2017 MX-5 RF pre-sale starts for Mazda's most loyal customers

--50 built-to-order units will be available through special website--

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Sept. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - An MX-5 like never before, the new 2017 MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) stunned the world with its revolutionary and breathtaking design when it debuted at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year. With a new fastback-style retractable hardtop, the MX-5 RF brings a new level of sophistication and open-air appeal to the best-selling roadster of all time.

Now, this car is set to take roadster fans on a new chapter, with the opportunity to pre-order one of the first cars in Canada starting today. Mazda Canada will invite a select group of loyal Mazda customers to secure their order by sending them a unique PIN code via email. This special code will give them access to the pre-order website and allow them to build and order their own MX-5 RF to their unique specifications, one week before the pre-order site opens up to the general public.

"With the new MX-5 retractable fastback, we want to bring the joy of open-top driving to even more people; those people who value the security and design of a fixed-top coupe, but still want the opportunity to drive with the wind in their hair," said Vincent Reboul, Director, Marketing, Mazda Canada. "This exclusive pre-order offer will allow fifty Canadians to be among the first in the world to share in the excitement of this brand new version of the MX-5."

When the MX-5 RF arrives in showrooms, it will be available in two trim levels; GS and GT, with several option packages available to allow consumers to personalize their MX-5. With a starting price of $38,800, the MX-5 RF GS brings essentially the same feature set as its soft-top stablemate, with the notable difference being the new power-retractable hard top which can be lowered for maximum driving pleasure in approximately 12 seconds, making it one of the fastest power-retractable hard tops on the market. The optional Sport Package ($4,400) turns up the aggression with the addition of seventeen-inch forged BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, and red painted calipers. Inside the car, heated Recaro® sport seats (leather and Alcantara® trimmed) ensure the driver and passenger will stay firmly planted in their seats during spirited driving.

The MX-5 RF GT starts with an MSRP of $42,200 and once again offers the same level of rich features found in the MX-5 soft-top, with leather seats, BOSE premium audio system with 9 speakers (including headrest speakers), automatic climate control, and several advanced safety features such as Lane Departure Warning System, and High Beam Control.

Rich, auburn Nappa leather is available for the first time in the MX-5, welcoming occupants into the soft, supple bucket seats. Paired with a black contrasting roof, this package sets apart the MX-5 RF, as this option is unique to the hard top version.

And if that's not enough, at the top of the ladder is the most aggressive yet refined combination available. Take the best parts of the GS Sport Package – the dark BBS wheels and the track-ready Brembo brakes – and mix in equal parts luxury with the sumptuous Nappa leather seats and piano black hard top, and you've got the ultimate version of the MX-5 that will be just as ready for a day at the track as it is to be taken out for a night on the town.

The 2017 MX-5 RF will be available in dealerships starting in early 2017. For more information on the MX-5 RF pre-order, please visit https://www.mazda.ca/en/vehicles/mx-5-rf/overview/.

About Mazda Canada Inc.
Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 165 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca.  

SOURCE Mazda Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "2017 Mazda MX-5 RF (CNW Group/Mazda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160919_C5438_PHOTO_EN_776316.jpg

Chuck Reimer, Mazda Canada, [phone]; Sandra Lemaitre, Mazda Canada, [phone]