Mazda UK announced the pricing of their new folding hardtop version of the MX-5, dubbed the RF, which is set to go on sale from March 4, 2017.

With production already having started at the Ujina plant in Hiroshima, the first examples of the new Mazda MX-5 RF are scheduled to reach first Europe and North America.

The UK arm of the Mazda will offer a six-model range to its customers, with a limited-to-500 units Launch edition to sit on top of it. This will come only in conjunction with the 158hp 2.0-litre petrol engine, featuring a unique two-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors, black rear spoiler, Recaro seats, Alcantara trim and the Safety Pack as standard.

Unlike the rest of the range, customers of the Launch edition will be able to choose the Soul Red or the Machine Grey metallic paint options free-of-charge. If you want these paint options but gunning for a lesser model, prepare to fork out £670.

“With the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF we freed ourselves from traditional ways of thinking and took on fresh challenges in order to create something new. Our aim was a convertible sports car with gorgeous fastback lines when the roof is closed and an exhilarating open-air feeling when open,” commented Nobuhiro Yamamoto, Mazda MX-5 Programme Manager.

On Launch edition models, the retractable hardtop will have its front and middle roof sections finished in piano black, contrasting the Soul Red or Machine Grey paint. As for the rest of the range, UK customers will be able to choose between the entry-level versions that come with the 129hp 1.5-litre and a manual gearbox and the 158hp 2.0-litre with either a manual or an automatic transmission.

The 2.0-litre models come with a limited-slip differential, 17-inch gunmetal alloys and piano black door mirrors as standard. Sport Nav models gain a Bilstein sport suspension, a strut brace, 17-inch Bright alloys and body-colored door mirrors.

Pricing kicks off at £22,195 for the 1.5-litre SE-L Nav model, with the 2.0-litre Sport Nav model asking for £25,695. Add the automatic gearbox on this and the price tag becomes £27,095. Finally, the limited Launch edition models ask for £28,995.

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