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March 1, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: This is the Philippine-spec 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF (w/ 21 Photos)


Everyone’s favorite portable tanning machine is getting a timely upgrade. Just in time for summer, Mazda Philippines is releasing the 2017 MX-5 Retractable Fastback or MX-5 RF for short. Officially making its market debut at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) at the end of the month, we were the first to see the Philippine-spec models as they prepare to make their way from the stockyard to Mazda showrooms.

Though Mazda has always espoused the exhilaration of open-air motoring with its roadster family, the MX-5 RF aims to appeal to a wider audience. It aims to “awaken hidden emotions” as MX-5 Project Manager Nobuhiro Yamamoto rightfully puts it.



As such, the Philippine-spec MX-5 RF comes with a single transmission option: a 6-speed automatic that pairs with the 155-horsepower 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine (the soft top continues with a choice between a manual and automatic). Together with the two-pedal configuration, the MX-5 RF sports a re-tuned chassis that provides a more relaxing and refined ride compared to the soft top. The Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) has been recalibrated as well. Together with the suspension tweaks, the MX-5 RF also has added sound insulation in the headliner and rear wheel housing making it significantly quieter than the soft top with the roof up or down.

Moving like a mechanical ballet, the MX-5 RF’s three-piece roof moves in sync making it achieve one of the fastest opening/closing times of any retractable hardtop (13 seconds). It can be operated at speeds up to 10 km/h with just a flip of a switch below the climate control. What’s more, it matches the soft top’s trunk capacity at 130 liters, enough to fit two carry-on bags measuring 550mm x 400 mm x 220mm.



Compared to Mazda’s previous retractable hard top effort, the third-generation MX-5 PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top), the MX-5 RF is set apart by its elegant fastback styling, which Mazda considers to be the ideal form of a hardtop MX-5. The roof features a side section that slopes down to the rear while tucking in at the sides creating a teardrop shape for the cabin. And while the overhead roof panel and back glass are stowed out of sight, the rear roof stays in position even when the top is down. This creates a truly unique design expression. A large acrylic aero board wind blocker helps prevent air from the rear blowing back into the cabin. Dimensionally, the MX-5 RF sits 5 millimeters higher than the soft top.

For the Philippine market, the 2017 MX-5 RF will come with four standard colors: Ceramic, White Pearl, Jet Black, and Blue Reflex. There are two premium colors as well: Machine Gray and Soul Red.



Inside, the MX-5 RF keeps the basic design of the stop top with just minor detail changes. The first is a unique instrument cluster that adds a dedicated 4.6-inch colored TFT display. This screen not only displays an animation of the roof during operation, but also acts as the display to the on-board computer. All colors come with the option of Auburn-colored Nappa leather seats (with gray stitching). This soft-touch leather successfully enhances the interior even more.

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF retails for P 2,180,000 if opting for the standard colors and standard leather interior. It goes up to P 2,250,000 if you want the standard colors with a Nappa leather interior. Machine Gray and Soul Red, the two premium colors add a P 16,800 premium. You can get them with either the standard or Nappa leather interior. The first batch of 40 Mazda MX-5 RFs have all been spoken for with around half (19) going directly to members of the Miata Club of the Philippines. The 2017 MX-5 RF is now available for reservation at all Mazda dealerships nationwide with customer deliveries starting April 2.



2017 Mazda MX-5 RF Philippine Specs:
  • Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm): 3,915 x 1,735 x 1,245
  • Wheelbase (in mm): 2,310
  • Curb Weight (kg):
  • Engine: 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G DOHC 16V inline-4 with i-STOP idling stop and i-ELOOP regenerative braking
  • Maximum Output: 155 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • Maximum Torque: 200 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 45
  • Front Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbone
  • Rear Suspension:  Independent, Multi-Link
  • Brakes (F/R): Vented Disc / Solid Disc
  • Tire Size: 205/45 R 17
  • Exterior Features: LED headlights; LED tail lights; intermittent wipers; exhaust tail pipe finisher.
  • Interior Features: Black leather seats (Option: auburn Nappa leather); leather wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel control & paddle shifters; Human Machine Interface (HMI) infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen, CD/DVD, MP3, Aux, USB, Bluetooth; 4.6-inch full-color TFT LCD multi-info display integrated in meter set; rotary dial automatic climate control; push start/stop.
  • Safety and Security: Dual front airbags; side impact airbags; ABS with EBD; Dynamic Stability Control; Rear Parking Sensors; Smart Keyless Entry System.
  • Price: P 2,180,000 (Ceramic, White Pearl, Jet Black, and Blue Reflex)
  • Price: P 2,250,000 (w/ Nappa leather).
  • Price: P 2,266,800 (Machine Gray and Soul Red w/ Nappa leather).

