The Mazda MX-5 RF has been crowned Most Fun Car to Drive in the 2020 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Voted for by more than 181,000 car owners, the awards reflect consumers lifestyles and reasons for choosing cars. Commenting on the award, Erin Baker, Auto Trader Editorial Director, said: “Mazda’s MX-5 RF once again proves its sport credentials, this category is about putting smiles on faces and the RF does that in spades, while proving that you don’t need to spend a lot of money for a whole lot of fun”.
In dealerships now, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback, features a six model line up with the 132ps 1.5-litre offered in SE-L and Sport trim, while the 184ps 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is matched to Sport Tech and the new range-topping GT Sport Tech trim, while exclusive to the RF, both 2.0-litre models come with the option to choose an automatic gearbox.
New for the 2020 Mazda MX-5, the GT Sport Tech flagship model is marked out by 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and Burgundy Nappa leather seats, while across the whole range the MX-5 is available with Polymetal Grey Metallic paint for the first time. The updated version of Mazda’s sports car also benefits from extra standard safety equipment: from Sport models and above, the MX-5 features Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert. While Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on Sport Tech and GT Sport Tech models.
As you’d expect for a car so famed for its dynamic abilities, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 retains the same award-winning mechanical set up as before. Introduced in September 2018, the updated 184ps version of the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine features lighter pistons and con-rod, plus upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, all of which increase performance over the 160ps version that featured in the fourth-generation MX-5 at launch in 2015. As a result, the engine has a redline of 7,500rpm. In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion than the 160ps version, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.
As before 2.0-litre cars with the manual gearbox have a front strut brace, limited slip differential and Bilstein dampers.
Across all models in the range, the 2020 MX-5 features telescopic steering adjustment to enhance driver comfort and improve the famous Jinba Ittai ‘car-and-driver as one’ ethos that sits at the heart of the MX-5 experience. As you would expect of a car that was named World Car Design of the Year on its debut, the styling of the MX-5 has been left alone.
Commenting on the Mazda MX-5 RF’s recognition by Auto Trader’s readers, Mazda UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “when it comes to driver engagement, the current generation MX-5 has already established itself as a benchmark sports car, and with the 2020 Mazda MX-5 we continue to offer one of the most exciting and satisfying to drive cars money can buy and it’s fantastic that this has been acknowledged by the readers of Auto Trader.”
Adding, “Our engineers have created a sports car that incorporates our ground-breaking Skyactiv technology, modern safety and superb efficiency with the driver focused enjoyment for which the MX-5 is loved. The MX-5 is Mazda’s brand icon and it embodies all that is great about our products. Its fun to drive character has strengthened the bond between Mazda and its customers for 30 years and the 2020 model continues this unswerving dedication to delivering an affordable, engaging, world-class sports car.”
Full 2020 Mazda MX-5 price and specification here: www.mazdamediapacks.com
