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Mazda has announced the pricing of its MX-5 RF as the retractable fastback is made available for pre-order ahead of its UK on-sale date of March 4th.

A £28,995 Launch Edition of the new retractable hardtop version of the popular sports car will be offered initially, with a limited-run of 500 examples available.

Trim levels in the regular range follow the format of those familiar to current Mazda dealers, with SE-L Nav and Sport Nav versions available equipped with a choice of 131PS 1.5-litre or 160PS two-litre normally-aspirated petrol engines – the former to arrive at dealerships in May.

Prices start at £22,195 for the 1.5 SE-L Nav with a £2,600 premium for the Sport Nav. The two-litre engine represents a £1,100 added investment in both trim levels, with the range-topping two-litre Sport Nav Auto priced at £27,095.

The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF promises to add another chapter in the MX-5 success story, according to Jeremy Thomson, managing director of Mazda Motors UK. He said: “We’re very excited about the arrival of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF. It will add a unique and stylish model to our range, one that stands distinct from the MX-5 Convertible, yet retains all the award-winning driver appeal our sports car is famed for.

“With over 120,000 sales since its launch in 1990, the UK has played a huge part in the MX-5 success story. The last generation of retractable hardtop accounted for a large percentage of MX-5 sales and we expect the all-new RF to continue that trend.”

Mazda’s limited-run of 500 flagship Launch Edition MX-5 RF’s will be powered by the 160PS two-litre engine and will be marked out by a twin-tone roof, BBS wheels, black door mirrors and black rear spoiler.

Available with a choice of free-of-charge Soul Red or Machine Grey metallic paint, it also comes with a Safety Pack as standard, while the exclusive feel continues inside with Alcantara trim and Recaro seats.

As with the Mazda MX-5 convertible all two-litre RFs will come with a limited-slip differential and 17-inch wheels; while Sport Nav models (and the Launch Edition) feature Bilstein dampers and strut brace to further enhance their dynamic set up.

Plus, with the introduction of the £27,095 Sport Nav Auto, the current generation of MX-5 is offered with an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK.

Mazda claims that the RF has been developed to deliver “enhanced cabin comfort and a refined ride”, while maintaining the agility, performance and driver engagement of the MX-5 convertible.

The car’s suspension and electric power steering parameters have been specifically tuned for the Retractable Fastback.

In addition, a sound-absorbing headliner used in the front and middle roof panels combines with sound insulation around the rear wheel housings to deliver a significantly quieter cabin when the roof is closed.