreographed sequence and requires only the flip of a switch. Synchronizing and overlapping the various movements of the roof sections, enables MX-5 RF to achieve an opening/closing time of approximately 13 seconds, the fastest of any retractable hardtop on the market. An animation shown while opening and closing allows the driver to check the status of the roof in the meter display.
The interior and exterior designs have been integrated to heighten the open-air feel with the top down. The creative interior design is the same as that of the soft-top model. Stowing the roof efficiently in the limited space available enables the Roadster RF to offer almost the same trunk space as the soft-top model. The trunk’s capacity of 127 liters is almost exactly the same as that of the soft-top MX-5.
The precisely crafted interior aims to create a cabin space that conveys a sense of quality. The VS model grade features high-quality auburn-colored Nappa leather upholstery for a mature and sophisticated atmosphere.Soft Nappa leather that emphasizes quality is used for the seat upholstery on the VS model grade. The auburn-colored Nappa leather seats enhance the interior’s relaxing and sophisticated ambience. The RS model grade features seats jointly developed with RECARO. Based on the black Alcantara seats popular in the soft-top model, they also feature Nappa leather with red accents.
The Roadster RF is powered by the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine. With greater displacement than the engine in the soft-top in Japan, it realizes lithe and refined driving performance that matches the model’s design. The RS model grade offers even more driving fun with a manufacturer-installed option set that includes exclusive seats and Brembo brakes.