25 comments:

  1. Oh c'mon Mazda Phil..make the mt available for this as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i paid for reservation expecting a manual. Hopefully!

      Delete
    2. The mt is the essence of this car..only way to maximize the limited power. Did they promise you the mt?

      Delete
  2. Been waiting for this. The mt though

    ReplyDelete
  3. Man, this is expensive as shit. Might as well get a mustang at that price.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 4banger Mustang? lol Miata maybe expensive sh!t, but 4banger Mustang is just sh!t.

      Delete
    2. Mustang at least has a backseat while this is good for just two and a backpack

      Delete
    3. The mustang will get you LAID 100%. The miata will only give you a 50/50 chance of getting laid since it is considered a girly car.

      Delete
    4. Well good luck finding a Miata w/ a backseat.
      When buying a car so you could get laid is a girly move.

      Delete
  4. How much weight did it gain?
    Still 50/50 weight distribution?

    ReplyDelete
  5. 2m for this gay car? No way! Just buy a M/T 86 at 1.7++m then tune it or a WRX M/T for better performance, safety & value for the money.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What's up with a overpowered car that you cannot enjoy due to speed limits, and you need to drive that fast car slow while you can push the miata to the redline for a few seconds up to gear 3 and not break the law, making you smile every time you floor it. I guess not all people can understand why the miata is the best selling roadster in history.

      Delete
  6. Its a Massive increase from the 1.6M base model MX-5

    also , no manual? A MIATA WITHOUT A MANUAL OPTION!
    WHAT MADNESS IS THIS

    ReplyDelete
  7. MAZDA MX-5 RF
    SRP: 2,250,000
    RESERVATION: 100,000
    AVAILABLE COLOR:
    SOUL RED
    JET BLACK
    BLUE REFLEX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P 2.25M for the special colors. The regular colors are P 2.18M.

      Delete
  8. for nappa leather too
    regardless its still a big bump condisering the other colours are also great in their own right

    i am still confused as to how the only manual mx-5 is the ragtop with no added features like bose speakers.

    ReplyDelete
  9. People who will buy this car most probably have other cars..this will be a weekend car or a toy or just to enjoy the feel of having a top down. So stop comparing this to 86 or mustangs or wrx..buyers of this car probably doesn't need to stroke their egos and feel macho. Peace

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lol everyone opting to buy a fast car in the Philippines. You can't even drive one without stopping after 5 secs. People want more economical cars that can be use on our worstening traffic.

    You could drive fast at night, but goodluck with that.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you are a car enthusiast and money is not a issue, would you buy the M/T soft top or the A/T RF? Can't decide which to get..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. M/T Soft Top... IF Money is NOT an issue.. (Lighter

      If it is, M/T RF... which is NOT available in the Philippines.

      Only Manual Transmission for this Car. If you buy it automatic.. you will lose the fun factor specifically for this car.

      Delete
  12. Get the manual. You always choose the car that has more pedals than you have feet. You don't think twice when your shifter has more numbers than letters.

    Nothing 'enthusiast' about AT. Any monkey can floor the pedal and the car accelerates.

    Buttery-smooth shifts, perfect rev-match, meeting the rated 0-60 time, the car at top speed because of your active, conscious effort, taming the proverbial 'beast' that is your car, mastering it - now that's enthusiast.

    ReplyDelete
  13. MX5 vs 86 debate needs to stop! We need to be happy that these 2 rear wheel drive, light and affordable fun cars are here for us. More completion and choices is good for us customers! The only reason someone has to say negative things about the other choices is to validate their choice (ego trip). IF you are a true driving enthusiast, we will welcome more choices and more completion. Let's just hope and pray that they will always continue to make these cars, continue to make it affordable and available for us. Hope they bring back the S2000 and hope that we have more choices. Let's act a little bit more grown up please. Just a little advice, choose a car for yourself to have some fun and not for what others think. Forget about social status, looking cool, getting girls, having bragging rights with cars. All ego stuff, this is why sport car drivers have a bad reputation! This is like choosing a wife to show her off to others, stupid right? Choose a sports car or your wife that will make you happy and enjoy life! Buy a sports car for enjoyment and fun driving experiences. Buy the car that you fall in love with not the car that you feel others will think you're cool. Learn how to improve you're driving skills and driving techniques. This type of mindset will make you a happier! Once you do this, you will truly be part of real "driving enthusiast club".

    ReplyDelete

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