Mazda puts a new cherry on top of its 2018 MX-5

The 2018 MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) also has a manual transmission variant.

Mazda Philippines recently announced the arrival of its new 2018-model year MX-5 sports roadster variants.

Aside from a host of dynamic improvements and upgraded safety features, the 2018 MX-5 soft top line has a limited edition dark cherry fabric soft top canopy which comes exclusively with the six-speed SkyActiv automatic transmission variant.

Additionally, Mazda is also offering its signature Machine Gray color for its soft top as an option. Previously, the soft tops for the MX-5 only came in black colored fabrics.

Mazda also introduced a new shade of red called the Soul Red Crystal body color, which is available in selected variants for the 2018 MX-5.

With a front engine and rear wheel drive layout, the already well-balanced MX-5 will have a more refined rear suspension tuning and power steering system for its lightweight soft top variants.

These mechanical enhancements promise to have new MX-5 owners enjoy the classic sports car feel and handling, as well as the ride comfort that the MX-5s are known for.

“Mazda Philippines is continuously providing driving enthusiasts the latest offerings of the world’s most popular sports car—the MX-5,” shares Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan.

He adds, “There has always been a strong demand for the MX-5 in the Philippines. By offering our customers not only an improved product, but also more trim options to choose from, we believe our fans will be able to find the ideal sports car that expresses their love and passion for driving.”

The 2018 MX-5 also comes with a dark cherry soft top.

On top of the underchassis enhancements and tuning, the MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) now comes with a six-speed manual SkyActiv transmission.

The MX-5 RF was unveiled at the Manila International Auto Show last year at the World Trade Center, but it only featured an automatic gearbox. Only the soft top MX-5s at that time had two gearbox options.

Hardcore Mazda enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike kept on inquiring about a manual gearbox for the RF, so Mazda Philippines listened and obliged its customers.

Under the leadership of Tan, Mazda Philippines is one of the car brands in the country that actively engages and listens to its customers, and brings in the products in the variants that they look for.

Tan, one of the few social media savvy CEOs, is so engaged with his customers, and has been known to personally source parts of older generation Mazda cars for customers. He can also be very hands-on especially when it comes to customer service.

Inside the new MX-5, Nappa leather remains an option for the automatic transmission variant of the MX-5 RF, while black leather is standard for the manual.

The 2018 MX-5 RF has a better steering response and refined rear suspension.

Also new for 2018 are additional safety features across the model range for all the RF hard top variants, including adaptive LED headlamps (ALH) featuring an automatic control of headlight aim and intensity based on ever-changing driving conditions.

Another feature added was the lane departure warning, which alerts drivers if they begin to stray out of the lane.

Both safety features are standard for all RF models and automatic transmission variants of the MX-5 soft top.

With the new taxes, the MX-5 price remains reasonably close to old tax prices, with its SRP starting at P1.88 million for the manual soft top, while the top model MX-5 RF with automatic transmission and Nappa leather interior is priced at P2.3 million.

For more information, log on to www.mazda.ph, or visit Mazda’s 20 dealerships located across the Philippines and Metro Manila.