2020 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 M Review

In the Southeast Asian sports car market, two-door rear-wheel-drive pure gasoline models are already rare, and those that insist on naturally aspirated engines with manual transmissions are even rarer—2020 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 M is one such "outlier." Its core selling points are straightforward: pure driving pleasure, balanced everyday practicality, and the rare identity of an imported sports car at its price point. This time, we got the manual version to see if it's a "full-on toy" or can also serve as an occasional daily driver.

The hardtop design of the RF version makes it look more refined compared to the soft-top convertible version. The front end continues Mazda's family-style shield-shaped grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, resulting in high recognizability. The side profile features compact lines, with a length of 3915mm and a width of 1735mm. The short wheelbase gives a strong sense of agility, even visually. The rear LED taillights adopt a circular design, echoing the front, and the diffuser-like shape under the rear bumper is low-key yet enhances the sense of sportiness. Notably, when the hardtop convertible is opened, the roof folds and stores above the trunk, a process that takes about 13 seconds and can be operated at speeds under 10 km/h, offering greater practicality than the soft-top version.

Inside the cabin, the interior adopts a black theme, with limited use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard, complemented by silver trim accents. While it can't be called luxurious, the sporty atmosphere is well executed. The dashboard layout is simple, and the 7-inch touchscreen supports CarPlay and Android Auto, but during driving, it can only be operated via the knob to prevent distractions. The instrument panel is a TFT LCD multifunction display that shows information like RPM, speed, and fuel consumption, with an independent tachometer on the left as a constant reminder that this is a driver-focused car. The seats are manually adjustable Recaro sports seats with strong support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The 9-speaker BOSE sound system offers decent audio quality, enough for everyday music enjoyment.

In terms of space, as a two-door sports car, the front-row space is completely adequate. Passengers up to 180 cm tall will have headroom and legroom to spare. However, storage spaces are limited; the door pockets can only hold one bottle of water, and the center armrest box is relatively small. The trunk, with a capacity of 130L, can accommodate one carry-on suitcase and some small items, making it sufficient for short trips. In terms of features, it comes with keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, and rain-sensing wipers. Safety configurations are also comprehensive, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic braking, which are much more user-friendly than the previous-generation MX-5.

For the powertrain, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 184 PS and peak torque of 205 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. When starting, as long as the clutch engagement point is handled correctly, the power delivery is very smooth. After 3000 rpm, the power becomes more lively, and above 5000 rpm, the sense of pushback becomes noticeable. The sound at the 7000 rpm redline is highly satisfying. The manual transmission offers excellent shifting feel, with short travel and a strong sense of engagement, making every gear change enjoyable. The rear-wheel-drive setup makes the rear end very agile; when cornering, a touch of throttle will cause slight oversteer at the rear, and combined with the precise steering, the driving fun is absolutely maximized.

In terms of handling, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension ensures very stable performance in corners. Steering is precise, road feedback is clear, and body roll is minimal during cornering, providing ample confidence. The chassis tuning is on the stiff side, but not the kind of stiff that feels uncomfortable; it filters out most minor vibrations while retaining road feedback. When driving daily on urban roads, it doesn't feel tiring. The braking system performs well, with the combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs offering short braking distances and a linear pedal feel that instills a sense of safety.

In terms of fuel consumption, we tested a mix of urban and highway conditions, and the fuel consumption was approximately 7.5L per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.8L. However, considering frequent hard acceleration, this fuel consumption is still acceptable. Noise insulation is average, with noticeable wind and tire noise at high speeds, but for a sports car, this kind of "engine sound" can actually enhance the driving atmosphere.

Overall, the biggest advantage of the 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 M lies in the pure driving pleasure it offers. The manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive configuration make it one of the rare "driver's cars" in its class. Compared to the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, its hardtop convertible is more practical and its features are more comprehensive; compared to the Porsche 718, it's much more affordable. It is ideal for those who enjoy driving, value individuality, and occasionally need a car for commuting—perfect for a weekend drive on winding mountain roads and still suitable for weekday commutes without being too flashy. If you're looking for a small sports car that delivers pure driving pleasure without compromising too much on practicality, the MX-5 RF 2.0 M is definitely worth considering.