The word ‘sporty’ is used in the driving world a lot these days, especially in car reviews like this – simple things like a car seat can be described as ‘sporty’ when in fact it is no different to any other car seat. However, this word is likely to be used a lot in this review as we take a look at one of the world’s best selling two-seater roadsters, the sporty fourth generation 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF.
SLEEK EXTERIOR
You could say the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF is one of the best looking sports cars on the road and the millions of sales worldwide would back up that comment. It has never looked sharper or more purposeful – and with a short 13 second press of a button, the retractable roof is down and ready for you to enjoy.
Small, yet perfectly formed headlamps and a deep mesh grille make the 2019 MX-5 look as if it’s really ready for business. Around the back, a dual exhaust and beautifully crafted bumpers and trunk lid certainly give it that sporty feel.
COMPACT INTERIOR
If you can refrain from firing up the MX-5 as soon as you jump in and speeding off into a cloud of dust, then you’ll soon realize you are sitting in a top quality, well built cabin that has been well put together in a high quality build, making it simply a wonderful place to sit.
You get a good sized sporty steering wheel, pairing well with the tiny well placed gear shifter, coming together into the ideal driving position. On top of this, the driver is spoilt for standard equipment including air conditioning, a 7 inch touch screen infotainment system, two USB ports, push button start and steering wheel mounted cruise control just to name a few.
Mazda claims the 2019 MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) makes the roadster experience available to a broader range of customers. The separate front, middle and rear roof sections give the retractable hardtop the fastest operating time of its kind, opening and closing in only 13 seconds. With the ability to fold the roof and take in the standard MX-5’s open-air theatre, but raise it when more refinement and security is required. The sleek styling gives the 2019 RF an added dimension when it comes to looks too.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
This is the smallest Mazda MX-5 ever built – it is 100kg lighter than the previous version it replaces. Mazda’s attention to detail (when it comes to weight) makes its presence felt both on the straights and in the corners. It means the MX-5 doesn’t need super-stiff suspension to contain its lean in corners, making it more comfortable on all road surfaces.
The current generation of the MX-5 received praises from one of the world’s most influential motoring journalists. Jeremy Clarkson, formally of the BBC gave the car five out of five stars, calling it an “engineering gem.” He also commented that “It’s a cure for depression, this car, it really is. You just can’t be in a bad mood when you’re driving it.” We think he is absolutely spot on and there are very few points on this car you can fault.
For the 2019 MX-5 RF, Mazda engineers increased horsepower from the 2.0L four cylinder gas engine to 181hp at 7,000 RPM, so you’re never short of power when you really need it. Mazda engineers have focused on crafting an even more powerful, nimble drive for the 2019 MX-5 and their fine-tuning includes using ultra-lightweight pistons and lighter connecting rods to enable higher RPMs, an improved combustion chamber and a larger exhaust manifold, meaning you get more power when you need it and a remarkably agile ride.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Priced from $39,900 for the GS-P model, right up to $47,200 for the top spec limited edition model, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 isn’t a cheap car, but in return you do get smile making performance and stunning looks to match. With the roof up, or down, it’s every bit the best value sports car on the market without moving into the supercar territory.
