If the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF aims to introduce some hard-top practicality to the iconic little roadster, does it run the risk of losing what makes a Miata, well, a Miata? That should’ve been the question we asked when the Japanese company unveiled the RF at the New York Auto Show a year ago: instead, we were too busy being wowed by its innovative retractable roof and achingly pretty design. Fast forward to today, with the first of the MX-5 RF Launch Edition cars reaching the initial 1,000 buyers and the regular versions landing in Mazda dealerships, it’s time to get behind the wheel and ask the tough questions.

Grafting a new roof onto an existing design can be a recipe for disaster. The third-generation MX-5 hard-top was practical, but had a weird humped shoulder with the roof down, and looked a little ungainly in profile compared to the simplicity of its soft-top sibling. Faced with the same challenge over again, Mazda has not only opted to embrace the possibilities, but ended up with – to my eyes, at least – a better looking car at the end of it.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-mazda-mx-5-miata-rf-first-drive-hard-top-easy-decision-13478406/