New York Auto Show: Mazda MX-5 RF gains fancy metal roof

Mazda’s new variant of the 2016 Wheels Car of the Year MX-5 soft-top roadster is being shown at this week’s New York motor show, revealing a different approach to the previous retractable-hardtop version.

Where the previous, third-generation MX-5 featured a conventional folding metal roof, the RF stows only the middle roof section – with the rear section first lifting as part of the operation before returning to create a look similar to that of sports cars such as the Porsche 911 Targa.

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The set-up includes retractable rear glass to enhance the open-air driving experience, while the roof can be opened or closed at the press of a button up to a driving speed of 10km/h.

Mazda says the RF has the same 130-litre boot space as the Roadster despite the more sophisticated roof system, which will open or close in about 12 seconds – making it potentially the fastest-operating automated roof systems in the world.

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The Japanese brand told WhichCar the three-piece metal roof shouldn’t add too much weight and therefore have minimal effect on performance.

The Mazda MX-5 RF will be offered in Australia with only the bigger, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and the choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, when it arrives in early 2017.

The Roadster includes the choice of a smaller, less powerful 1.5-litre engine.

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Expect the RF to carry a premium of a few thousand dollars over the 2.0L Mazda MX-5 Roadster that costs from $34,490 – meaning a starting price not far below $40K.

The only exterior dimension to change for the RF is a 5mm increase in height, which could be welcome news for taller drivers who find the Roadster’s headroom a touch too tight with the fabric roof in place.

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The roof liner also features increased sound absorption as part of moves to give the RF greater sound insulation.

Globally, Mazda expects the soft-top and hard-top to split MX-5 sales 50/50.

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Click here to read the full review on the Mazda MX-5 range.