Mazda’s lightweight two-seater for those who just love to drive

Even on a bitterly cold day with the right head gear and the heating turned to maximum, there is a certain thrill to driving a convertible with the roof down.

In Barcelona last week the temperatures were several degrees lower than they were at home but, it was dry and sunny and the Mazda MX-5 RF needed to be tested in all its glory.

The full name; Mazda MX-5 Retractable Fastback will officially launch in Ireland the first week of February. It differs from the roadster in that the roof is metal and it folds up just behind the rear screen to open the skies and let in the sun. This lightweight two-seater features an eye-catching fastback design with a three-piece power retractable roof that open in just 13 seconds.

There are two engines available in the line up. A 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine with 160ps will join the 131ps 1.5-litre engine which is already available in the MX-5 Roadster. The more powerful engine will be available in the GT grade and features a limited slip differential and 17-inch wheels as well as Bilstein dampers and strut brace, which they say will further enhance the dynamic set up.

There will be two grade levels with the Mazda MX-5 RF. Across the range the MX-5 RF features alloy wheels, LED headlights, MZD Connect, Cruise Control plus Automatic Air Conditioning.  Mazda MX-5 RF GT models with the 1.5-litre engine are distinguished by 16-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels and piano black wing mirrors while the 2.0-litre GT is differentiated by 17-inch bright alloys wheels and body coloured wing mirrors. Both engines in the higher spec also feature rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, 9 Premium Bose Surround-Sound and heated leather seats.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.