NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mazda MX-5 goes fastback

Mazda has used the New York auto show to reveal a slick fastback look for the retractable hard-top version of its fourth-generation ND MX-5 roadster.

Uniquely, the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) drops a roof panel and rear window glass for an open-top feel at the flick of a switch, but keeps the sloping B-pillar and rear roof section in place to create a Targa-style effect.

It’s a significantly different look to the first powered hard-top launched with the third-generation NC MX-5, which pretty much aped the shape of the soft-top. Before that Mazda offered manually detachable hard-tops with the NA and NB MX-5.

Mazda Australia says the MX-5 RF will hopefully go on sale here this year and certainly within 12 months.

Australian choice will be restricted to the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine, even though the RF will be available internationally with the 1.5 SKYACTIV-G that is offered in the soft-top here.

Mazda says it went for this fastback look and retractable roof system because it wanted to expand the appeal of the MX-5 further from its traditional drop-top loving base. Intriguingly, while the design has been commonly referred to as a coupe in the media, that word appears nowhere in Mazda’s press material.

The fastback style makes this version of the MX-5 a logical competitor for the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ coupes, which also boast rear-wheel drive and a fastback style.

“The basic premise of the soft-top model is top-down driving, and in comparison we expect MX-5 RF owners will spend more time with the top closed,” explained Mazda MX-5 Program Manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto in the press material issued for the NY show.

“So we began development by throwing our thinking into reverse; our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feel when open.

“We asked ourselves what it meant to make a driver’s car with a power-retractable roof, ditched the traditional idea of stowing the entire roof and realized styling that further articulates an iconic sports car design.

“The cabin is luxurious and quiet when closed, and the rear roof produces a completely new open-air driving feel when the top is down. And with the ability to smartly and smoothly transition between the two, the car will provide thrills in any driving conditions.”

Pricing and model structure is yet to be confirmed by Mazda Australia but you can expect both RF and RF GT models with the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and to be offered at a surcharge of only a few per cent over the equivalent soft-tops launched late last year.

Remembering the ND MX-5s enjoyed a significant price reduction compared to the NC, RF pricing should start well under $40,000 and top out below $45,000.

Mazda has strong expectations for the RF internationally and in Australia because the ‘roadster coupe’ was the top-selling NC MX-5, appealing to an older demographic seeking more comfort and quietness.

The fully powered roof can be opened and closed at speeds up to 10km/h and is stowed without eating into the existing 130-litre (DIN) boot. Mazda has not specified how quickly the roof opens and closes, but an official video showed both processes happening in about 10 seconds.

The hard-top consists of front roof, middle roof, rear roof and a vertical sheet of back window glass. When the rear glass is retracted an acrylic aero board acts as a wind blocker. Roof material and any weight gain are not specified in Mazda’s press material.

The RF measures up identically to the soft-top in terms of an overall 3915mm length, 1735mm width and 2310mm wheelbase, but it is 5mm taller at 1245mm.

“To convey the fun and charm of the MX-5 experience to a larger, more diverse range of people rather than just sports car fans, I felt the MX-5 RF must embody natural beauty and not attempt to attract attention by merely being different,” Mazda MX-5 Chief Designer Masashi Nakayama said.

“This led me to quickly decide to adopt fastback styling. The rub was that this also became the biggest hurdle in designing the MX-5 RF. It may not look like it at a glance, but this is a car with a retractable roof!

“It’s a car that lets drivers enjoy the pleasure of open-air driving along with a unique sense of being ensconced securely in the cabin!”

Both the suspension and electric-assist power steering have been retuned for the RF. Mazda says that’s to ensure it retains the same lively driving performance as the soft-top while also delivering “relaxing comfort and refined ride”.

An exterior option will be a new ‘Machine Gray’ colour using Mazda’s new three-coat paint structure. A new soft-touch Auburn-coloured Nappa leather trim won't be coming to Australia.

New equipment includes the i-ACTIVESENSE safety package that incorporates blind-spot monitoring and high-beam control.

A new interior design feature is a dedicated 4.6-inch color TFT LCD screen that displays an animation of the roof when it is opening or closing.

The MX-5 has now been on sale for more than 25 years and has become the world’s most popular sports car. It will soon top the one million mark in global production volume.