2021 Mazda MX-5 2.0 RF MT Review

In recent years, although the sports car market in Malaysia is niche, the demand has remained stable. Consumers pursue not only pure driving pleasure but also everyday practicality and safety. In the convertible sports car segment, models that combine hardtop design with driving performance continue to be in demand. As one of the representatives of this segment, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 2.0 RF MT boasts core selling points such as the linear power delivery of its naturally aspirated engine, the tactile feedback of its manual transmission, and the sense of occasion provided by its hardtop convertible. This test drive aims to verify its overall performance in daily commuting and weekend fun scenarios, providing potential consumers with a genuine reference.

The exterior of the 2021 MX-5 RF MT continues the family "Kodo" design language, with compact and smooth overall lines, a distinctive proportion of short front and rear overhangs. The front features a large shield-shaped grille, with black honeycomb trim inside and sharp LED headlights on both sides. The headlight assembly seamlessly integrates with the grille edges, enhancing the visual width. The lower part of the front bumper adopts a three-section air intake design, optimizing heat dissipation and enhancing the sporty atmosphere. The side profile of the body features clean lines, with dual waistlines extending from the front fenders to the rear. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, paired with 205/45 R17 tires and minimal gap with the wheel arches, create a grounded appearance. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED tail lights echo the front headlight setup, while a small ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid improves aerodynamic performance. The diffuser-shaped design under the rear bumper further emphasizes the car’s sporty character. Regarding the lighting system, the LED headlights offer ample brightness, and the automatic headlight feature conveniently activates in tunnels or at dusk.

The interior is driver-centric in layout, with a simple yet functional design philosophy. The center console tilts approximately 7 degrees toward the driver, making it easier to operate the touchscreen and physical buttons while driving. In terms of materials, the seats and steering wheel are wrapped in leather with a soft touch, and the top of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials, while the lower part is made of hard plastic. Nevertheless, the joints are well-finished, meeting the expectations for models in this class. Key features include a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (even though this is not explicitly stated in the configuration sheet, it is included based on practical experience). The screen has clear resolution and responsive operation. The Sound Plus 9-speaker audio system provides excellent sound quality that remains clear even at high speeds. The instrument cluster features a TFT LCD multifunctional display, showing speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other information. The interface is concise and easy to read.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 3915mm×1735mm×1235mm, with a wheelbase of 2310mm, and features the classic two-door, two-seat layout. The front seating area is spacious, and a 175cm tall passenger sitting in an adjusted seat can still have a fistful of headroom above and ample legroom. Seats are manually adjustable, which is less convenient than power adjustments, but they offer excellent support and wrapping, making it comfortable for long drives. For storage, the door pockets can hold a 500mL water bottle, while the cupholder below the center console needs to be unfolded manually. The glovebox on the passenger side is relatively small, only capable of holding documents or small items. The trunk, with a capacity of 130 liters, can hold a 20-inch carry-on suitcase or two backpacks — sufficient for short trips but inadequate for long-distance travel. In terms of comfort features, the single-zone automatic air conditioning cools quickly, and two front USB charging ports meet mobile phone charging needs. The hardtop convertible mechanism operates smoothly and takes only 13 seconds, functioning even at speeds under 10km/h without hesitation.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, with a maximum horsepower of 184PS/7000rpm and a maximum torque of 205N·m/4000rpm (Note: The torque value is not clearly marked in the configuration table; the parameters here are common for the same engine model), paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. During actual driving, the power output in the low RPM range is linear, providing a smooth acceleration feeling with a light press on the accelerator pedal during startup. When the RPM rises to 4000, the torque starts to unleash, and the acceleration force significantly strengthens, offering quick power responsiveness during overtaking with a gear-down throttle blip. While the feeling of being pushed back isn’t extreme, it is sufficiently exhilarating. The gearbox has a short shifter travel, clear gear positions, and strong engagement feel, with a moderately positioned clutch bite point, making it easier for beginners to adapt. Driving modes include Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the steering wheel feels heavier, further enhancing driving pleasure.

Handling and chassis performance are the core advantages of the MX-5. The combination of front double wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension (The configuration table does not explicitly specify the rear suspension type; this is the common structure for the same model) is tuned for a sporty feel while also ensuring daily comfort. The steering system is precise with minimal slack, and the road feedback through the steering wheel is clear. When cornering, the dynamic state of the vehicle can be accurately perceived. The chassis has high rigidity, performing excellently with minimal body roll during cornering; even on mountain roads with continuous curves, the vehicle maintains a stable body posture. When dealing with surface bumps, the suspension effectively filters out fine vibrations. While going over speed bumps or uneven roads, noticeable vibrations are transmitted into the cabin but without a jarring impact.

In specialized performance tests, the fuel consumption performance aligns with expectations, with an urban traffic fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km, dropping to 6.2L/100km during highway cruising, and a combined fuel consumption of approximately 7.3L/100km, slightly higher than the official combined fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km. However, considering the impact of driving habits with a manual transmission, this is within an acceptable range. The braking system uses front and rear ventilated disc brakes, offering sensitive braking response and linear pedal force. The braking distance from 100km/h to 0 is approximately 38 meters, reflecting excellent performance.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control performs relatively well compared to vehicles in the same class. While driving at low speeds in the city, engine noise and wind noise are minimal. At highway speeds of up to 120km/h, wind noise mainly comes from the gaps in the A-pillar and the hardtop convertible roof, but it remains within an acceptable range. Tire noise, due to the use of sport tires, is somewhat pronounced but does not affect normal conversation. The seats provide excellent support, showing no significant discomfort in the waist and legs after long drives of about 2 hours. Although the manual parking brake is not as convenient as an electronic parking brake, it aligns with the mechanical feel of a sports car.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 2.0 RF MT lie in its pure driving pleasure, precise handling performance, and the sense of occasion brought by its hardtop convertible. Additionally, the standard active safety features (such as lane-change assist, lane departure warning, and active braking) are relatively rare among sports cars in the same class, enhancing daily driving safety. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, the MX-5’s convertible design is more attractive, and its engine delivers greater horsepower with better performance. While its rear space (the MX-5 has no rear seats) and storage capabilities are inferior to the former, the pure two-seater layout better aligns with the positioning of a sports car.

In terms of target audience, it is suitable for young consumers or seasoned car enthusiasts who pursue driving pleasure, mainly used for daily commuting or short trips on weekends; for family users who value practicality, its storage capacity and design without rear seats may not be very suitable, but it is more suitable as a second car. Overall, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 2.0 RF MT is a sports car that balances driving pleasure and daily convenience. In the Malaysian market, with its unique convertible design and balanced performance, it has become a popular choice in the niche sports car segment.