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Mazda MX-5 RF 2019 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
8

If you really must have a hard roof, with the attendant increase in weight (and lifting of the centre of gravity), then you'll be very happy with the RF, as it's a solid feeling lid that opens and shuts with minimal fuss (although you have to be doing less than 10km/h - ie basically stopped - to use it). 

Remarkably, at this entry level, the price comes in under $40K, just at $39,400. And you do get the properly fizzing new version of the 2.0-litre engine (RF is not available with the 1.5), making 135kW/205Nm, pushed to the rear wheels through either a fantastic six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto that's nowhere near as much fun.

Standard kit for the base car includes a new reversing camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, now black metallic for extra visual menace,  LED headlamps, power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, climate-control air, black cloth seats, a 7-inch touch screen with 'MZD Connect', an audio system with six speakers and DAB+ (but no CD player), Bluetooth streaming, internet radio integration, satellite navigation, 'Smart City Brake Support', or AEB, 'Traffic Sign Recognition',  and blind-spot monitoring.

The new car also gets a telescopically adjustable steering wheel, which makes the perfect driving position even more perfect.

Pricing guides

$37,070
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$24,860
Highest Price
$49,280

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Roadster 1.5L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO $26,290 – 32,450 2019 Mazda MX-5 2019 Roadster Pricing and Specs
RF 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO $30,910 – 37,180 2019 Mazda MX-5 2019 RF Pricing and Specs
RF GT (black Roof) (5YR) 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $40,150 – 47,190 2019 Mazda MX-5 2019 RF GT (black Roof) (5YR) Pricing and Specs
RF GT 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $34,650 – 41,250 2019 Mazda MX-5 2019 RF GT Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Stephen Corby
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$29,370

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.