2021 Mazda MX-5 RF Review

In recent years, although the market for two-door sports cars in Malaysia is niche, consumers seeking a balance between driving pleasure and daily practicality are always on the lookout for suitable options. As one of the few hardtop convertible sports cars in its class, the core selling points of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF not only lie in its iconic Kodo design but also in the pure driving dynamics brought by its lightweight body, alongside comfort upgrades for high-speed cruising. This test drive will focus on whether its static details cater to daily usage needs and if its dynamic performance continues the "Jinba Ittai" driving essence.

From a distance, the overall lines of the 2021 MX-5 RF remain compact and sleek, with a short front overhang and a long wheelbase, establishing its athletic sports car posture. The front fascia features the family-style shield-shaped grille paired with sharp LED headlights on either side. The smoked treatment within the headlamp assembly enhances its recognizability. The two raised lines on the hood extend from the grille to the A-pillar, adding a sense of muscularity to the front. On the side, the 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, paired with 205/45 R17 tires, are harmoniously matched, and the slightly flared wheel arches echo its sports orientation. The hardtop convertible design is the RF variant’s core signature. When closed, the roofline smoothly transitions from the B-pillar to the rear, forming a coupe-like fastback shape. The roof can be opened in just 13 seconds and supports operation at speeds below 10 km/h. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a design language that aligns with the headlights, showcasing a clear internal structure. The rear bumper features a dual-exhaust layout, further enhancing the sporty vibe.

Sitting inside, the overall interior design leans toward simplicity and practicality. The driver-oriented dashboard layout centralizes most function buttons within easy reach. The top of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, complemented by leather wrapping on the door panels. While there aren’t many luxury embellishments, the texture matches its positioning. In terms of key configurations, the 7-inch floating center console screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with acceptable operation smoothness. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is wrapped in leather, offering a firm grip, and includes multimedia control and voice assistant buttons on the left side. The seats are sporty bucket seats, made of a mix of leather and Alcantara materials, providing excellent lateral support, with lumbar support adjustable manually.

In terms of body dimensions, the MX-5 RF measures 4019mm in length, 1735mm in width, and 1245mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2310mm, classifying as a typical small sports car. The front row provides enough space for a 175cm tall driver, with about one fist of headroom and moderate legroom. The rear row is essentially unsuitable for adult passengers and can only be used to temporarily place small items. As for storage capacity, the front trunk has a volume of 50L, while the rear trunk offers 130L of volume when the roof is closed. When the roof is open, the trunk space is slightly reduced, accommodating only a 20-inch carry-on suitcase or a few small personal items. In-cabin storage includes a small center armrest box, door panel storage slots, and a glove compartment in front of the front passenger seat, which can meet the basic needs for storing small items during daily commutes. Both the front and rear lack air conditioning vents, but the front seats are equipped with heating functions, which are practical during nighttime or cooler seasons. There is only one USB port and one 12V power supply in the front row, making the number slightly insufficient.

Powertrain: The 2021 MX-5 RF is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power output of 184Ps (135kW) and a peak torque of 205N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is lively at the start, with a sensitive throttle pedal that provides noticeable power output with a light touch. At low to medium speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly and prioritizes upshifting to ensure fuel efficiency. When you press the accelerator deeply and switch to sport mode, the transmission delays upshifting, and the engine's power output above 3000 rpm becomes more robust, providing ample confidence for overtaking. The driving modes include Normal and Sport, with the latter offering a more aggressive throttle response and a heavier steering feel.

Handling performance is one of the core strengths of the MX-5. The electric power-assisted steering provides precise response with almost no play and offers clear feedback on road surface conditions when steering. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, with a firmer tuning. While it transmits most vibrations to the cabin on bumpy roads, its performance on curves is excellent. Body roll is well controlled and cornering stability is remarkable, giving the driver ample confidence. The low ground clearance of the chassis ensures good stability at high speeds. Even at speeds exceeding 120km/h, the car doesn’t feel floaty.

During this test drive, fuel efficiency was assessed. Under mixed driving conditions (30% urban congestion + 70% highway cruising), the actual fuel consumption was 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.7L/100km, primarily because the sport mode was used frequently during the test. With steady driving in Normal mode, fuel consumption can be controlled at about 6.5L/100km. In terms of braking performance, the braking distance from 100km/h to 0 is approximately 38 meters. The brake pedal offers linear feedback, and the braking force is released evenly, meeting expectations.

In terms of driving comfort, because of the firm suspension tuning, noticeable bumps are felt on speed bumps or uneven roads during daily driving, but cruising on smooth highways offers decent comfort. Noise control is average — wind and tire noise are not noticeable below 80km/h but gradually increase beyond 100km/h, staying within an acceptable range. While the seat provides great support, prolonged driving sessions (over two hours) may cause slight fatigue in the lower back, requiring occasional posture adjustments for relief.

Overall, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF's core highlights lie in its pure driving pleasure, compact and agile body, and the sense of occasion brought by the hardtop convertible. Among small sports cars in its class, its handling performance stands out, and compared to the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, the MX-5 RF's hardtop convertible design is more appealing. It also offers slightly better everyday practicality, such as improved sound insulation when the convertible top is closed. However, its limited rear seat space and storage capacity make it more suitable for individual drivers or two-person short trips.

The target audience for this car is clear: sports car enthusiasts who pursue the “oneness of horse and rider” driving experience, young people who value daily commuting flexibility and occasionally want to enjoy the fun of convertible driving, and consumers who are not bothered by space limitations and prioritize handling quality. If you need a small sports car that balances daily commuting needs with weekend corner-carving fun, the MX-5 RF is a worthy choice.

Overall, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 RF is not an all-round vehicle. Its shortcomings in space and storage are evident, but its advantages in driving pleasure and design are enough to captivate its target audience. It is a sports car "born to drive," suitable for those who truly enjoy the driving experience.