Renewed electronic platform for the 10th year
In the tenth year since its introduction, the Mazda fourth-generation Roadster has undergone an electronic platform refresh. Starting with the redesign of the headlights, various improvements have been made, including the adoption of modern, larger monitors, as well as a new asymmetric LSD (on higher models) and changes to the electric power steering system. This has further enhanced the driving enjoyment typical of the Roadster.
Mazda decided on an unprecedented minor change
It is now ten years since the debut of the ‘ND Roadster’. Nowadays, it is not unusual for sports models to have a longer lifespan, and when we hear that a model has been around for 10 years, we no longer think “That’s a long time!” as we did in the past. is no longer the case. However, the fact is that the previous generation NC Roadster had been in production for exactly ten years, so the ND had a sense that it was time for a new model. The appearance of the special edition “990S”, for example, was perceived as a semi-final version.
In 2023, however, the Roadster received a major improvement that could be described as a minor change, which surprised everyone. It is fair to say that major changes at this time were unusual. In short, Mazda has declared that it will build the ND Roadster for some time to come. The next generation (which will be the NE?) is still a long way off.
Perhaps the next generation will also have to wait for environmental performance requirements. If the model is changed now, it will be with a larger battery and electric motor, or with more safety equipment, etc. Whatever the case, an increase in weight is inevitable. But the life of a roadster is its lightness. A very hard decision has to be made. Then let’s continue to build the ND to the extent that it doesn’t lose the appeal of its lightweight success, and wait for technological breakthroughs (in the engine and battery) as long as possible. This is why the company decided on an unusual minor change.
The electronic platform has been completely replaced in an attempt to meet the latest regulations on electronic aspects such as driver assistance and hacking prevention. This is the main point of this minor change.
Until now, a platform change would have been a respectable full model change. Now, replacing the electronic platform, which has become just as important as the physical platform, is effectively a model change. Mazda has also gone to great lengths.
While taking the plunge, it also seems to have adopted all the things it had been holding back on. The new headlight design, for which there were many requests for a change, the adoption of modern large monitors, the new asymmetric LSD (higher models), and changes to the electric power steering system (motor and mounting position) have contributed significantly to the improvement of the dynamics of the higher models.
The weight increase is also at a level that cannot be felt on the streets
However, there are some painful choices in sight. One point where buyers’ reactions are likely to be concerned is, above all, the increase in vehicle price. It has risen by 6-8%, depending on the model. Those of us who have been debating whether or not to buy a Roadster for a long time, such as the author, have involuntarily searched Carsensor to double-check the used car market. Of course, it feels cheaper than ever.
More unfortunately, the special ‘990S’ model, which was the talk of the town when it was cut from the 1-tonne range, has dropped out of the line-up. The new increased equipment made it difficult to cut the 1-tonne figure. The interior (e.g. near the center tunnel) has been improved in terms of appearance and quality. I’m happy, but I also feel a little bit relaxed. I even feel like a child who, in front of a mountain of sweets, thought he had just a little bit, but found himself picking a lot of them.
Although the 990S is no longer available, it is still a lightweight sports car weighing just over a tonne. 1010 kg for the basic model ‘S’ without LSD, and to be honest, a difference of 20 kg is not something that an overweight driver would feel on the road. The difference of 20 kg is not something that a metabolic driver would be able to feel on the road. The important thing is that the car is still a convertible full of driving fun, and can be driven at will by making full use of the three pedals and gearshift lever. This is already a model of a sports car. I think of it as a modern-day version of the Lotus Elan.
The open diff still has plenty of charm. But I’m also interested in the new ‘S Leather Package V Selection’. It still weighs 1030kg, has a new LSD, and is well worth the 650,000 yen more than the base model.
The intake sound also stimulates the driver’s brain pleasantly
Thanks to the new LSD, cornering was stable on winding roads. A sense of unease in corners comes from the feeling that the vehicle body is moving out of alignment with one’s senses. This is due to the inability to control load transfer and other factors, which is a matter of technique and also has a lot to do with the weight balance of the car body.
This is somehow controlled by the car. This is without the use of heavy and expensive electronic control systems. The driver’s line of sight is more stable and there is more room to maneuver the steering wheel. In addition, the feel of the electric power steering is even more straightforward and smooth. Open differential spinning cornering is good, but thinly veiled cornering is also excellent.
We’re impressed by the lightweight yet stable ride on long drives, and it handles long distances without a hitch in the RF as well as in the soft top. Yet it doesn’t have the big-boat feel of driving a big car. It’s a car with all-around muscle for everything from short-distance running to marathons. It’s the ideal sports car, with a sense of togetherness that won’t tire you out over long distances.
The intake sound was also a pleasant stimulant to the driver’s brain, thanks to the Induction Sound Enhancer, which is standard on the RS model and a must-have dealer option if you’re buying a new Roadster other than the RS.
translated by DeepL