The Classic Mazda Miata Could Have Been an Awesome Hot Hatch
Mazda has previously offered the Miata with a fixed hardtop, but it has never produced a hatchback version.
Whenever a car manufacturer launches a convertible sports car, one question inevitably arises: “How would it look with a hardtop?” Alongside this curiosity, some people often complain that convertibles tend to be noisy, heavier, and less structurally rigid than their fixed-roof counterparts. Still, that’s not the main focus. Occasionally, automakers explore the idea of creating a fixed-roof version of their roadsters. One of the most iconic responses came from BMW with the Z3 Coupe—a hatchback-style design affectionately nicknamed the “clown shoe.” The concept left such a mark that designer Davide Virdis imagined a similar treatment for a contemporary of the Z3: the first-generation Mazda Miata. Interestingly, the Mazda Miata seems even better suited to a hatchback conversion than its German counterpart.
The Hot Hatch We Wish We Had
It’s impressive how naturally this design fits. The original Mazda Miata mix of smooth curves and just enough straight lines makes the boxier greenhouse look completely at home. Virdis kept the hatchback design simple and tasteful—much like BMW’s approach with the Z3. He extended the roofline slightly and gave the rear pillar a subtle forward tilt, creating a perfectly balanced silhouette. To complete the look, he lowered the car, added a sleek body kit, and equipped it with Mazdaspeed MS-02 Rays wheels, pulling together a stunning 1990s-inspired vision that we can only wish had come to life.
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Mazda Never Made a Hatchback, But Has Explored Hardtops
While seeing this Mazda Miata hatchback become a reality would have been exciting, Mazda has actually been working with steel-roof Miatas for decades. You’re probably already familiar with a few examples. The brand still offers the Miata RF—short for “retractable fastback.” Its sleek flying buttresses create a uniquely striking roofline, though they do limit some of the open-air experience when the top is down. Those pillars stay fixed, with only the targa panel and rear window folding away into the back. Despite this, the Mazda Miata RF remains stylish and just as thrilling to drive as the classic soft-top versions.
The previous generation of the Mazda Miata featured the PRHT, or Power Retractable Hardtop. This roof was designed specifically to cover just the cabin area while minimizing the space it occupied when folded into the trunk. Because of this compact design, the car looked a bit unusual with the hardtop raised. Nevertheless, it combined the fully open experience of a soft-top with the added benefits of better sound insulation and the security of a coupe—all in a single, convenient package.
You might not be familiar with the second-generation Roadster Coupe, which was exclusively sold in Japan. This model was a true coupe, featuring a steel roof and fixed pillars integrated into the unibody—meaning the roof wasn’t removable. Unlike a full fastback, it didn’t provide much extra cargo space, sticking to a traditional coupe layout with just a trunk rather than a hatchback. Production numbers were limited, and Mazda apparently didn’t see enough success to keep it going. Still, it stands out as an interesting departure from the usual Miata formula, especially since it came straight from the factory that way.
