Mazda Miata RF Hardtop: Pros and Cons
▼ Summary
– The Mazda Miata has been a popular, affordable rear-wheel-drive roadster known for its driving thrills since its 1989 debut.
– The current fourth-generation model maintains the classic formula with a lightweight build, a four-cylinder engine, and minimalist design.
– Due to a limited market for two-seat sports cars, Mazda introduced the RF (Retractable Fastback) hard-top version to broaden the Miata’s appeal.
– The RF model, a folding hard-top variant, has been available in the United States since 2017.
– Choosing between the traditional soft-top and the RF model involves weighing distinct pros and cons that may not all be immediately obvious.
For decades, the Mazda Miata has offered an accessible gateway to pure driving enjoyment, combining a lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, and a responsive four-cylinder engine into an iconic roadster package. Now in its fourth generation, the model continues this legacy. To broaden its appeal, Mazda introduced the RF, or Retractable Fastback, variant, a clever hardtop version that aims to blend open-air freedom with coupe-like refinement. Choosing between the classic soft-top and this newer model involves weighing several practical and experiential factors.
The most significant advantage of the RF is its enhanced refinement and security. The folding metal roof provides a noticeably quieter cabin when raised, effectively muffling wind and road noise compared to the fabric soft-top. This makes highway cruising and daily commuting more comfortable. Owners also appreciate the added peace of mind from a solid roof, which can feel more secure in various weather conditions and when parked.
Aesthetically, the RF presents a unique profile. When the roof is up, it adopts a sleek, fastback silhouette that many find more sophisticated and modern than the traditional roadster look. The mechanical ballet of the roof retracting or deploying is an engineering spectacle in itself, adding a layer of theatrical flair to the open-air experience.
However, this complexity introduces its own set of considerations. The retraction mechanism adds weight and reduces cargo space. The RF is slightly heavier than the soft-top, which can have a minuscule impact on the car’s agile, tossable feel, a core Miata virtue. More tangibly, the storage well for the folded roof panels eats into the already limited trunk space, making packing for a weekend trip even more of a puzzle.
Another key trade-off is the open-air experience. While the RF offers a satisfying open-top feel, it is not a true convertible. The fixed rear buttresses and side rails remain in place, creating a distinct “targa top” style. Some drivers love this look and the reduced wind buffeting it can provide, but purists seeking the completely unobstructed, full-sky view of the soft-top might find it somewhat confined.
Finally, cost is a decisive factor. The RF model carries a premium over the standard soft-top. This price difference must be justified by the buyer’s value placed on the hardtop’s advantages in noise insulation, security, and style. For those who prioritize minimal weight, maximum simplicity, and the purest convertible experience, the classic soft-top remains a compelling and often more affordable choice.
Ultimately, the Miata RF is a brilliant engineering compromise that successfully attracts buyers wanting a blend of coupe comfort and open-air fun. Your decision hinges on what you value most: the added refinement and sleek style of the hardtop, or the lightweight purity and total openness of the traditional roadster. Both versions deliver the essential, joyful Miata driving spirit at their core.
(Source: jalopnik)
