The Mazda MX-5 is an icon. It’s the world’s best-selling two-seater convertible sports car, and in fourth-generation form, Auto Express’ favourite roadster. But now there’s another choice if you don’t want a simple soft top. Like the previous version of the car, the Mazda is now available with a folding hard roof. Called the MX-5 RF (which stands for Retractable Fastback), the Mazda is now a part-time tin-top, which means it goes up against one of the finest, most fun to drive sports cars on sale: the Toyota GT86. • Best convertible cars on sale right now A recent facelift for the GT86 has raised its game, although mechanically it remains unchanged, with nimble, rear-wheel-drive handling purity still at the core of the car. In convertible form, the MX-5 had the edge over the previous GT86, so can the RF reign victorious here, too? Head-to-head Model: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Sport Nav Toyota GT86 Price: £25,695 £26,410 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol 2.0-litre flat-four petrol Power/torque: 158bhp/200Nm 197bhp/200Nm Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive 0-60mph: 6.8 seconds 7.6 seconds Top speed: 134mph 140mph Test economy: 33.2mpg 31.8mpg CO2/tax: 161g/km/£140 180g/km/£140 Options: Soul red paint (£670), Safety Pack (£400) Metallic paint (£545), Toyota Touch 2 with Go Navigation system (£750) Mazda MX-5 RF 25 • For: Attractive styling, engaging powertrain, versatility of folding roof, agility.

Attractive styling, engaging powertrain, versatility of folding roof, agility. • Against: Still some chassis shake with roof down, cramped cabin, price hike over soft-top model. Folding hard tops are generally only found on high-end two-seat models like the Mercedes-Benz SL, or supercars like the Ferrari 488 Spider. But this MX-5 RF offers some of the appeal of those cars in a much more affordable package.

Even with the sportier Bilstein dampers and a strengthening strut brace fitted to this 2.0-litre Sport Nav model as standard, the Mazda’s chassis is softer compared with the Toyota’s, with more roll in corners. There’s plenty of grip available, though, while the steering is nicely weighted and geared at just the right speed for the damping set-up. 25 It makes the RF a fun and cohesive package, and with the 2.0-litre model’s limited-slip diff, the MX-5’s chassis offers just enough adjustability to change the car’s cornering line with the throttle. You can trim it with a lift or even a gentle brush of the brakes. It’s comfortable enough on the move, and while material quality isn’t the best in some areas, the main touch points all feel well built. There’s a good level of kit on this trim, too, with navigation, DAB, Bluetooth, auto LED lights and heated seats all fitted. Testers’ notes: • Media: Sat-nav is easy to use, with both a touchscreen and rotary dial. It comes as standard on Sport Nav trim.

Sat-nav is easy to use, with both a touchscreen and rotary dial. It comes as standard on Sport Nav trim. • Finish: Some of the materials feel a little low rent, but overall build quality is solid.

Some of the materials feel a little low rent, but overall build quality is solid. • Storage: Cabin cubbies are tiny, there are small door bins and no glovebox, which hinders practicality. Toyota GT86 25 • For: Handling balance and adjustability, four seats, decent bootspace.

Handling balance and adjustability, four seats, decent bootspace. • Against: Engine needs working hard and doesn’t sound that characterful, interior materials still a little low rent.

As hot hatchbacks continue the trend towards downsized turbocharged engines, the GT86 sports car remains resolutely free of forced induction. It offers snappy throttle response and a six-speed manual gearbox to better connect car and driver. It’s a similar set-up to the MX-5 RF, although the Toyota’s 197bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is arranged in a flat ‘boxer’ configuration, rather than the Mazda’s more conventional in-line unit. As a result, the motor’s bark gives the Toyota some of its distinctive character. The engine note is naturally enhanced and piped into the cabin, and while it’s not the sweetest sounding unit, it has plenty of presence on full throttle. 25 And you’ll need to use full throttle quite a lot, as while the GT86 produces 5Nm more torque than the MX-5, it’s delivered at a lofty 6,400rpm, which is just 1,000rpm shy of the rev limiter. On test, the 0-60mph sprint took 7.6 seconds – eight-tenths slower than the Mazda – but at least the transmission is a nice unit, so it’s no hardship to work the precise six-speed gearbox to keep the engine in its sweet spot. Minor tweaks to the car’s springs and dampers, along with some strengthening of the body shell, are difficult to notice, but these revisions combine to contribute towards the Toyota’s fine handling and chassis balance. The suspension is firmer than the MX-5’s, so it corners flatter, and even fitted with lower grip conventional rubber on its 17-inch alloys, it feels just as fast and secure in corners.