Mazda's MX-5 RF Is Massively Out-Selling The Traditional Soft-Top

It looks like a hard-top roof is a priority for MX-5-buying Brits, as sales figures reveal a huge swing towards the RF during 2017 despite less time on sale

The Mazda MX-5 RF outsold the traditional soft-top version in the UK by almost 40 per cent last year, despite being on sale for two months less.

The RF hit showrooms on 4 March last year, giving the soft-top a two-month, three-day head-start, but the electrically folding hard-top is clearly a winner with buyers. Sales figures obtained by Car Throttle show that the MX-5 RF found 2911 homes in Britain last year, versus 1787 sales for the rag-top.

Mazda’s available global sales figures don’t break things down by body style, so we can’t compare the UK’s results to those from around the world, but it’s a clear indicator of how much a tin-top roof matters to British convertible buyers – at least towards the lower end of the market.

The likes of Audi, Bentley, BMW and Mercedes have all previously stated that their customers prefer a canvas roof, because they want people to know they’re in an expensive convertible.

MX-5 buyers seem to want the extra security of metal protecting their heads – and potentially their valuables – instead of the lower centre of gravity and lighter weight of the original ND variant.

As long as the soft-top keeps its position as the original and best, we don’t mind one bit. It’s still one of this writer’s favourite new cars on sale today. In 2.0-litre Sport Nav guise, thanks, or better yet, the 1.5-litre car after a visit to BBR…