The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most popular convertible cars ever manufactured. But its small soft top can hamper rearward visibility, making it difficult to cruise with the top up.
Fortunately, aftermarket top manufacturers have developed a number of alternative Miata soft tops that look great and provide increased visibility.
Below are our four favorite Miata soft tops. Not only do they look and perform great, but are made from Haartz Corporation topping — the highest quality soft top fabric available. In fact, it’s what Mazda uses itself!
“We have been providing the soft top material for the Miata since the second NB model and it’s been a pleasure,” said Matthew Williams, director of business development at Haartz. “Currently, we supply the black topping for the fourth generation ‘ND’ model but we have provided brown and claret (deep red) colored topping materials for this model in the past. The material is durable, weather-resistant and has a seamless fit.”
1. Panorama Top
The Panorama Top by Robbins Auto Top features a rear plastic window that’s 22% larger than the Miata’s factory curtain. The difference is subtle to passersby, but drivers will find that the larger window significantly improves rearward visibility.
The top is a one-piece design with no deck seams. Its smooth lines mirror those of the original OEM Miata top.
Best of all, Robbins makes the top from Haartz’s Stayfast fabric, which is a premium three-ply topping with square weave facing, rubber inner-layer and cotton backing.
2. G-String Bikini Top
The G-String Bikini Top by Project-G is the first-ever bikini top for the Miata. The distinctive top provides maximum visibility and functions as an umbrella, providing passengers with open-air fun while shielding them from the sun.
Although the factory convertible frame does not need to be removed from the vehicle to install the G-String, the bikini top does utilize the factory header bow for attachment to the windshield. Therefore, you’ll either have to cut yours off the frame or purchase a prepared header bow from Project-G. From there, the installation is straightforward: You simply latch the front bow and fasten the tension straps.
Project-G makes the G-String from Haartz Cabrio or Stayfast topping.
3. Three-Window Top
Kee Auto Top’s three-window top is our favorite because it eliminates dangerous blind spots in the sailpanel region.
Similar to the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SL convertible top, Kee’s top features two small windows flanking either side of the rear curtain — providing ultimate visibility.
Kee makes the three-window top from Haartz Cabrio or Stayfast topping.
4. The Sunroof Soft Top
The Sunroof Soft-Top by Auto Tops Direct is a fun option that you rarely see.
This soft top has an additional plastic window embedded in the roof that looks like a sunroof. Although it doesn’t open, it does provide sunshine and a great view of the sky.
Auto Tops Direct makes the sunroof soft-top from Haartz Cabrio topping.
Haartz Topping
Finding the right top to meet your customers’ needs is a sure way to guarantee their satisfaction and repeated patronage.
When recommending tops to customers, present them with options manufactured by reputable companies that use Haartz topping. It’s the only way to ensure the top will fit correctly and can withstand the elements.
Haartz, of course, is the world leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed convertible toppings. Every new car, from the Miata to the Lamborghini Aventador, is topped with their fabric.
To learn more about Haartz, visit Haartz.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ANDRES CABRERA says
plastic windows turn yellow in the california sun