Bermaz Motor, the official importer and distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia, has announced the availability of the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) in Malaysia. Based on the MX-5 soft-top sports car, the new model is equipped with a power retractable hardtop roof.
The MX-5 RF is powered by a SkyActiv-G 2.0 petrol engine instead of the 1.5-litre engine found in the soft-top model, and produces 158hp and 200Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed SkyActiv Manual or Automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
In terms of its overall looks, the MX-5 RF features fastback styling with a smooth roofline that curves down to the rear end, and its unique rear roof and retractable back window that offer an open-air feeling.
Just like the soft-top version, this retractable hardtop can also be opened and closed with ease with a flip of a switch. It can achieve an opening/closing time of approximately 13 seconds – the fastest of any electronic retractable hardtop on the market, claimed Mazda – even when the vehicle is in motion (at speeds up to 10km/h). The movements of each of the three roof sections are synchronized and overlapped to achieve smooth, fast operation. On top of that, there’s an animation shown in the meter display while opening and closing of the roof that allows the driver to check the status of the roof.
Stowing the roof efficiently in the limited space available still enables the MX-5 RF to offer almost the same amount of trunk space as the soft-top model. Its roof storage system works very similar to the Porsche 911 Targa roof system where the rear section lifts up and swallows the middle part of the roof, stowing it right behind the rear seats, which is also where the retractable back window slides down. As a result, the MX-5 RF trunk’s capacity of 127-liters is almost exactly the same as that of the soft-top MX-5. It can accommodate up to two carry-on bags (within 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm).
Inside the cabin, the MX-5 RF comes loaded with a 4.6-inch full-colour TFT gauge and a 7-inch MAZDA CONNECT touchscreen infotainment system as well as a 9-speaker BOSE audio system with integrated headrest-mounted speakers. On top of that, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, LED headlights and tail lights are also available as a standard feature in the model.
The MX-5 RF is available in 4 colour choices namely Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Machine Grey (a new model-specific colour for the RF) and Jet Black. It retails for RM235,898 for the manual transmission and RM241,198 for the automatic. Both prices are on-the-road price without insurance.
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