Test Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 160 CV: The union of man and machine (with video)

Jinba Ittai, or the union of man and horse, is a philosophy that Mazda applies to every model in its entire range. The MX-5 is probably the best fit for her. Entering a model as mythical as this one is a ritual, but not a sinister one, one that leaves a good taste in the mouth, one with a happy beginning and ending.

The Mazda MX-5, like a select few like the Toyota GT86 or the Nissan 370Z, it is a rare bird. Its engine is atmospheric, a type of propellant that is gradually being eliminated from the market. In addition, it is rear-wheel drive, and it is on the same rear axle, where we find a limited-slip differential that will be one of those responsible for equipping the known as miata, of the touch to make it one of the best cars to enjoy driving.

The RF option –Retractable Fastback– was produced for satisfy those potential customers that they were not convinced by the canvas top format. In my opinion, Mazda was completely right because it not only recovered the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé that we could see in the third generation, but only increased the weight by 47 kilograms, which reduces the difference between the two variants of the well-known sports car. Japanese.

Kodo as design line

If there's one thing I like about Mazda, it's the homogeneity of its forms in all its models. They are not copies of each other, but share elements that make it easy to recognize that the model we are looking at belongs to the Japanese house. The only sports car in the entire current range of Mazda was not going to be less.

The front is characterized by a strong and elegant appearance. This personality is provided by the tear-shaped LEDs, which are complemented by the large grille where the brand logo rests. The headlights, which incorporate the adaptive front lighting system (AFS), turn the light source depending on the position of the steering wheel and the speed at which we drive to offer a safer drive. On the sides, above some air intakes that serve to cool the brakes, we find a pair of daytime LEDs.

On the side, the silhouette of the Mazda MX-5 RF predominates. The lines of the targa transform it into a Miata Coupe, something we appreciate that Mazda has brought back. If we focus on the front end, we'll see how sloping the hood is and how big it looks relative to the rest of the car. In the area of ​​the passenger compartment we will realize that the car is really very small, since the seats are located very close to the rear axle. Personally, I find the coupé silhouette of this RF spectacular, giving it a sportier and more aggressive look than the canvas variant.

in the rear, that fierce and aggressive look that reigns throughout the car disappears. The tail with two outlets for the exhaust pipe stands out, which will provide us with a very racing sound and not very serious, a sound that fits the MX-5 RF. On the other hand, we will find the rear lights, which, in my opinion, are quite different from the design lines of the car and seem to be placed without giving it much importance. At least that's the feeling they convey to me.

The exterior design of the Mazda MX-5 RF has changed considerably from the previous generation, the third, and modernized it adopting the Kodo design line, an aesthetic set that gives it the right aggressiveness and sportsmanship.

A very neat interior

If you've ever ridden in a late-generation Mazda, you'll quickly realize that its interior is well built. In the case of the Mazda MX-5, despite its small cabin, it is. The first thing we will notice when we get on the small targa is the quality of its seats. Some seats that, although they are not signed by any manufacturer, are of good quality and are finished in Nappa leather –available only in the version we tested-.

The steering wheel, finished in leather, offers a very pleasant feeling and places all the necessary controls so that the driver does not lose concentration looking for buttons on the dashboard. The gear lever offers a very comfortable metallic feel to the hand –unless you have parked with the top down in the middle of August, we do not recommend it– and the numbers for all six gears are driver-oriented, a detail that demonstrates the passion and care that Mazda has put into building the MX-5.

Dashboard looks clean and locate the touch screen –up to 30km/h per hour– and three wheels that will serve to adjust the air conditioning. The air outlet nozzles are very well built, being able to regulate the flow by turning a small wheel in the center of them. It is a detail reminiscent of premium brands and it is appreciated that Mazda has incorporated them into most of its models.

Following through the center console, we will find a fairly large object holder hole for what the measurements of the passenger compartment are. Below the wheel to navigate the infotainment system, we find one of the negative aspects in the interior design of the Mazda MX-5. It is common in several models of the brand to include a roulette for volume adjustment, which if in vehicles in which we have more space in the passenger compartment they already constitute an impediment, in the MX-5 it is something that is aggravated. We will have to juggle to access it. Below the volume control is a small glove box.

The rear of the passenger compartment is difficult to access once we are seated. It has a large glove compartment where, in addition to storing the car's documentation, it will allow us to store objects that may come in handy along the way. It also has two very useful cup holders, although they may bother us if we are somewhat aggressive with movements when changing gear.

in the passenger compartment a glove box in the co-driver's position is sorely missing, which we imagine is not located in that position due to space issues. On the other hand, the companion will have a hole where he can locate the coaster for better accessibility to it.

Two negative points that perhaps cannot be seen with the naked eye is that the steering wheel lacks adjustment in depth. This will mean that we have to adjust to the position of the Mazda MX-5, instead of him to us. People who are taller than 1.85 meters will have a hard time, not to get into the car, but to configure their driving position.

On the other hand, the transmission tunnel is wide, and perhaps someone may find it annoying to have a protrusion near the pedals – the same thing happens on the passenger side. But this is not the biggest drawback, since I don't know if it is because of the test model or it is something generalized, but the transmission tunnel gets hot enough to be annoying in the area of ​​the center console closest to the passenger.

An engine according to the car

Mazda is a company with character. Unlike many car manufacturers, which use turbocharged engines, those from Hiroshima are clear about it, and bet on their Skyactiv engines, atmospheric propellants that, unlike what was expected before this bet from the Japanese brand, have worked for them And they work really well for them.

The Mazda MX-5, both hardtop and canvas versions, it has two motors. The first is a 1.5-liter that produces 131 hp, available only in the most basic finish. The second, which is the engine that we were able to test, is a 2.0-liter 160 hp.

