Reuniting with the ND Roadster

This time, I had the opportunity to test drive Mazda’s ND Roadster.
Actually, I had driven it once about five and a half years ago, but this time I was able to rediscover its charm anew.

マツダ ロードスター（ND）に試乗。ボクスター乗りが運転するとどう感じるのか？

The car I drove this time was recently purchased by a Porsche 718 GT4 owner.
This owner fell in love with the Roadster after experiencing a friend’s and decided to buy one himself.

The test car was the S grade with the Special Sports Package (SSP). It was almost stock, with only HKS coilovers installed. Also, only the driver’s seat was swapped for a bucket seat; otherwise, it was nearly a stock vehicle.

Clutch Feel and First Impressions

The first thing I noticed when getting in was how quickly the clutch engaged.

Compared to a Porsche, it felt like the clutch connected almost immediately with just a slight lift. However, this doesn’t mean it’s hard to drive; on the contrary, it feels very manageable, and there’s no tendency to stall easily. I think the clutch operation is excellent.

After taking the first two or three corners, I was deeply impressed. “Was the Roadster always this much fun?” was my immediate thought.
It simply turns so well. The responsiveness is sharp yet not overly sensitive—a perfect balance.

At the start of steering input, it turns exactly as much as you steer.
There’s no slack, making it very easy to control. Up to a certain steering angle, it then gives a slight oversteer tendency, pulling strongly inward. This might feel a bit scary for beginners, but this spinning sensation is incredibly enjoyable.

Handling Characteristics and Driving Feel

When I drove the Roadster before, it felt like the rotation axis was more forward compared to the Porsche Boxster, but this time, it felt like it was behind me. This might be due to the suspension differences. The previous car had Bilstein B12s, while this one had HKS coilovers.

The joy of cornering kept growing with every turn, a feeling hard to find in other cars. Like a Porsche, it makes you wish “if only the curves would keep coming.”

Regarding engine power, maintaining a certain RPM range means you don’t feel lacking.
It has just the right power and gear ratios for Japan’s narrow mountain and winding roads. Porsches tend to have slightly taller gearing, making it hard to rev freely in some situations, but the Roadster lets you enjoy mid-to-high revs smoothly.

While driving, it never feels slow, but objectively it’s not especially fast.
Still, the sensation of using every ounce of the engine’s power is exhilarating. This is a joy you won’t find in super sports or supercars. It’s a car that teaches you power isn’t everything, a somewhat mature driving experience.

The Charm of the Engine Sound

Last time, the engine sound didn’t leave much impression, but this time I found it very pleasant. It’s not loud, but you can clearly hear it. Yet, it’s not an emotional roar.

The Roadster’s engine sound is like background music (BGM). If a Porsche’s engine note is a “song,” the Roadster’s is the “BGM.” It doesn’t get in the way but adds color to the drive. This makes long drives comfortable and even makes you want to keep going.

Brake Feel and Performance

The brakes left a better impression than during my previous test drive. While not quite Porsche-level, they have a solid, confident feel. You adjust more by pedal force than stroke, making them very easy and satisfying to use.

Controlling stopping power is straightforward, and you quickly get a sense of “press this hard, and you’ll slow down this much.” This adds to the driving enjoyment.

I also tested full acceleration; it’s not especially fast, but considering Japan’s road conditions, this acceleration is just right. It’s safe enough, neither too slow nor too fast, yet cornering speeds remain impressively high.

Body Rigidity and Overall Evaluation

The body feels very rigid, showcasing Mazda’s craftsmanship. I felt this even when driving the previous NC Roadster. Mazda’s technology to achieve high rigidity in an open-top car is something the world can be proud of.

Overall, the ND Roadster is an exceptionally well-made car. While I’m not always impressed with other Mazda models, the Roadster stands apart. Seeing such a fantastic car makes me wonder if Mazda could make even better cars in other segments.

Compared to the Porsche Boxster, especially the 986 model, the fun factor is very similar.
However, I felt the Roadster is better suited to Japan’s winding roads. Its engine power and gear ratios fit Japan’s road conditions perfectly.

On the other hand, its straight-line stability at high speeds doesn’t match European cars. Or rather, it doesn’t seem to aim for that.
It’s not unstable, but it lacks the sensation of becoming more stable the faster you go, like the Boxster. Still, for Japan’s mountain passes, winding roads, and rural national routes, the ND Roadster is the ideal car. The open-top feel is exceptional, and it lets in less wind than the Boxster.

I am absolutely certain I will buy a Roadster someday.
It was that captivating. I want to sincerely thank the owner for giving me the chance to drive such a wonderful car.