Mazda MX-5 2,0 Auto RF

By Kevin du Plessis

It is no secret that small convertible sports cars have always been a favourite in the affluent gay community. Frankly, because we are show-offs and the sex appeal of a sleek sports car speaks to us.

The Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback) is just such a car. It is a beautifully designed convertible, based on the fourth generation MX-5 Roadster Coupé that won numerous automotive awards around the globe. The exterior has distinctive lines that flow beautifully from front to back and, top up or down, you are bound to feel like a rock star driving it.

The MX-5 is fitted with the reliable and user friendly Mazda infotainment system, and the interior design is beautiful especially with the pink stitching on the leather.
That said, this is a very small car. Storage bins are almost non-existent and there is no glove compartment. Your elbow bumps the back of the cabin when reaching for the infotainment dials and the boot fits only a medium size cooler and two backpacks. It is also not made for boys with long legs, so if you were born with a set of Tyra Banks strutters, the MX-5 RF is not for you.

The 2,0-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine with its 6-speed automatic transmission offers 118kW power, which is not a hell of a lot, but I found the sport setting to enhance over-all performance considerably. And one plus that a slightly less powerful engine in a sports car brings is fabulous fuel economy. The MX-5 RF comes with Hill Launch Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and its brake system is very effective. Oh, and let’s not forget that it has a fantastic Bose sound system which makes up for any wind noise at high speeds. It is all about having fun. So, if you need a bit of excitement, and like turning heads in traffic, go for it!