Review and photos by
Paul Williams, CanadianDriver.com
Standard on the $39,995 2010 Mazda MX-5 GT, and a $2,295 option on the $33,495 GS model (both models add $1,595 freight), the power retractable hardtop (PRHT) is a must-have item for some buyers, an appreciated but not required feature for others, and perhaps an unnecessary expense for the balance.
2010 Mazda MX-5 PRHT
Without a doubt, Mazda’s PRHT is a clever piece of kit. The top raises or retracts in twelve seconds, and doesn’t require a separate cover when retracted. Operation involves the use of a single latch, and the press of a button.
In the “down” position, the PRHT doesn’t require more space than the cloth top, so the 150-litre trunk capacity remains the same regardless. Consequently, there is no cargo-space trade-off required when specifying the PRHT, although it does add 10-millimetres to the height of the car, and overall weight is increased by 27 kilograms. In everyday driving, its impact on handling is minimal, if evident at all. (more…)
