When people use the term roadster around here, they are usually referring to the Eunos Roadster, which the branding for the MX-5 in its home country of Japan (i.e. any you see here are imported). Take a look at the back of every MX-5 you walk past and sooner or later you'll come across one that says Eunos. Roadsters differ only in minor details from the MX-5 you buy here.

You'll also see the car referred to as the Miata, which is its branding in the USA. Hence www.miata.net . Why are they named in some countries and not others ? Well, I guess marketing people need to do _something_ to justify their inflated salaries and BMWs, don't they ? (12/99)

As pointed out the Roadster is the correct name for what is often referred to as a Eunos.

In Japan, the MK1 MX-5 is called a Roadster but to make things a little more difficult it is part of the Eunos family of vehicles. This help Mazda with the variety of marketing channels they used to use.

In Japan some (all?) RX-7 derivative also bore the efini badge to show its marketing chanel. This has all been dispensed with as Mazda (Ford) have streamlined the channeling. So the RX-7 has lost the Efini badge and the Roadster has lost the Eunos badge - that's right, the MK2 in Japan is now just called a Roadster. Hope this is clear (12/99)

A Roadster is another name for a Eunos or a grey import. It is a car that has been imported as a 'used car' from Japan, usually through Eire. The easiest way to tell is to look at the rear number plate recess. If it is oblong (STHT Winter 1999, page 28) then it is a UK Spec car. If it is square (page 29) then it is a Roadster.

Also the badges are different. The MK1 on the left of page 32 is a Roadster. But the 'Jackson Racing Supercharger' Car on page 36 has the old style UK badge. Some cars have no badge on the nose because some people don't like them there. So they remove them. There are other differences (rear fog light, Cat Heat light, headlights, etc, etc.....)

Getting parts for a Roadster is harder because most dealers don't want to service/repair them (even though most UK parts will fit). So Roadsters sell for less money :( or you get more toys for the same money :). All of this only matters to your insurance company. If you have a roadster they MUST know it is a Roadster/Eunos/Import.

Otherwise you will have problems after any accidents. Oh, and it also matters when you sell it. It is not fair if you pass off a Roadster as a UK spec car, even though you will get more money for it. :( (12/99)

My car IS a Roadster. It is not a "grey" Japanese import, it's White!! The sills have a Chrome foot plate with "Roadster" etched into it. The mats are thick and heavy with a metal "Roadster" badge attached at the corner. It also has a "Roadster" badge on the back.

I have insurance cover which cost £467 but with Zero NCD. I have had brakes fitted with NO problem and NO delay. I have had a service with NO problem and NO delay. I have had the left electric window repaired ( forced entry damage) with NO problem but delay by Mazda to release a part that they had in stock. In hindsight could have had this part cheaper following advice from this group.

WHY do you keep on about the second class status of the Roadster to the MX5!! It's beginning to sound like Sour Grapes!!

My Eunos Roadster Japanese Import is just as much fun to drive as an MX5, with the added bonus, to me, that if it had been the same price as an MX5 I would not be the proud owner of such a wonderful convertible. They have mainly been cheaper due to the Yen/£ rate which UK spec dealers fail to pass on the British market, after all THEY import the same car produced on the same production line using the same parts. (12/99)