Mazda Roadster Launch Begins May 21st by Mazda

Mazda Roadster | Mazda Roadster

Mazda Roadster to Go on Sale May 21

Mazda has officially announced the production model of the fourth-generation new "Roadster." Sales will begin on May 21 through Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships nationwide.

Text by AKIZUKI Shinichiro (OPENERS)

Pursuing the Joy of "Jinba Ittai"

Since its debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the "Roadster" has been loved by car fans worldwide. In 2011, it achieved cumulative production of 900,000 units and was certified by Guinness as the "world's best-selling two-seater compact open sports car."

The fourth-generation Roadster made its debut at a fan-participation event held in September 2014. It was unveiled at a venue in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, drawing significant attention. Approximately eight months later, the production model has finally been officially announced, with sales slated to begin on May 21.

The new Roadster is developed under the concept of "Let's enjoy life - Joy of the Moment, Joy of Life." Product development focused on two key areas: evolution as a car through Mazda's cutting-edge "Skyactiv technology" and the "Kodo—Soul of Motion" design theme, alongside the pursuit of "the sensation of enjoying driving."

The engine is a newly developed direct-injection 1.5-liter gasoline engine, producing a maximum output of 96 kW (131 ps) at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 150 Nm (15.3 kgm) at 4,800 rpm, laid out in a front-midship configuration. The weight distribution is an optimal 50:50 for a sports car, naturally employing FR (front-engine, rear-wheel drive). It is paired with either a newly developed 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The body of the new Roadster utilizes aluminum and high-tensile steel at a rate of 71 percent, a 13 percent increase over the previous generation. While ensuring rigidity, the vehicle weight has been kept under 1,000 kg, at 990 kg for the base grade.

Furthermore, the cockpit ensures superior visibility compared to the previous model, and the pedal layout provides the driver with an ideal position. Mazda claims that by lowering the engine and seat positions to reduce the center of gravity, drivers can further experience the traditional "Jinba Ittai" (horse and rider as one) joy that the Roadster is known for.

Pricing starts at ¥2,494,800 for the base grade "Roadster S." The "Roadster S Special Package" is ¥2,700,000 (MT) and ¥2,808,000 (AT), while the "Mazda Roadster S Leather Package" is ¥3,034,800 (MT) and ¥3,142,800 (AT).