Mazda MX-5 Miata ND Japanese RS Soft Top SKYACTIV-G 1496 cc Engine
The Japanese ND Roadster RS paired a 1,496 cc SKYACTIV-G engine with a six-speed manual. This record documents its launch specification and the later 2018 development.
Engine and application
This record covers the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 installation in the Japanese RS soft-top variant of the ND-generation MX-5, sold domestically as the Mazda Roadster. The RS went on sale in Japan on 1 October 2015 with a 1,496 cc engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. That date identifies the Japanese sales launch, rather than an overseas model year. Mazda’s RS launch release.
October 2015 launch specification
- Engine: SKYACTIV-G 1.5, 1,496 cc inline-four.
- Valve gear: double overhead camshafts, 16 valves.
- Maximum output: 96 kW (131 PS) at 7,000 rpm.
- Maximum torque: 150 N·m at 4,800 rpm.
- Fuel: premium unleaded petrol.
- Transmission: SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual.
These figures describe the Japanese RS at introduction. PS is the manufacturer’s metric horsepower unit. Mazda’s specification table.
The engine’s role in the RS
The RS included an induction sound enhancer alongside Bilstein dampers, larger brakes, a front suspension tower bar and dedicated RECARO seats. Mazda presented this combination as a way to deepen driving enjoyment. The announcement does not establish a separate RS engine family. Mazda’s equipment and development description.
Production and development context
Fourth-generation MX-5 vehicle production began at Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan, on 5 March 2015, initially for the Japanese market. This establishes the vehicle’s manufacturing context; it does not identify the engine assembly plant or the first RS-specific production date. Mazda’s production announcement.
Mazda described the fourth generation as preserving the MX-5’s driving appeal while accommodating safety and environmental demands through SKYACTIV technology. Within that programme, this engine installation documents the Japanese RS branch of the lightweight sports-car line.
Later development and specification boundaries
On 7 June 2018, Mazda announced revised Japanese Roadster models for sale from 26 July. The soft-top range retained SKYACTIV-G 1.5, including the manual-transmission RS. Mazda described combustion improvements, torque maintained or increased across the rev range, and improved response and environmental performance. The 2015 output and torque figures above should therefore remain attached to the launch specification. Mazda’s 2018 revision announcement.
The same announcement lists the Japanese Roadster RF with SKYACTIV-G 2.0, including an RF RS. Its engine changes must be distinguished from those of the 1.5-litre soft-top RS. The consulted releases do not establish a final production date for this engine application.
For another separately catalogued Japanese ND application, see the NR-A SKYACTIV-G 1496 cc engine.