2017 Mazda MX-5 RF: Downsizing With a Smile

What’s a mom to do as her kiddos grow up? While I’m not quite there yet, there’s a small part of me that looks forward to it — just a ‘lil.

Have you gotten accustomed to being on the run, driving the kids everywhere, taking care of things at home, family, work, and on top of that — the dog? Does feeling stressed-out and running out of time every day feel pretty normal by now? Well, you’re not alone.

Nope, not even close. As a business owner, wife, and mom of six- and fourteen-year-old daughters, my daily routine is the visual representation of stress. Despite what you might see on my Instagram feed, I’m not always doing memorable things or sipping sparkling water somewhere hip.

I recently had the chance to spend some quality time with the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, and much like the “normal” MX-5 I drove in 2015, I was quickly reminded of the one reason I look forward to the girls growing up. Don’t get me wrong, I will be an emotional mess when one or both of my daughters move out and go off to college, but at least there’s a tiny silver lining.

In case you’re wondering what’s different about this “RF” version than the previous one I drove, it’s not a whole lot. In fact, it’s just one thing but, boy does it make a difference! “RF” stands for “retractable fastback,” and that’s the name Mazda designers gave to the sleek retractable hardtop that hides in the trunk. Unlike its MX-5 counterpart, this one is powered and not manual, so all you have to do is push a button and the top will do its thing in less than 20 seconds and up to six miles per hour.

With that being said, here are the three reasons why the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF makes me (kind of) wish my kids were off to college!

Driving Intimacy

Being a little selfish isn’t always bad, especially when it involves a red convertible. The MX-5 RF only seats two, obviously, but that isn’t a terrible thing in itself. Cars have become a social gathering as of lately, especially crossovers and SUVs, so it’s nice to be in a setting where it’s just you and your special other — whoever that may be. It could be your spouse, your dog, or absolutely no one. It’s driving intimacy.

It Makes Me Smile

When was the last time your car made you smile? Maybe the day you bought it? Or maybe it’ll be the day it finally quits working and you have an excuse to buy a new one, right?

There wasn’t a time that the MX-5 RF didn’t make me smile. Whether it was when I started its 155-horsepower engine or engaged first gear via the six-speed manual transmission, I smiled. Although I have to admit, typically it was after I parked it and glanced back at it for a quick peek. Be still my heart!

Retirement-Friendly

The problem with most sweet-looking and fun-to-drive two-seaters, is that they cost an arm and a leg, or they’re designed for wannabe racer car drivers. Not the MX-5 RF.

Despite its racy looks, this little Mazda is smooth, it’s soft, but it’s also lightning-quick when you need it to be. More importantly, it’s retirement-friendly! This test car was fully loaded and it came with a sticker price of $33,885. On top of that, it achieved an incredible combined average of 31.9 mpg! You know, once the kids are out of the house it’s important to focus on finances for the future, but also to treat yourself to a little something-something. The MX-5 RF will be that something-something one day; you know what I mean?