Before Biggie Smalls hit the grave he once chanted, “mo money, mo problems”. And when Mazda revealed the fourth MX-5 with a price straight out of 1989 to spark a newfound sales spike, it proved the rapper’s adage somewhat true.

However, without wanting to lose buyers who were willing to pay $50K for a more premium roadster, it also developed the RF for its latest generation: a quieter, slightly softer, hard-top MX-5 that brought a premium feel and price.

MORE Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota 86 comparison

We’ve seen these tasty bits installed on regular MX-5s overseas, but Mazda Australia’s dipping its toes in with 110 absolute top-of-the-line examples. They represent the biggest upgrade to the mite-fighter since the 2.0-litre arrived, the sole powertrain offered here with 118kW and 200Nm at its disposal from a six-speed manual.

Flair’s exactly what you’ll find inside too. The adjustable Recaros don’t disappoint. Their chunky look brings amazing comfort and support (big blokes might struggle, though), helping you feel settled in the roadster compared to the flat standard seats.

In fact, the driving experience hasn’t much changed at all. There’s a touch more of everything – turn in, grip, response – to eight tenths, to help the RF handle more like its lighter, lower centre-of-gravity soft top sibling. The Brembos also give the middle pedal a more secure feel, and add more control to its progression.

Steady the whip and the MX-5’s handling nous rises to the surface. Clear, crisp steering commands one of the most agile chassis on sale. And with a spread of grip no bigger than a mobility scooter’s, the RF LE feels like it could thread through a needle, as long as there’s an equal spread of weight on those Bridgestones.

MORE Why Mazda shuns turbos

For us, the RF GT Limited Edition will satisfy those who don’t want to compromise on a single thing when it comes to their MX-5. But don’t expect a marked transformation. For $7K more than the non-LE variant, you get more looks than performance.

We’ll have to wait and see if Mazda offer this package on a soft-top 2.0-litre in the future to reveal both the car’s and parts’ true potential.

2018 MAZDA MX-5 RF LIMITED EDITION SPECS: Engine: 1998cc 4cyl, DOHC, 16v Power: 118kW @ 6000rpm Torque: 200Nm @ 4600rpm Weight: 1080kg 0-100km/h: 6.6sec (estimated) Price: $55,670 (drive-away) Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars