The highly anticipated hardtop version of the Mazda MX-5, the RF (Retractable Fastback), is on sale now and promises a more exhilarating, open air driving experience.

Popular with sportscar buyers on the previous generation MX-5, the fully automated hardtop, which is made up of four parts including the front, middle and rear roof, as well as a back window glass panel, fully retracts into the boot of the MX-5 with minimal impact to storage space.

Push button operated, the roof can be opened and closed at driving speeds of up to 10km/h and takes 13 seconds from start to finish.

Mazda also took the opportunity with the RF launch to add further standard safety equipment, including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Not confined to the RF, this equipment is also available across the entire Mazda MX-5 range. The high grade RF GT also gets the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) – LED headlights that swivel up to 15 degrees to reveal more of a road’s corner.

The MX-5 RF grade includes 17 inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, MZD Connect – which is also now standard on all grades – and Satellite Navigation, while the high grade MX-5 RF GT comes with either a black or tan leather interior trim, power mirrors, climate control air conditioning and heated seats. There is also an additional GT option that features a black-painted roof and stylish nappa leather interior trim.

With prices starting from $38,550* plus on road costs, the All-New Mazda MX-5 RF is powered by the SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine that boasts 118kW of power and 200Nm of torque, and offers a choice of either a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual or 6-speed auto transmission.

Offered in six contemporary colours including the MX-5 debut of Machine Grey Metallic, fuel economy numbers for MX-5 RF start from 7.0L per 100 kilometres for manual and 7.4L per hundred for auto variants.