How Does The Mazda MX-5 RF's Roof work?

May 14 2018, Centennial Mazda

How Does The Mazda MX-5 RF's Roof work?

It's mid-May. Prime convertible season. The sun's out. The birds are singing. The beach will soon be calling. The sports cars and motorcycles and antique automobiles you hadn't seen since last fall are coming out of hibernation.

Nobody ever said the Mazda Miata had to be a summer-only car, but for those who want another layer of insulation and security, Mazda introduced a PRHT (power retractable hardtop) version of the third-generation NC Miata in 2007. When the all-new fourth-gen ND Miata was unveiled for the 2016 model year, Mazda reverted to a soft-top-only lineup. 

But not for long. While the regular MX-5 Miata's soft top is delightfully easy to flip and fold while seated in the cockpit, the 2017 model year brought about a new hardtop version of the Miata. The MX-5 RF, for retractable fastback, is highly stylish up ordown and basically turns the Miata into two different kinds of sports cars: a topless roadster on the one hand; a hardtop coupe on the other. 

The RF's top itself is an engineering wonder, a seemingly simplistic rendering of what must surely be some very complicated mechanics. So, how does it work?

Watch and learn.


Other Articles That May Interest You

All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5: Release Date, Specs, Dimensions

July 10 2025, Centennial Mazda

All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5: Release Date, Specs, Dimensions

Over 300,000 CX-5s have been sold in Canada since the model's debut 13 years ago. The launch of an all-new model for the 2026 model year will mark the arrival of the third-generation CX-5. Although the MX-5 Miata is the heart and soul of Mazda, the CX-5 is the breadwinner. In 2024, over one-third of Mazda Canada's sales – and nearly one-third of Mazda's U.S. volume – were generated by the CX-5,...
Celebrating 20 Years at Mazda: Brodie Eldershaw

April 04 2025

Celebrating 20 Years at Mazda: Brodie Eldershaw

April 4, 2025, marks 20 years since Brodie first joined Mazda! From starting in the wash bay to becoming an Automotive Technician, he has witnessed the evolution of Mazda vehicles firsthand. We asked him a few questions to reflect on his journey, favorite memories, and what has kept him here for two decades. Q&A with Brodie Q: What year did you start working at Mazda? A: April 4, 2005. (Fun...
Logo Access 360