2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: Folding Fastback Fun Starts at $32,390

by Steph Willems

Published: October 5th, 2016

2017 mazda mx 5 rf folding fastback fun starts at 32 390

Mazda has kicked off presale orders for its 2017 MX-5 RF, the “retractable fastback” that gives would-be convertible buyers an extra feature to help win their spouse’s support.

Introduced to salivating journalists at the New York Auto Show, the model starts at $32,390 (including a $835 destination charge) in Club trim — a $2,955 increase over a 2016 MX-5 Club.

The model blends elements of the convertible and the defunct coupe, employing a targa-style retractable roof for partial al fresco motoring. Powertrain components are borrowed, unchanged, from the raved-about MX-5. Because this is a Pure Sports Car, a six-speed manual transmission comes standard; opting for the six-speed automatic tacks an extra $730 to the entry price.

The first orders are devoted to the high-end Launch Edition variant, with first dibs on the 1,000 unit allotment reserved for Miata loyalists. That model retails for $34,685 with a manual, or $35,760 with an automatic. Surprisingly, Mazda claims there’s still some available.

Buyers looking for a less exclusive ride will have to wait until the full range of RFs arrive in early 2017. The model stands apart from its cloth-topped siblings with a 4.6-inch TFT gauge, blind spot monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (which shows up on all 2017 MX-5 Club models), and seven-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system. A Bose nine-speaker stereo incorporates speakers built into the vehicle’s headrests, meaning your retro iPod mix won’t disappear into the slipstream.

MX-5 RF Club models equipped with a manual transmission can be optioned with a Brembo/BBS Package. That loot bag, which includes side sill body extensions, a front shock-tower brace, grippier brakes and lightweight 17-inch wheels, brings the vehicle’s price to $35,790.

Uplevel Grand Touring-spec MX-5 RFs start at $33,455, with automatic models retailing for $34,660.

#2017MazdaMX-5RF #Convertibles #Mazda #MazdaMiata #MazdaMx-5 #MazdaMx-5Rf #NewModels #Pricing #Sportscars

Steph Willems

More by Steph Willems

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 43 comments

Duffman13 on Oct 06, 2016

Personally, I thought the RF Miata offered a benefit over the soft-top: The abilty to do a track day without the requirement to gut the rear plastics and install an aftermarket rollbar. I know I'm in the minority with that opinion, but take it for what it is. Seeing this pricing, it just doesn't make sense to me, particularly at $35k for the Brembo/BBS option. For The same money you could buy a BRZ with the new Brembo/sachs/wheels package at sticker price and have money left over to get yourself a decent condition NA or NB for some top-down fun.

Like Reply
Kato on Oct 06, 2016

I too fail to see the point of this thing. I predict it will have limited appeal and low sales. They should build a Miata coupe ala MGBGT or Z3 coupe. It would have most of the appeal of a Miata and be way more practical.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Honda1 Unions were needed back in the early days, not needed know. There are plenty of rules and regulations and government agencies that keep companies in line. It's just a money grad and nothing more. Fain is a punk!
1995 SC If the necessary number of employees vote to unionize then yes, they should be unionized. That's how it works.
Sobhuza Trooper That Dave Thomas fella sounds like the kind of twit who is oh-so-quick to tell us how easy and fun the bus is for any and all of your personal transportation needs. The time to get to and from the bus stop is never a concern. The time waiting for the bus is never a concern. The time waiting for a connection (if there is one) is never a concern. The weather is never a concern. Whatever you might be carrying or intend to purchase is never a concern. Nope, Boo Cars! Yeah Buses! Buses rule!Needless to say, these twits don't actual take the damn bus.
MaintenanceCosts Nobody here seems to acknowledge that there are multiple use cases for cars.Some people spend all their time driving all over the country and need every mile and minute of time savings. ICE cars are better for them right now.Some people only drive locally and fly when they travel. For them, there's probably a range number that works, and they don't really need more. For the uses for which we use our EV, that would be around 150 miles. The other thing about a low range requirement is it can make 120V charging viable. If you don't drive more than an average of about 40 miles/day, you can probably get enough electrons through a wall outlet. We spent over two years charging our Bolt only through 120V, while our house was getting rebuilt, and never had an issue.Those are extremes. There are all sorts of use cases in between, which probably represent the majority of drivers. For some users, what's needed is more range. But I think for most users, what's needed is better charging. Retrofit apartment garages like Tim's with 240V outlets at every spot. Install more L3 chargers in supermarket parking lots and alongside gas stations. Make chargers that work like Tesla Superchargers as ubiquitous as gas stations, and EV charging will not be an issue for most users.
MaintenanceCosts I don't have an opinion on whether any one plant unionizing is the right answer, but the employees sure need to have the right to organize. Unions or the credible threat of unionization are the only thing, history has proven, that can keep employers honest. Without it, we've seen over and over, the employers have complete power over the workers and feel free to exploit the workers however they see fit. (And don't tell me "oh, the workers can just leave" - in an oligopolistic industry, working conditions quickly converge, and there's not another employer right around the corner.)