Even those that dislike the Porsche 911 seem to have a soft spot for the Targa model – the semi-convertible cum hardtop coupe variant. Why wouldn’t they, it looks stunning. But, for those who can’t afford that, there’s hope yet – in the world’s favourite sports car. Yip, the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) has gone targa-topped with this, the Mazda MX-5 RF.
The targa-top styled Mazda MX-5 RF gives us the visual appeal of the coupe MX-5 that we’ve never been given (outside of Japan), with the option to still enjoy the open sky. RF stands for ‘Retractable Fastback’, in case you were wondering.
Beneath the newly sculpted silhouette, the Mazda MX-5 RF is mechanically identical to the convertible sibling, with the choice of either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine (globally) driving the rear wheels. Bespoke to the Mazda MX-5 RF though is the option to equip it with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s no official word yet as to the weight penalty for the targa-top roof, but we expect somewhere in the region of 30kg extra heft.
The stunning Mazda MX-5 RF is likely to come to South Africa either in later 2016 or early 2017 – probably with the larger displacement 2.0-litre engine.
