By purism, its implementation and its interpretation is indeed such a thing. For some, a Rolls-Royce is too puristic. Because he can not drive partly autonomously and because the massages are missing. For the other, a Caterham is simply not purist enough. After all, he has doors and even a buttoned leather top. Discussions are always present. However, the Mazda MX-5 is also a model for the Mazda MX-5. True fans of the purist Roadster swear by the hand-foldable fabric roof, a manual transmission and as few assistance systems as possible. Now there is the Mazda MX-5 RF, which seems to break with all these comfort-negating features. How much purism does the coupé roadster still have? Time for a test.
Comfortable interior ... with deductions
comfort? Yes, but moment. First get in peace. In the beginning, it is directly and unequivocally stated that the MX-5 RF should not be really bigger than 1.85 meters. I am with my 1.87 meters have namely problems with the space conditions inside. My knees make a familiarity with the dashboard, the head snuggles to the roof. My passenger a few centimeters smaller passenger does not have these problems. He feels comfortable on the standard leather chair, which is also available as a nappa version or in a sportier Recaro version with Alcantara. Back to me, because at least for my unconsciousness there is still remedy. Now in the form of the electric hardtop. Not really puristic, right. Or is it?
comfort? Yes, but moment. First get in peace. In the beginning, it is directly and unequivocally stated that the MX-5 RF should not be really bigger than 1.85 meters. I am with my 1.87 meters have namely problems with the space conditions inside. My knees make a familiarity with the dashboard, the head snuggles to the roof. My passenger a few centimeters smaller passenger does not have these problems. He feels comfortable on the standard leather chair, which is also available as a nappa version or in a sportier Recaro version with Alcantara. Back to me, because at least for my unconsciousness there is still remedy. Now in the form of the electric hardtop. Not really puristic, right. Or is it?
The "Retractable Fastback"
Unlike the previous model, Mazda has not simply replaced the cloth cap by a fixed roof. Curtain on for the abbreviation "RF". It means "Retractable Fastback". This addition explains the massive C-pillars behind the seats, which run flat and are not sunk into the trunk. The luggage volume remains thus with hand-luggage-compatible 127 liters. The roof itself consists of a mixture of steel, aluminum and plastic and opens or closes by pushing the button. The very graceful ballet of convertible parts works up to a speed of 10 km / h and lasts 13 seconds. In open-air condition, the RF feels a little bit like a Targa, which has also been deprived of its rear window. Real Convertible Feeling? Goes so. The rugged sound from the two-lobed tailpipe is so much more effective, but a bonnet is enough to withstand the almost penetrating elements like cold and wind.
Unlike the previous model, Mazda has not simply replaced the cloth cap by a fixed roof. Curtain on for the abbreviation "RF". It means "Retractable Fastback". This addition explains the massive C-pillars behind the seats, which run flat and are not sunk into the trunk. The luggage volume remains thus with hand-luggage-compatible 127 liters. The roof itself consists of a mixture of steel, aluminum and plastic and opens or closes by pushing the button. The very graceful ballet of convertible parts works up to a speed of 10 km / h and lasts 13 seconds. In open-air condition, the RF feels a little bit like a Targa, which has also been deprived of its rear window. Real Convertible Feeling? Goes so. The rugged sound from the two-lobed tailpipe is so much more effective, but a bonnet is enough to withstand the almost penetrating elements like cold and wind.
Large aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive and tight corners
while there is the normal MX-5 with a 131-hp 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter 160-hp version, this engine question does not even arise in RF. Here (at least in Germany) only the larger unit is used, which can optionally be equipped with the crisp manual six-speed gearbox blessed with extremely short gearshifts or for the first time with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine power is exclusively reserved for the rear wheels. How does the whole thing go? For this we choose the version with manual switching. In the fastest way we leave the airport of Barcelona behind us and soon leave the motorway in the direction of a national park. There is not only little traffic, but also narrow streets with many curves and bends. Perfect terrain for the MX-5 RF? Perfect terrain for the MX-5 RF!
while there is the normal MX-5 with a 131-hp 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter 160-hp version, this engine question does not even arise in RF. Here (at least in Germany) only the larger unit is used, which can optionally be equipped with the crisp manual six-speed gearbox blessed with extremely short gearshifts or for the first time with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine power is exclusively reserved for the rear wheels. How does the whole thing go? For this we choose the version with manual switching. In the fastest way we leave the airport of Barcelona behind us and soon leave the motorway in the direction of a national park. There is not only little traffic, but also narrow streets with many curves and bends. Perfect terrain for the MX-5 RF? Perfect terrain for the MX-5 RF!
A coherent package?
