The in-depth look at the Mazda Roadster Sports Car

The Mazda Roadster is also referred to as the Mazda MX-5 Miata in North America which was first introduced in 1989 by Mazda. It is a lightweight two-seat convertible sports car available in a front-engine or rear-wheel-drive layout.

First Generation

The first-generation Mazda Roadster (NA) has the simplicity of Italian and British Roasters with Japan’s reliability and durability. With a grille that connected to the bumper, pop-up headlights, and a smiling face looks on the front and at the top of the bonnet. It offers room for two passengers with top-up closed and comfortable low driving position with legs that can be fully stretched. The dashboard instrument cluster has included a fuel gauge, speedometer, coolant temperature gauge, tachometer, radio cassette player, air-conditioning control knobs, and vents.

The Roadster was equipped with a 1.6L inline-4 engine rated 85 kW (116hp) and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). In 1994, it changed to a 1.8L inline-4 engine rated 96 kW (131hp) and a top speed of 196 km/h (122 mph). The engines were paired to a 5-speed manual transmission and achieved an acceleration of 0-100 kph (0-62mph) in 8.8s. 

Second Generation

The NB series was unveiled in 1997 with improved stability and handling by adding anti-roll bars and ABS as an option. It still has the same wheelbase as the NA but is bulkier and lighter because of the removal of the pop-up headlights and adding a much lighter roof. 

It was equipped with the same 1.6L or 1.8L engine as the NA series but with an increase in power and a new 6-speed manual transmission as the additional transmission.

Third Generation

The NC series was launched in 2006 with an interior similar to the NB, a longer and wider wheelbase with a common Soft-top roof, or the new Power Retractable Hard Top. It also includes traction control and stability control for better car handling. 

The NC series maintained the 1.8L producing 93 kW (125 hp) with a top speed of 196 km/h (122 mph) and a new 2.0L producing 118 kW (160 hp) with a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph) with a 6-speed manual/automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine’s acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (0 – 62 mph) is 9.4s and 7.9s. 

Fourth Generation

The ND series is a very light car that was released in 2014 with excellent performance and drivability. The interiors are well-constructed, orderly, and simple with its easy-to-find and easy-to-use controls. It is fitted with a 1.5L engine rated 98 kW (131 hp) and a 2.0L engine rated 116 kW (155hp) available in a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox.

The Mazda Roadster offers superb drivability, a high-performance engine, speed, and reliability which some adventurous and car lovers are looking for. Whether an old Roaster or the latest model, no one can dispute that this sports car is meant to be driven on the track. You can browse the Mazda Roadster stocklist to get your own now.