So, this or a BRZ/86/FR-S? Or is it a no-brainer?
We're big fans of the Mazda MX-5. Now Mazda went and put a retractable fastback on their fourth-generation car. So, does it kill the roadster spirit or does it make the car that much better?
Our test car was a Grand Touring model, which meant it came standard niceties like leather heated seats, navigation, heated mirrors, automatic headlights and many other convenience features.
First off, the important part: I think the hardtop MX-5 is extraordinarily good looking. Sure, it’s got too much fender gap, but that’s nothing a set of lowering springs can’t fix in an afternoon.
Next, the sad part: Despite costing extra, weighing more, and having a solid roof, the RF seemed to have just as much wind and road noise as the normal MX-5. That was a huge disappointment, and it’s why I prefer the cheaper, lighter, less-complicated, fabric-roofed Miata. Aside from the different roof, the RF seemed exactly like the standard car—which is one of the best compliments I could give it.
I'm a huge fan of Mazda's latest Mx-5—aren't we all?
I also love that they added a retractable fastback to the line for the MX-5. It looks stunning. While driving it I was stopped by more than a couple people asking what the car was.
It may be a touch heavier on paper, but in real life it's just as fun to drive as its convertible counterpart. However, the Sport trim—the most affordable trim available in convertible form—is not available with this retractible fastback. That means prices start higher: $31,555 to be exact.
It may not cut down on wind noise as much as you might hope, but I'm okay with that. It's a Miata after all. Some wind or road noise doesn't bother me much in a basic roadster. It's all part of the experience.
My final impression on the MX-5 RF? Two thumbs way up. I would choose it over the convertible version.
I was so looking forward to driving this. In fact, I had it all lined up for Mazdapalooza.
So, what happened? I broke my arm. No driving, no nothing. I couldn’t even do the event as spectator. (Since they couldn’t put a cast on my arm, I could only stand very limited trips in a car.)
I did get to ride in the RF as a passenger, though. Even with my left arm in a sling, the MX-5 RF worked well. I could still get in, buckle my seatbelt and enjoy the ride. Yay, me.
I see Tom's comments regarding wind noise. Is that an isolated issue with our car or a larger issue? Honestly, I'd love some more seat time before I pass judgement--you know, in the name of science.
Is it the perfect MX-5? Man, it’s close. Yes, the Club is going to be the one that you want for autocross, but as a daily, the RF in Grand Touring trim is totally worth a look.
So, this or a BRZ/86/FR-S? Or is it a no-brainer?
I haven't driven one yet, but I did sit in one. If you are of a somewhat larger size, you may want to look at a BRZ. It was cramped way more than I was expecting. It's the nicest Miata I've ever been in, and made my '93 pretty dated, but the '93 has more room. I was a bit disappointed in that regard. I'm sure it drives great however. This one was sold so they wouldn't let me find out. 
I sat in one at the dealership. It fits and feels very much like my '96 with high-back race seats and big fat dual-diagonal rollbar, except much nicer inside. I could get pretty comfortable in one. I'm trying to get DW to consider one to replace her TSX next year, since we don't both need 4 doors on a daily basis any more.
I would trade the FRS for that in a heartbeat. Bet it hits close to $50k all-in here in Canukland
I love the RF. It's actually got me seriously considering selling my turbo 1990 and picking one up. It's not the car that's stopping me but the thought of a car payment :)
Interesting that Mazda sent you a GT. And also interesting that you didn't mention the massive improvement in the steering - much better self-centering at the straight-ahead and better calibrated assist. The RF is a better handling car than the soft top. And apparently all the time was spent on the Club, which is the weaker of the two soft top chassis in my opinion. C'mon guys, you did drive the car more than just up and down the highway, right?
I think they're sensitive to window adjustment, which can add some wuffling right beside your ears. And if you actually check the decibel level in the interior, I think it's quieter. Just like older Miatas with hardtops, the actual noise level is lower but you don't realize it until you notice that the stereo isn't turned up so loud. IIRC, I saw a drop when I measured ours at highway cruise.
David S. Wallens wrote: So, this or a BRZ/86/FR-S? Or is it a no-brainer?
Likely height dependent. At 6'2, I'm claustrophobic in the RF with the top up. In the 86 I fit great.
IIRC the RF loses 3/4" of headroom over the soft top - tops up, of course. And it's looking very much like a roll bar is not possible.
I was at the mazda dealer for the takata recall on my 6 and checked out the RF. It was beautiful. But all six Miatas at the dealer were automatics. That seemed so strange to me. Like finding a bunch of 2wd jeep wranglers in a row.
Is the RF considered a convertible for track purposes?
Is that a rollbar behind the seats like the convertible has?
I would consider it a convertible. That top is not structural. It has the same roll hoops as the convertible.
We're looking at doing an upgraded version of the stock hoops - a proper bar made of DOM steel and attaching at the (strong) stock locations. No rear braces, though. There's nowhere for them to go.
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