Blending Coupe-like Elegance with the Exhilaration of Full Open-Air Driving

A hardtop model has been added to the Mazda "Roadster." Roadster RFIt's named the "Roadster RF" and features an electrically retractable hardtop. When closed, it's as elegant as a coupe, and when the roof is open, the driving exhilaration rivals that of a full convertible. Having test-driven it before its December 22, 2016 release, it proved to be a car that combines spirited enjoyment with a mature presence.

At the press event, Nobuhiro Yamamoto of Mazda, who holds the title of Roadster Ambassador, shared the motivation behind developing this model: "We know many people who dream of owning a convertible still choose a car with a roof. We wanted to convey the surprise and emotion of open-air driving to these customers as well."

Wheelbase is 2,310mm, identical to the soft-top model

Roof opens and closes in a world-beating 13 seconds

The previous Roadster also had an electric hardtop model. However, it was more of a simple style, essentially changing the canvas top material to resin and metal. In contrast, the Roadster RF is a targa top, with its strengths touted as its stylish fastback coupe-like appearance. It was first unveiled at the New York Auto Show in March 2016 and has been a topic of discussion for its styling ever since.

Another significant feature of the Roadster RF is its 2-liter engine. While the Japanese market Roadster uses a 1.5-liter engine, this decision was explained by a PR representative as being made "to appeal to a wider age range with a more relaxed driving experience." It's a 1,997cc Miller cycle engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing a maximum output of 116 kW (158 ps) and a peak torque of 200 Nm. It is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and is rear-wheel drive.

The Roadster RF, equipped with a hardtop that opens and closes in a mere 13 seconds (even at speeds up to 10 km/h), presents a highly stylish and premium impression from the side, precisely as the designers intended. Its mature aura is undeniably enhanced. The driving experience also offers noteworthy aspects.

The MT Model Where You Can Experience "Jinba Ittai" Driving

The Mazda Roadster RF shares the same wheelbase and overall length and width as the soft-top model. Only the ride height is reportedly 5mm higher, meaning they are virtually identical. Visually, the flared front and rear fenders are emphasized, conveying its nature as a rear-wheel-drive car designed for enthusiastic driving.

The driving impression is quite positive. With its 2-liter engine, you can feel ample power from the start. As expected from an engine designed to deliver its peak output at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque at 4,600 rpm, it's meant to be enjoyed at higher revs. Particularly with the manual transmission model, you can truly experience the "Jinba Ittai" (horse and rider as one) driving that Mazda developers emphasize.

Specifications include "S," "VS" (pictured), and "RS"

The retractable roof is composed of three sections

Weight balance and body rigidity have been reviewed for the hardtop conversion, and the suspension settings are also exclusive. The dampers and electric power steering have undergone specific tuning. To accommodate the 20kg weight increase over the soft-top (still a lightweight 1,100kg), the damper gas pressure has been adjusted. Furthermore, the front stabilizer, rear springs, and bump stoppers have been revised.

My test drive was in Tokyo, so I only got a glimpse of its cornering characteristics, but the feeling of turning through curves with the small, comfortable-to-grip steering wheel was exhilarating. As expected from a car emphasizing maturity, it's not overly quick but offers excellent responsiveness and precision. It's a car that allows for enjoyable daily driving. According to Mazda, the assist level for slower steering inputs has been increased to enhance responsiveness.

Mazda states that noise insulation has been significantly improved, yet the engine exhaust note is intentionally audible. Some models even feature an enhancer, with the dry mid-range resonance playing a role in heightening the driving excitement. The manual transmission pairs exceptionally well with this. The flywheel is relatively light, so engaging the clutch at idle can cause the engine to stall, but a slight increase in engine revs allows for smooth starts. There's no hint of difficulty in handling. Yet, as mentioned earlier, the joy of accelerating through the rev range is considerable.

The automatic transmission model, "VS," felt slightly different in character from the manual. The ride is a bit softer, and it feels like it's driven by torque rather than engine revs. This might be especially true after driving the sharper manual version. Of course, this doesn't mean the car is dull. The torque converter automatic gearbox is intelligent, effectively utilizing the optimal torque band for strong acceleration. The trunk capacity is 127 liters, "almost the same" as the soft-top model (according to the press materials), capable of storing two carry-on sized suitcases. While there's no extra luggage space in the cabin, it's a sports car, so that's to be expected.

Styling Evokes the Detomaso Vallelunga and Lancia Montecarlo

Mazda explains that the Roadster RF was developed adhering to three key requirements: "lightweight and compact," "maintaining the same wheelbase," and "not sacrificing luggage space." Simultaneously, they achieved a new body style, making the words of Chief Engineer Masashi Nakayama, who also served as Chief Designer, resonate: "Without the passion and challenging spirit of the entire team, this plan and design might have remained just a dream."

What impresses me is the beautiful styling, with its rear quarter pillars reminiscent of the Detomaso Vallelunga and Lancia Montecarlo from the 1960s and 70s. Furthermore, I was struck by how, when driving, the low and short windshield maintains a classic open-air exhilaration, akin to British lightweight sports cars.

Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic (RS is manual only)

Nappa leather seats are available for the VS model

Mazda's styling, to my untrained eye, is characterized by its clean lines, free of any toy-like elements, even in the details. It's refreshing that there are no childish details added just for appeal. Looking at the hood from the driver's seat, the sharp edges and taut surfaces create a hood that looks like a piece of craftsmanship. It should be a source of pride for the owner.

Functionality has not been sacrificed for styling. Even with the top down, wind buffeting is minimal, and wind noise is surprisingly low. With a bit of layering, winter drives should be pleasant. Naturally, it comes equipped with heated seats. This car itself could be considered a well-crafted piece of apparel. Prices range from ¥3,240,000 for the S manual to ¥3,736,800 for the RS (manual only). It's a model that brings happiness, regardless of age.

Mazda Roadster RF | MAZDA ROADSTER RF
Body Dimensions | 3,915 × 1,735 × 1,245mm
Wheelbase | 2,310 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,495 / 1,505 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 145 mm
Engine | 1,997cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Bore x Stroke | 83.5 × 91.2 mm
Compression Ratio | 13.0
Maximum Output | 116 kW (158 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) / 4,600 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
Front Suspension | Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension | Multi-link
Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Rear Brakes | Discs
Minimum Turning Radius | 4.7 meters
JC08 Mode Fuel Economy | 15.6 km/ℓ
Seating Capacity | 2 people
Price | ¥3,240,000 - ¥3,736,800