CD Article: 2007 Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hardtop

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

While the Mazda MX-5's soft-top roof was always easy to operate, it's even simpler to open and close with its new optional hardtop. The GT version's $3,195 premium is "not much, given the superior weather sealing and security," says Laurance Yap, but it isn't more refined, and he says he was "expecting more insulation from wind and road noise."  
   
   More...

[D70]

An excellent review, and its Canadian!  I'm impressed with the reviewers candor re the soft top vs hard top and the reference to the original Miata.
We have a 2001 and a 1990 in the stable - actually underground parking. Have had a 1990 and 1996 as well went back to the original for its room and handling.

See this YouTube video to see why

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHSPwfPvCcI

and also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvaPYXm-9DA

[mdxtasy]

Another NA lover.....we've got quite a few here...I've got a 91 SC, 84im has a Monster, and daft has a turbo....

The PRHT is a nice piece of enginnering....usable trunk and hardtop practicality.  Considering a hardtop to slap on a MX5 isn't going to be cheap, the cost of a PRHT is a good deal if you think about it. 

[mar1990]

I agree with L Yap in that the Miata has become heavy and bloated.  Even the cockpit looks too busy. I thought I was in the minority in that the car should remain simple, without all the bells and whistles.  I guess Mazda, being a business, must follow the money.

Initial D,  nice videos... You should have had the MX5 with the top down...would have made losing just as sweet.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Good review. I love these cars   

I won't dare say wish it were larger so I could fit into it though 
(and I don't, as it is what it is because of what it is)

[MX5 Miata Guy]

Sadly, there are a number of errors in the review, namely:

- 12 seconds to raise or lower the top, not 10.
- There is LESS headroom, 10mm to be exact, between a regular MX-5 (soft-top up) versus the PRHT-equipped MX-5 (hard-top up).  This is a little less than a 2006 model with the Removable Hard Top (RHT) attached.
- Wind noise is significantly quieter in the PRHT.  "Boominess" out of the cavernous area where the roof stows into and the trunk is present though, but similar to that of a soft-top model.

Biggest glitch with the PRHT is that there aren't enough of them.  Western Canada only rated three cars per month (I would assume 10 per month for the entire country), and demand far-exceeded supply.  2007 production has ceased for the North American market -- 2008 production starts in June, with initial deliveries expected in October for 2008 PRHT cars.  Given the small through-put from the German company that manufactures the tops for Mazda, supply for 2008 will not be any better.

This is a sad state of affairs, given that as soon as the PRHT model arrived, Mazda Canada Inc. deleted the option of a RHT on soft-top models (a $1,800-ish option in 2006 versus the $2,200 hit for the folding top in 2007), whereas Mazda North America Operations did not do so in the US, where you can still order a RHT with your soft-top.  This may have lead to the fact that some US dealers have PRHT's sitting unsold on the lots, but some areas in the US have a glut, whereas Canada, a very likely sales market for this option, is suffering with a lack of cars.

I was lucky to get the first PRHT in Edmonton (a special order no less, with the saddle brown leather interior as opposed to the bland black leather stipulated with the Stormy Blue Mica colour) but my dealership has only received two cars for all of their 2007 allotment, and many customers have cancelled their orders due to not being able to enjoy the car for this summer (re: fall delivery of a 2008 now their only recourse).

[mdxtasy]

Your car is indeed rare Richard....and a nice looking one too.  I love the saddle brown leather. 

[safristi]

I Just HATE IT when I push tha BUTTON   and Miata facks around with the TOP_END options................Wifey saw 4 lil Miatas.........onna weekend...and said ...why not get ONE.. ....2were already SOLD..the PHRT and a loaded soft_top..I missed my WINDOW of OPPOR_Gotcha_UNITY.....

[Snowman]

PHRT  …Lepew

[safristi]

Thats just 'cos yer RIGHT HAND is SO STRONG Massimo!!!!!

[initial_D]

I agree with L Yap in that the Miata has become heavy and bloated.  Even the cockpit looks too busy. I thought I was in the minority in that the car should remain simple, without all the bells and whistles.  I guess Mazda, being a business, must follow the money.

Initial D,  nice videos... You should have had the MX5 with the top down...would have made losing just as sweet.

Noce video?  Wasn't me, didn't do it. 

The H/T version would be something to consider ... in a few years.

[Rocky03]

I know it was snowing and all but it would be nice to actually see the hard top closed from a side angle instead of the front angle picutre that barely shows the hood.

A side angle looking down on the car would have showed the hardtop better than the pictures that they used.

[safristi]

Rocky ....15..!!!??? well do we Know tha Angle of dangle in a Boxing Film allows mucho Ooohs and Aaaahs when no0ne is actually HIT ..but after running UP and down and UP and down those Phillie Cheap_skate steps......a wee BUTT_OON ta be pressed INTA SERVICE is  Ooooh _Kay.............wif the intended audience!!!

[MX5 Miata Guy]

PHRT  …Lepew

Strong words for a guy who likes the car that's known as having the "Flying Vagina" for a front end...

[ovr50]

PHRT  …Lepew

Strong words for a guy who likes the car that's known as having the "Flying Vagina" for a front end...

 

[Railton]

PHRT  …Lepew

Strong words for a guy who likes the car that's known as having the "Flying Vagina" for a front end...

Ouch...
Railton

[Mitlov]

I know it was snowing and all but it would be nice to actually see the hard top closed from a side angle instead of the front angle picutre that barely shows the hood.

A side angle looking down on the car would have showed the hardtop better than the pictures that they used.

Here's 89 high-resolution images of the PRHT Miata, so you can get any angle you want 

http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2006-mx-5_roadster_coupe/

I kind of like the stubby look of the PRHT cockpit with the roof up.  This may be a random reference, but it reminds me of an Ilyushin IL-2 single-seater with the cockpit closed:

http://vvs.hobbyvista.com/ModelGallery/ily_il2_48.php

[Snowman]

PHRT  …Lepew

Strong words for a guy who likes the car that's known as having the "Flying Vagina" for a front end...

  Ha-ha…a little touchy are we? I was thinking the acronym PHFT would be a new way to spell fart…. but whatever. Not like you would see the front of a WRX from inside a MX-5 anyways.

[safristi]

Geez why is that SOB_ARU spinnin'.........has it found the CENTRE of the UNIVERSE PIVOT POINT!!!?...........".and here @ the Equator we sit inna  National GEO _GRAPHIC Car BLIND..."NO OTHER car has gone this Far before......and Layed an EGG!!!!".....need ta call UP Crock_A_DOODLE DUNDEE....when yer in trubbllle CALL INNA SCOT

[johngenx]

I have always loved the Miata, and this version is no exception.  I'm a little leery of a power clamshell roof based on the costly operating costs of such cars made by Mercedes, but Mazda's quality is much better than MB's, so it might work out.

But, at $38K, they're too steep and too far away from the original concept.  I could buy a Speed3 and a used Miata for the same price, or not much more.  Compared to the excellent value that Mazda offers in most of its other products, the Miata (MX-5, whatever, just let them try to drop the name) doen't offer the same bang for the buck.  Too bad.