I had the opportunity to take the Mazda MX-5 RF for a road test and decided that the best place to test this vehicle was the Eastern Free State where one could test the vehicle’s performance in various conditions ranging from highway, to back roads and mountain roads.

I must admit that when I received the vehicle from Mazda I looked at it a bit sceptical and thought to myself that this was going to be a long and bumpy ride, but I was surprised.

The Mazda’s ride comfort was smooth and not once did you feel uncomfortable sitting so low and close to the road. The getting in and out was however another story, but once again after the second/third time it became easier.

Driving down from Pretoria to Clarens I decided to take the N3 so that I can experience this vehicle as it negotiates traffic, and I must admit being small has its advantages since to can weave with ease through traffic, and knowing you are backed by the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission made taking those small gaps and lane changes a breeze.

The Mazda made a lot of heads turn since it is a relative unknown convertible and it draw a number of onlookers every time we stopped somewhere, and even driving into Clarens where the holiday makers and locals are used to the Italian and German manufacturers brand of luxury vehicles visiting regular, a lot was surprised to learn that our vehicle was a Mazda MX-5.

Driving through Golden Gate National Park we decided to put the top down and what an experience. With low wind noise it was a fun drive as we negotiate the mountain roads and passes through the park heading for Kestell.

In Kestell we made a quick stop for something to drink and then took the N2 back towards Bethlehem and Clarens.

Along the way we stopped at Uys Huis Farm stall….very nice Milkshakes and a lot of interesting curios and farm things like homemade jams for sale.

We continued our journey from Clarens via Fouriesburg and we can recommend that you make time to visit Jenlee’s Country Shop. This country shop has something of everything for sale.

From Fouriesburg we travelled in search of the elusive farm stalls via Ficksburg and Clocolan where we found Constantia farm stall (everything cherries and more..nice food) and the Cabin (a bit of everything and nice milkshakes).

Traveling back to Pretoria we stayed on the back roads stopping at Rosendal and met up with Chris van Niekerk (actor) at his theater and coffee shop and then drove through the scenic Free State via Senekal, Steynsburg and eventually hitting the N1 at Kroonstad back to Pretoria.

The Mazda surprised me on this journey and being a Ford Ranger owner it took some time to get used to this little convertible, but it was fun.

The 2 liter engine has enough power to go Zoom Zoom very fast and I was expecting some hesitation between engine and gearbox since it was an automatic, but there was none….when you pressed down on the accelerator to pass another vehicle the gearing down and acceleration was immediate.

The on road handling, performance and ride comfort was impressive and the interior and exterior looks and design was truly beautiful.

The only negatives I can mention was probably the cup holders that are situated between the two seat too the rear and this makes it difficult to pick a cup or bottle from there. Other negatives include the sun visor that are made from plastic….one would thought that a vehicle priced over R580 000 would have a leather of cloth visor and the biggest negative is probably the boot space that barely takes two small travel bags, but I guess if you drive this vehicle and wants the retractable roof that takes a lot of the boot space you only need to pack one small weekend bag and a large picnic basket with some crackers, cheese, biltong and good wine and find that romantic spot overlooking the mountains and enjoy the moment with someone special.

Thanks Mazda for the vehicle.