Fans of Mazda’s venerated roadster, the MX-5, will have a little more reason to celebrate in 2018 with the arrival of the Limited Edition. Specifically, this pertains to the MX-5 RF which uses a electric folding metal roof as opposed to a manually-operated fabric top.
Mazda Australia plans to have these MX-5 RF Limited Editions in showrooms locally by March of next year with a drive-away price of $55,790, allowing those interested in getting their paws on the early arrivals fresh from Hiroshima (where it’s known as the MX-5 RF RS) to register their interest. Only 110 are allocated for our shores, though.
Over the standard MX-5 RF, changes made to differentiate the Limited Edition include several new components to improve its handling and on-road performance overall, but also new some cosmetic and interior bits as well.
Starting with the mechanical improvements, they unfortunately do not include any tweaks to the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine. It produces an identical 118kW and 200Nm to the standard RF or soft-top MX-5, not to mention the 3 hatch and CX-5 (albeit ever so slightly detuned).
However, it’s dynamics have been enhanced by Bilstein shock absorbers, Brembo brakes, a new strut bar, and lightweight BBS alloy wheels. The car’s standard tyres, as far as we know, remain unchanged. Those new alloys will do much of the visual differentiation work, but its aided by new front, rear, and side under-spoilers that were first included as part of the Kuroi Sports Pack.
Additionally, a black roof finish also can be optioned to complete the look with the five exterior colours the LE will be offered with. Inside, the sole difference would be the new Recaro sports seats, fashioned in black leather and Alcantara with red accents to jive with brand’s sporty aesthetic.
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