Mazda's MX-5 RF Is Massively Out-Selling The Traditional Soft-Top
The Mazda MX-5 RF outsold the traditional soft-top version in the UK by almost 40 per cent last year, despite being on sale for two months less.
The RF hit showrooms on 4 March last year, giving the soft-top a two-month, three-day head-start, but the electrically folding hard-top is clearly a winner with buyers. Sales figures obtained by Car Throttle show that the MX-5 RF found 2911 homes in Britain last year, versus 1787 sales for the rag-top.
Mazda’s available global sales figures don’t break things down by body style, so we can’t compare the UK’s results to those from around the world, but it’s a clear indicator of how much a tin-top roof matters to British convertible buyers – at least towards the lower end of the market.
The likes of Audi, Bentley, BMW and Mercedes have all previously stated that their customers prefer a canvas roof, because they want people to know they’re in an expensive convertible.
MX-5 buyers seem to want the extra security of metal protecting their heads – and potentially their valuables – instead of the lower centre of gravity and lighter weight of the original ND variant.
As long as the soft-top keeps its position as the original and best, we don’t mind one bit. It’s still one of this writer’s favourite new cars on sale today. In 2.0-litre Sport Nav guise, thanks, or better yet, the 1.5-litre car after a visit to BBR…
Comments
If they would have made a coupe from the beginning everyone would like miatas
Dear Mazda.
Unlike Alex Kresten, I am 6’1 and therefore I can not enjoy your wonderful hardtop MX5.
Please may fix this issue.
Sincerely
Tall drivers
I would never even consider the RF, looks way worse and the hard top ruins it completely… At least the NC PHRT had some style to it - you could actually lower the roof even!
Does the RF have better rear suspension? The motor trend review of the RF (or maybe it was a Head2Head with the 86) said that the RF was more fun to drive because the rear suspension in the convertible felt sloppy. Apperantely they fixed it with the RF but I’m not sure if thats still the case.
its not that surprise to me isnt this what people always wanted?
The RF is a good car, but the point of a Miata is drop-top summer fun. For those who are looking for a budget BRZ, go for the RF. But for those who buy an MX-5 because it is an MX-5, like me, stick with the ND.