The gasoline engines that Mazda uses for all of its models, not just the MX-5, they are high compression atmospheric -13:1– and they have the technology developed by the Japanese firm called Skyactiv.

Despite being an atmospheric, the brand has reinforced the torque in the low and medium rev range, and that is something that is quite noticeable, since it is not lazy at all in that band of laps. From 1.500 rpm we will have a live car, and it will not be necessary to downshift to overtake, for example.

At 4.500 rpm, the Mazda's engine transforms. It sounds a little more and we will notice that we have more power instantly. It will finally be at 6.000 rpm when it gives us its full potential, the 160 hp available to this 2.0-liter engine.

To transmit the force, Mazda uses two types of transmissions. The first is a 6-speed manual, which we recommend. Shifting gears in the Mazda MX-5 is a delight thanks to its mechanical feel and short, direct shifts. Without a doubt, we will feel in harmony with the car. The second is an automatic transmission, which, short of being able to test it, I doubt will be as suitable for this type of vehicle as the manual variant. As a curiosity, it is only available for the RF version, the 2.0-liter engine and Europe.

Consumption

By not having a turbo system that helps in low and medium revolutions, perhaps it spends a little more than we could expect. Even so, the consumption of the Mazda MX-5 is quite restrained. Its fuel tank is 45 liters.

Jinba Ittai always present

To speak of the Mazda MX-5 RF is to speak of precision, lightness and sportiness, three aspects that were taken into account in the birth of the first MX-5 in 1989. The Japanese firm sought to produce a car similar to the English sports cars, such as the Lotus, but somewhat more affordable for the public. With these three premises, the one that until now is the best-selling roadster in the world emerged.

But… what makes an MX-5 special? It is a small, light, agile car and on top of that its price is not exorbitant. In addition, it has a self-locking differential that will be our greatest ally on twisty roads, an environment where the Mazda MX-5 is very comfortable. Driving an MX-5 in the open on a road of this type is not just another experience, it is the experience. You forget about horses and supercars, and focus on what the car transmits to you.

Quick and short changes, the mechanical feel of the gearbox, the efficiency of the 2.0-liter engine at low revs, without a doubt, is something difficult to explain. It will be on these types of curvy roads where you feel in tune with the car. Its 160 hp are enough not to get out of legal speeds and still enjoy driving.

In the city things change, although not too much. Yes, it is true that its suspension is hard, it has to be to be competent in curves, but it is not uncomfortable, I mean. When it comes to taking speed bumps or taking an unwanted pothole, the MX-5 is not annoying, and absorbs the irregularities of the pavement well.

On the other hand, we will have to keep a close eye on the state of the road since we may give ourselves the odd surprise if we accelerate abruptly, since, despite having active traction control, oversteer may act. It is not something serious since the Mazda MX-5 RF is a very manageable car, but it will have to be taken into account.

With the top closed, the noise of the wind when we drive on the highway it will be slightly higher to what we could find in any car, but it will not be annoying at all. This is one of the advantages compared to the variant with a canvas roof. Driving at 120 km/h on a highway with the hood open can be somewhat annoying, especially if we are going to travel many kilometers. We will not hear our co-pilot, we will have to turn up the volume on the radio and, although not too much, we will feel the wind, but that is what a convertible is for, right?

small but equipped

The little Japanese convertible is available in six trim levels: Style, Luxury, Style+, Luxury Sport, Luxury Nappa and Ignition.

The interior of Nappa Edition stands out for its leather finish.either. The seats are lined with this material, while the dashboard incorporates plastics with imitation leather of good quality. There are no creaks and the construction is well done.

As for securityThe Mazda MX-5 RF Nappa has an involuntary lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. The optics incorporate directional technology, which turns the light beams in the direction in which we turn the steering wheel, as well as a control system for long-range lights that will prevent us from bothering cars coming from the opposite direction.

Conclusion

The Mazda MX-5 is one of a kind. There are cars that have the same characteristics: naturally aspirated engine -even more powerful-, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential, good tuning... but the mythical Miata is a rare bird. Whether it's its short length or the feeling of freedom when driving it, Mazda has made us become one with it.

Despite having negative points such as the inexistence of in-depth adjustment of the steering wheel or poorly located controls for the infotainment system, if you are looking for a car with these characteristics, you will only find this one. Short, light, agile and moderately priced With respect to its rivals, they are the strengths of a Mazda MX-5 that after 28 years since its presentation, continues to hit hard.

Equipment of the Mazda MX-5 RF

Style

• On-board computer
• MZD Connect system with 7-inch touch screen
• Sound system with 6 speakers
• Steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls
• Air Conditioning
• Cruise control
• Power windows
• Full-LED headlights
• Heated and electric mirrors
• DSC with traction control

Styling +

• DAB digital radio
• Leather upholstery
• Heated Seats
• Automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• rain sensor and lights
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

Luxury

• All previous
• Navigator
• Bose sound system with 9 speakers
• smart keyless access
• rear parking sensors
• High Beam Control (HBC)
• Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Directional Lighting System (AFLS)

Luxury Sports

• All previous
• RECARO seats
• i-Stop and i-Eloop
• Body-color exterior mirrors
• anti-torsion bar
• Self-locking differential
• Bilstein sport suspension

Luxury Nappa

• All previous
• Brown nappa leather seats
• Dashboard centerline in nappa leather
• Interior door trim in nappa leather
• Leather upholstery

Ignition

• All previous
• RECARO seats
• Dashboard in Alcantara
• Door mirrors in Piano Black
• Piano Black roof
• anti-torsion bar
• Bilstein sport suspension

Mazda MX-5 RF prices

Editor's opinion

Mazda MX-5 RF Gallery