This February I was invited along to the first drive to experience the brand new Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback).
With only 110 six-speed manual transmission variants on offer in Australia- it’s very exclusive. Plus it offers some limited edition features to get you excited.
On launch day I travelled into Yarra Valley with Mike Stevens from Car Advice in one of the new LE’s. The driving route was mapped to maximise our time in the car, and also test it’s handling ability on some of my favourite roads in Victoria.
We drove through King Lake, and onto Healesville. For those of you that are familiar, some excellent driving roads (winding corners), plus it was even more enjoyable with less traffic (being a week day)!
As for how the car drives- just like the MX-5 RF GT I had last year- it was fun, comfortable and agile. Even more so with the differences thanks to the upgraded features.
When we arrived at Coombe Estate we were informed about the features of the new MX-5 (which we had just experienced).
Key Limited Edition Features:
- A custom-made Seiko Mazda sports wrist watch
- BBS 17-inch alloy wheels
- Red Brembo aluminium four-piston front brake calipers
- Recaro sports seats
- Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers
- Aerodynamic body kit from the Kuroi Sports Pack feat. larger front airdam, deep side skirts and a rear under-spoiler
- Purpose-built front strut cross brace bar
- Ltd Ed Colour choices include: Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica.
DESIGN/PERFORMANCE
Although the LE MX-5 RF comes with some upgrades, the core of what MX-5 stands for is still the same. Still with a focus on driving pleasure and fun, the LE MX-5 RF nails this on the head, while still providing the charm it’s known for.
PERFORMANCE SPECS:
- 2.0 litre 4 cyclinder petrol engine
- Max power: 118kW @ 6,0000rpm
- Max torque: 200Nm @ 4,600rpm
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Fuel Consumption (combined): 7.0L/100km
MX-5 APPEAL
It goes without saying, but MX-5’s already have a mass appeal from Mazda fans to those who appreciate roadsters alike. The MX-5’s have a lot to love, and a lot to offer and those purists will surely rejoice at a chance at a LE. (I know I would.)
With only a manual option for this round of LE’s, this launch certainly as the purists in mind.
Which honestly, for the MX-5 roadster, it makes total sense.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I personally love the upgraded sporty look/feel of the MX-5, although quietly, the standard MX-5 RF is still pretty darn awesome.
This Australian Exclusive Limited Edition model will definitely appeal to those looking to stand out from the pack. With only 110 models available in Australia, it’s guaranteed.
The limited edition RF model is on sale with a National Driveaway price of $55,790 compared to the drive-away price of the MX-5 RF GT at $48,384, a difference of $7,400.
However for those looking for something less common and unique, I could see this pricing being a justifiable difference. (I mean you are getting something a bit more exclusive afterall.)
For more information on the Limited Edition MX-5 and other offerings head to Mazda Australia or contact your local Mazda dealer.
#MX5RFLimitedEdition #MazdaAUS
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Preview provided on behalf of Mazda Australia
Photography by Andrea Hobbs
ANDREA IN ARCADIA 
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