2019 Mazda MX-5 RF now loaded with more features
If you thought the Mazda MX-5 RF lacked a few things here and there, well fret not as the refreshed 2019 model seems to have addressed most of which, and it’s now available locally in Malaysia.
Announced by Mazda Malaysia this week, the refreshed 2019 Mazda MX5, which is offered exclusively here in retractable targa top RF form, now sports a host of new kit on board, and it even gets an improved powertrain to sweeten things too.
We’ll start with the oily bits and, for the 2019MY update, the MX5 RF sees its 2.0-litre Skyactiv 4cyl petrol heart benefitting with redesigned pistons, con-rods, crank, throttle body and intake valves.
The result sees the mill able to rev higher, delivering greater top-end power, as well as higher torque throughout the rev ranges. Mazda says they’ve tweaked with the exhaust too, promising a better soundtrack to boot.
These improvements are measurable of course, with power up from 158bhp to 182bhp and torque firmed up slightly from 200Nm to 205Nm. Both outputs are managed by a 6-speed automatic, but the option for a stick and three pedals remains available too if you like to row your own gears.
Oily bits aside, there are plenty of new features in the cabin as well. Headlining the changes here is the availability of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the MZD Connect infotainment system and its 7-inch touchscreen.
Other useful changes in the cabin include the inclusion of telescopic steering adjustment, the addition of cruise control, as well as a neat full colour TFT multi-info display in the dash.
Of course, these changes also warrants a price hike, and it’s a sizable one at that too – roughly RM37,000 more than before. You’ll need to shell out RM259,154 for the manual variant, or RM260,354 for the automatic transmission variant.
In typical Mazda fashion, there’s a 5-year or 100,000km warranty and free service package included in said prices.
(NOTE: EU-spec car pictured)
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF (EU Spec)