There is no need to worry about an increased center of gravity and excessive body movements at the RF. The hardtop version with an empty weight of 1,045 kilograms is only 45 kilos heavier than the counterpart with fabric cap. Whether softtop or RF version, the MX-5 is a very agile and asphalt-sticking car. In 7.4 seconds it goes from zero to 100 km / h. The top speed is 215 km / h. What a bit wrong with the curling? The Electronic. I just want to drive from time to time. No problem, because the factory installed ESP can be switched off. From this point on you have to catch the fast tail. Mechanical components such as the precise steering (unfortunately, the steering wheel can not be adjusted in depth) and the locking differential. Pure fun that does not even cost so much fuel. According to the data sheet, our test car is expected to reach a standard consumption of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers. Our on-board computer showed up on the mountain a researcher approach, a little highway and city traffic a fair liter more.
There is no need to worry about an increased center of gravity and excessive body movements at the RF. The hardtop version with an empty weight of 1,045 kilograms is only 45 kilos heavier than the counterpart with fabric cap. Whether softtop or RF version, the MX-5 is a very agile and asphalt-sticking car. In 7.4 seconds it goes from zero to 100 km / h. The top speed is 215 km / h. What a bit wrong with the curling? The Electronic. I just want to drive from time to time. No problem, because the factory installed ESP can be switched off. From this point on you have to catch the fast tail. Mechanical components such as the precise steering (unfortunately, the steering wheel can not be adjusted in depth) and the locking differential. Pure fun that does not even cost so much fuel. According to the data sheet, our test car is expected to reach a standard consumption of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers. Our on-board computer showed up on the mountain a researcher approach, a little highway and city traffic a fair liter more.
Does the automatic sense?
Let's get to the automatic: the option seems to be superfluous at first sight, but Mazda wants to reach with the RF probably also customers who are looking for a long distance sportsman, or who likes the 3.92 meter long car also like in the stop and go- Traffic of a major city. In any case, we can not blame the manufacturer for letting the circuit through the heart of Barcelona with the self-switching counterpart. More comfortable than constant gear changes by hand is the well-coordinated automaton in any case. And if it is to be a bit more sporty, you can still choose a sportier approach of the gearbox by pressing the pushbutton or simply change into the manual lane and switch with the rockers behind the steering wheel. Fun is certainly the manual option, yes, but that according to Mazda only a few lousy percent of European customers want an automatic, we can not imagine.
Let's get to the automatic: the option seems to be superfluous at first sight, but Mazda wants to reach with the RF probably also customers who are looking for a long distance sportsman, or who likes the 3.92 meter long car also like in the stop and go- Traffic of a major city. In any case, we can not blame the manufacturer for letting the circuit through the heart of Barcelona with the self-switching counterpart. More comfortable than constant gear changes by hand is the well-coordinated automaton in any case. And if it is to be a bit more sporty, you can still choose a sportier approach of the gearbox by pressing the pushbutton or simply change into the manual lane and switch with the rockers behind the steering wheel. Fun is certainly the manual option, yes, but that according to Mazda only a few lousy percent of European customers want an automatic, we can not imagine.
Trim levels, prices and the launch
And so without assistance systems it is no longer in 2017 in a purist Fastback Roadster Coupe Targa crossover. Therefore, there is an in-and-out assistance, dynamic curve light and a lane changing assistant. Depending on the equipment line (there is the "Exclusive-Line" and the higher "Sports-Line"), the helpers are charged (750 Euro) or on-board as standard. The price list of the Mazda MX-5 RF starts at 29.890 euros for the model with manual transmission in the "Exclusive-Line". Leather, 4.6-inch TFT display, 17-inch light-alloy rims, seat heating and automatic climate control are included here. The "Sports-Line", which in addition to the already mentioned features as standard also with LED headlights, a Bose soundsystem, a Navi and a Keyless-Go option can stand out from 32.090 euro at the dealer. What you should remember for numbers? The automatic gearbox is available only in combination with the higher equipment and costs 1,900 euros extra, a sport package for 1.800 euros includes a strut brace, a sports suspension with Bilstein dampers as well as the Recaro seats and the price difference between RF and fabric roof version To 2,700 euros. Market launch? On February 3, 2017.
And so without assistance systems it is no longer in 2017 in a purist Fastback Roadster Coupe Targa crossover. Therefore, there is an in-and-out assistance, dynamic curve light and a lane changing assistant. Depending on the equipment line (there is the "Exclusive-Line" and the higher "Sports-Line"), the helpers are charged (750 Euro) or on-board as standard. The price list of the Mazda MX-5 RF starts at 29.890 euros for the model with manual transmission in the "Exclusive-Line". Leather, 4.6-inch TFT display, 17-inch light-alloy rims, seat heating and automatic climate control are included here. The "Sports-Line", which in addition to the already mentioned features as standard also with LED headlights, a Bose soundsystem, a Navi and a Keyless-Go option can stand out from 32.090 euro at the dealer. What you should remember for numbers? The automatic gearbox is available only in combination with the higher equipment and costs 1,900 euros extra, a sport package for 1.800 euros includes a strut brace, a sports suspension with Bilstein dampers as well as the Recaro seats and the price difference between RF and fabric roof version To 2,700 euros. Market launch? On February 3, 2017.
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