[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/sports-performance-and-prestige-cars\/hard-top-mazda-mx-5\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/sports-performance-and-prestige-cars\/hard-top-mazda-mx-5\/","headline":"A Hard Top Mazda MX-5","name":"A Hard Top Mazda MX-5","description":"The third-gen MX-5 roadster was only available with an electronically-operated hard-top, which sucked for many reasons. It added unnecessary weight, which for a low-powered sports car isn\u2019t ideal, and getting the roof down took more time – a full 15 seconds by our timer. There still seems to be demand for the old tin-top though and Mazda aims to satisfy this part of the market early next year with the launch of the MX-5 RF (short for \u2018Retractable Fastback\u2019). A […]","datePublished":"2016-10-10","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/feature-11.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/feature-11.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/sports-performance-and-prestige-cars\/hard-top-mazda-mx-5\/","about":["Mazda","Sports, Performance & Prestige Cars"],"wordCount":342,"keywords":["mazda","Mazda CX-5","Mazda MX-5","Mazda6","MX-5 RF","MX-5 roadster","porsche 911 targa"],"articleBody":"The third-gen MX-5 roadster was only available with an electronically-operated hard-top, which sucked for many reasons. It added unnecessary weight, which for a low-powered sports car isn\u2019t ideal, and getting the roof down took more time – a full 15 seconds by our timer.There still seems to be demand for the old tin-top though and Mazda aims to satisfy this part of the market early next year with the launch of the MX-5 RF (short for \u2018Retractable Fastback\u2019).A fabric soft-top is fine during the warmer months but come frostier climes, a hard-top has its advantages when fending off the elements. That\u2019s why the RF is expected to make up the bulk of MX-5 sales in the UK.The roof works in a similar way to that of the Porsche 911 Targa. Rather than folding away the entire roof, just the central section directly above the occupants is peeled back to leave the coupe-like rear section in place.The roof can be operated at speeds up to 6mph and when the top is lowered, the front and middle portions are stowed together, while the rear glass sits behind the seats, leaving the rear roof section in place to create a unique open-topped look.Engine choice remains the same as the regular MX-5, comprising the 129bhp 1.5 and 160bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines. In the conventional MX-5, these units hit 62mph in 8.3 and 7.3 seconds respectively, but the extra weight of the hard-top is expected to add about a fifth of a second.While the soft-top was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the RF will be offered with a six-speed automatic too. Lumping an auto gearbox into the MX-5 hasn\u2019t been particularly successful in the past, resulting in a slower less reliable car, but after the auto-variants of the CX-5 and Mazda6, we\u2019re more optimistic this time.Prices start from \u00a322,195 for the entry-level 1.5-litre model, reaching \u00a328,995 for the two-litre Launch Edition, numbered to 500 units with exclusive styling and equipment. The first models will be handed over to their UK owners from March 2017."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Sports Performance And Prestige Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/\/sports-performance-and-prestige-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"A Hard Top Mazda MX-5","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/sports-performance-and-prestige-cars\/hard-top-mazda-mx-5\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]