2018 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 (A) Review

In the sports car market in Malaysia, there are not many two-door rear-wheel drive models under RM300,000. Most either focus on pure driving experience but are poorly equipped, or are packed with features but lack the soul of handling. The 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 (A), as a hardtop convertible version, retains the lightweight rear-wheel drive genes of the first-generation MX-5 while upgrading power and some features. In this test drive, we’ll focus on whether it can balance everyday practicality with driving pleasure and if it’s worth the investment for sports car enthusiasts.

The exterior of the MX-5 RF grabs the attention of sports car fans at first glance. It continues the MX-5 family’s design with a short front overhang and long wheelbase proportion. The fastback design of the hardtop convertible makes the rear lines more fluid compared to the soft-top version. When the roof is closed, the "fastback" design doesn’t look like a makeshift structure, but rather exudes the compactness of a coupe. The front features a shield-shaped grille complemented by Mazda’s classic KODO design lines. The sharp-shaped LED headlights, with internal lenses and daytime running lights, provide good recognition even during the day. The car’s side profile is free from unnecessary decorations, with the 17-inch rims paired with 205/45 R17 tires, perfectly matching its compact body size. The rear LED taillights adopt a ring-shaped design that echoes the headlights, and the diffuser-like design on the rear bumper adds a sporty atmosphere without being overly exaggerated. It’s worth mentioning that the hardtop convertible operates very quickly, taking only 13 seconds according to official data. In actual use, it smoothly transitions even at low speeds, making it very convenient for daily use.

Inside the car, the MX-5 RF features a straightforward and practical interior design without any flashy elements. The center console is angled towards the driver, with all buttons within easy reach. As for materials, the steering wheel and seats are wrapped in leather, offering a delicate feel. The upper part of the dashboard is made of soft-touch materials, while the lower part uses hard plastic, which is reasonable considering its sports car positioning. In terms of core features, the standard 7-inch central display supports Bluetooth connectivity. Although the lack of CarPlay or Android Auto is a bit of a letdown, it’s sufficient for daily music playback and phone calls. The instrument cluster combines analog and digital displays, with the left side featuring an RPM gauge (prioritizing what a sports car should) and the right side showing speed and fuel level, providing clear and intuitive information. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with paddle shifters, which have moderate feedback and quick shift response in manual mode. The front row is equipped with single-zone automatic air conditioning with adjustment knobs that have a pleasing tactile feel, which is more convenient to use than touch screens. Although the trunk volume is only 130 liters, it can still fit two cabin-sized luggage bags or daily shopping bags, making it sufficient for short trips.

In terms of space, the MX-5 RF, as a two-door two-seater sports car, has a wheelbase of 2310mm. The front seating space is quite friendly for passengers under 175cm tall. The seats offer good support and lumbar cushioning, making long drives not too tiring. The seats are manually adjustable, which, although not as convenient as electric adjustment, are still quick and easy to operate. The door panel storage compartments can hold a water bottle and a phone, while the center armrest compartment has limited space, suitable only for small items. Notably, when the hardtop is closed, the headroom is slightly less than the soft-top version. However, passengers with a height of 170cm still have a two-finger gap above their heads, so it doesn’t feel cramped. When the roof is open, headroom is no longer an issue, and the view becomes much more expansive.

Powertrain: The 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum output of 160PS and a peak torque of 200Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive layout. For daily driving, the power output in standard mode is smooth and linear, offering decent acceleration from a stop, with responsive throttle and brisk acceleration up to 60km/h, making it suitable for city commuting. Switching to Sport mode enhances the throttle sensitivity, maintains the RPM above 3000, and delays gear shifts. When overtaking, you can feel a noticeable push-back when pressing the throttle, with ease of acceleration from 90km/h to 120km/h. The performance of the transmission deserves praise as its automatic mode exhibits intelligent shift logic that adjusts to driving habits; in manual mode, paddle shift response is quick with no noticeable lag.

Handling is the core selling point of the MX-5 RF. The front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension are tuned toward sporty performance, providing clear road feedback. The body roll during cornering is minimal, and the steering wheel offers precise control with almost no slack—allowing for confident handling. When driving on mountain roads, it excels in consecutive curves with excellent body responsiveness. Together with its lightweight build (1138kg) and 50:50 weight distribution, cornering is highly enjoyable. For daily driving on bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most small vibrations, maintaining adequate road feel without being overly stiff or uncomfortable. At high speeds, the car remains stable, with wind noise and tire noise well-controlled. At 120km/h, normal conversations inside the cabin are not a problem. In terms of fuel consumption, it achieves approximately 8.5L/100km in urban conditions and 6.8L/100km on highways. With a fuel tank capacity of 45L and requiring RON95 gasoline, the range is around 500km, making the daily operating cost relatively low.

The braking performance is also commendable. Equipped with ventilated disc brakes for both front and rear, the brake pedal feedback is linear, with some slack in the initial phase but ample braking force in midrange. The stopping distance from 100km/h is approximately 38 meters, meeting the standards of sports cars. In terms of safety features, it comes standard with four airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and hill-start assist. Although it lacks a reversing camera, the rear parking sensors are sufficient, making daily parking not difficult.

Overall, the 2018 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 (A) stands out for its pure driving pleasure, balanced everyday usability, and relatively affordable price (RM227,277). Compared to its peers like the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, the MX-5 RF's hardtop convertible is a unique advantage, and it also offers better comfort for daily driving. While its power may not match those two competitors, the driving pleasure derived from its lightweight construction and rear-wheel-drive layout is equally compelling. This car is ideal for those seeking a vehicle that offers a sports car driving experience while being practical for daily use—such as young individuals who enjoy weekend mountain drives or short trips, or urban professionals with a taste for style and convertible driving. If you're looking for a car that’s not merely for show but also delivers true driving enjoyment, the MX-5 RF is definitely worth considering.