| Here's good news for lovers of lightweight open two-seater sports cars. The best just got better.Mazda Motor Corporation's new Roadster, just introduced at Mazda Anfini and other selected Mazda dealers throughout Japan, has a powerful new 1.8-liter engine, increased body rigidity, and a number of exterior and interior enhancements.
Since the launch of the original Roadster in September 1989, Mazda's engineers have continued to embrace the "oneness between car and driver" philosophy for Roadster, aiming at providing drivers with a refreshing feel of open-car driving and distinctive styling. Generating a new market for lightweight, open two-seat sports cars, Mazda has sold over 565,000 units* of the Roadster worldwide since 1989. The Roadster was recognized recently as the world's top-selling two-seater sports car by Guinness World Records.
Roadster reflects Mazda's commitment to deliver cars that are "stylish," "insightful" and "spirited" through "distinctive design," "exceptional functionality" and "responsive handling and performance." The Roadster is one of the products that best embodies Mazda's brand personality.
The Mazda Roadster delivers "driving pleasure that provides the feel of oneness between car and driver, " which is known as "Dynamic DNA." Mazda applies this attribute to other passenger vehicles of Mazda to achieve the responsive handling and performance aspect of the company's product philosophy.
Incorporating a series of significant improvements into the engine, body and suspension system, the new Roadster achieves "oneness between car and driver" at an even higher level. Monthly sales volume in Japan is expected to be approximately 500 units.
Major Features of the New Roadster
| 1. |
Sportier styling and higher quality: front mask contains redesigned headlamps and front bumper. |
| 2. |
New powerful 1.8-liter engine: contains the Sequential Valve Timing (S-VT) mechanism to optimize the open/close timing of the intake valves, for smoother acceleration, and improved performance. |
| 3. |
Further enhanced handling performance: thanks to the enhanced body frames, increased body rigidity from new added cross members, the revised suspension and enhanced braking response. |
| 4. |
New high-back driver and passenger bucket seats: provide better support and the enhanced feeling of "oneness between car and driver." |
| 5. |
User-friendly equipment: includes the upgradeable new audio system and the easy-to-use center console incorporating cup holders. |
Roadster 1800 RS
| * |
As of the end of June 2000, 565,779 units of the Roadster were produced. The mass production of the Roadster started in April 1989. Roadster evolved into the second model in January 1998. |
- Overview of the New Roadster
1. New Dynamic Styling for a Sporty, High-grade Look
Mazda has revamped the exterior and interior to reflect the company's design theme, "contrast in harmony," resulting in an even sportier and more forceful look.
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The front air intake opening incorporates the "five-point grille," for the distinctive Mazda family appearance. Slimmer headlamps create a sharp and stylish impression. |
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The headlamps consist of multi-reflector-type high beam lamps and projector-type low beam lamps. Additionally, the rear combination-lamps incorporate a new design that give the turn-flasher compartment a transparent look. |
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Instrument panel gauges incorporate a white-colored meter panel, a shiny metal frame and an amber-illuminated lamp. The re-designed door trims lend a sporty and sophisticated feel. |
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The RS model, designed for better handling performance, features a black interior. The RS-II model features a two-toned interior color: black and red. |
2. Driving Pleasure that Gives the Feel of "Oneness between Car and Driver"
Roadster delivers "driving pleasure that gives the feel of oneness between car and driver," which is known as Mazda's "Dynamic DNA," a development theme common among Mazda's products. Roadster conveys "precise steering and handling," "responsive and linear braking," "composed and confident ride" and "linear and lively performance."
The new Roadster also incorporates improvements to its engine, body and suspension and, as the symbol of the Mazda brand, delivers further improved driving pleasure.
Improved Engine Performance
The 1.8-liter engine now incorporates the S-VT mechanism that optimizes the open/close timing of the intake valves from low to high rpm ranges. Additionally, the improved intake/exhaust system provides smoother accelerating performance up to the high rpm range and attains a sporty and pleasant engine sound.
| Engine |
Maximum output (net) |
Maximum torque (net) |
| 1.8-liter DOHC S-VT |
118kw (160PS)/7000rpm |
170Nm (17.3kg-m)/5500rpm |
More Rigid Body, Improved Suspension, and Newly-adopted Tires
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Components that contribute to body rigidity, such as the body frame and cross members, have undergone painstaking improvements. The more rigid body results in more solid handling, a smoother ride, and an overall higher-quality driving experience. |
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The RS and RS-II models, which were designed with an emphasis on power and acceleration, are now equipped with 205/45R16-inch tires and lightweight 16-inch aluminum wheels with flat flanges. |
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The body of the RS and RS-II models incorporate reinforcements such as newly added truss members for substantially increased rigidity. |
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The RS and RS-II models are equipped with a new type of damper manufactured by Bilstein that has additional valves for controlling the rebound side only. This is the first time these dampers, which contribute to improved driving dynamics, have been offered in Japan. |
Enhanced Brakes
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Enlarged brake components provide improved braking performance with a more responsive feel. Models equipped with 16-inch tires have larger brake discs; and the brakes on models equipped with 14- or 15-inch tires have over-sized master cylinders and boosters. |
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For more precise braking, a four-wheel ABS-enhanced Electronically-controlled Braking force Distribution (EBD) system, which automatically optimizes the distribution of braking force to match the front and rear load when the brakes are applied, is now available either standard or optional, depending on the model. |
Improved Seat Structure
The seats have been enhanced to provide better support for the shoulder, lumbar, and side areas. This provides drivers with driving pleasure that gives the feel of oneness between car and driver.
3. More Convenience in Day-to-day Driving
To ensure that the new sports car is enjoyable to drive on a daily basis, Roadster features an innovative upgradeable audio system and the redesigned center console.
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The audio system contains separable audio components. This makes it easy to add more functions in the future, such as a CD changer or an MD player. This audio system configuration shows a new concept that the user can add to the audio system new components including the advanced audio appliance that supports the digital music distribution systems. This Mazda-original audio system provides a new level of post-purchase extensibility. |
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The size of the center console box has been increased to accommodate up to six CDs. |
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The shape and location of the cup holders and ashtray have been modified to make them easier to use. It is also possible to remove the ashtray and use the resulting space as a storage compartment for small objects or another cup holder. |
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A keyless entry system including a trunk-lid opener is available as standard or as an option on certain models. This makes the trunk, which is large enough to accommodate two golf bags (9-inch size), even more convenient. |
4. Enhanced Safety
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Standard equipment on all models now includes seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, as well as the previously offered Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags on the driver and passenger sides. |
- Suggested Retail Vehicle Base Prices (Excluding Consumption Tax)
| (Unit: 1,000 yen) |
| Engine |
Model |
Transmission |
Domestic suggested retail price |
1600
DOHC |
M |
5MT |
1,839 |
| 4EC-AT |
1,982 |
| SP |
5MT |
1,990 |
| 4EC-AT |
2,040 |
1800 DOHC
S-VT |
S |
6MT |
2,178 |
| 4EC-AT |
2,226 |
| RS |
6MT |
2,328 |
| RS-II |
6MT |
2,437 |
| VS |
6MT |
2.390 |
| 4EC-AT |
2,438 |
|
Note: Add 48,000 yen for four-wheel ABS (standard equipment on SP and AT models).
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