2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Photo Gallery: Power retractable hardtops are all the rage in Europe, where unpredictable weather and street parking in the major cities can put convertible owners at risk to the elements and thieves. Increasingly, such designs are making their way to North America, led nearly a decade ago by the Mercedes-Benz SLK 230. For 2007, Mazda adds one to its iconic Miata roadster, a lightweight sports car with one of the simplest soft tops in the business. The hardtop is even simpler, and though it’s saddled with a pretty dumb name, the 2007 MX-5 Miata PRHT (power retractable hardtop) is a pretty compelling reason to visit your local Mazda dealer.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Why it exists

Simplicity is not why Mazda developed the MX-5 Miata PRHT, since the existing model’s fabric roof is easy to use and can be lowered or raised from the driver’s seat. Rather, the new power retractable hardtop deters knife-wielding thieves, keeps the interior quieter at speed, and better insulates the cabin from foul weather. Slap a set of winter tires on the MX-5 Miata PRHT, and you’ve got a true four-season sports car.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – What’s New for 2007

In addition to adding a power retractable hardtop to the lineup, Mazda has made a couple of changes to the MX-5 Miata for 2007. The Club Spec and base MX-5 models are replaced by a new SV (special value) edition; Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels continue. Colors also change, with Winning Blue Mica and Nordic Green Mica replaced by Stormy Blue Mica and Highland Green Metallic.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Top Up

Mazda toiled for two years to preserve the MX-5 Miata’s aesthetics with the power retractable hardtop raised and to keep the added weight down to preserve the sports car’s perfect balance. An “engineering marvel,” the MX-5 Miata PRHT’s hardtop adds just 80 pounds to the lightweight standard car, and is the only retractable to collapse into the same space as the standard soft top. In fact, the MX-5 Miata PRHT’s trunk is a smidgen larger than the standard model, thanks to a reshaped decklid with a crisply folded trailing edge and clear-lens center-mounted brake lamp.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Using the Top

What could be easier than the standard Miata’s fabric top, which can be tossed over the driver’s shoulder and clipped into place for trouble-free motoring? The Miata’s PRHT’s power retractable hardtop, of course. With the press of a button, the hardtop lowers and raises in just 12 seconds, saving your rotator cuff in the process. Best of all, the 5.3 cu.-ft. trunk is completely separate, which means the driver need not first ensure that luggage is securely stowed under a protective cover.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Top Folding

Here’s why Mazda says the MX-5 Miata PRHT’s roof is an engineering marvel. A hard deck cover rises, the top separates into three pieces, and the glass rear window actually pops itself out of the framework to nestle within the dished rear section. The top stacks neatly inside the same well used for the fabric roof, and the deck cover caps everything off to create a seamlessly finished look from the outside.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Top Down

Once the top is down, the Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT is ready for some fun in the sun. There’s room for two and enough space for a weekend road trip. Better yet, even the most freakish of storms won’t catch the MX-5 Miata PRHT’s occupants off guard because the top will raise in just 12 seconds, providing almost instant shelter.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Interior

Customers can get the new MX-5 Miata hardtop in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels. Sport and Touring models come with black cloth, while the Grand Touring version can be decked out in black or saddle tan leather, which is shown here. The Sport includes air conditioning, power windows, a CD player, and a tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel. Touring editions add 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, fog lights, strut tower bars, and a six-speed manual transmission. Grand Touring versions include a Bose premium audio system, run-flat tires, and silver interior trim.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Chrome Grille

Miata spotters can tell the difference between the standard model and the PRHT version by looking at the grille. Hardtop editions have the chrome grille surround that decorated last year’s MX-5 3rd Generation Limited. The headlights are also equipped with unique bright bezels that provide a premium appearance.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Chrome Handles

Another difference between the Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT and the standard model are chrome strips applied to each exterior door handle. Other modifications aren’t as obvious: the PRHT gets a larger front anti-roll bar, firmer dampers, and higher rear spring rates to help offset the slight weight gain.

Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT – Pricing

Mazda says the hardtop adds about $1,800 to the MX-5 Miata’s sticker price, which means the Sport version starts at $24,945 including the $595 destination charge. Fully loaded with every option, the MX-5 Miata PRHT Grand Touring runs $32,200 – about the same as a Pontiac G6 Convertible or Volkswagen Eos. We’ll trade the rear seats in those two models for the driving joy the MX-5 Miata delivers any day of the week.

Photos courtesy of Mazda