1998.01 : Mazda announced the introduction of the new Roadster(NB6C/NB8C). The layout maintains the front engine & rear drive layout, and the engine is mounted mid-ship behind the axle. The body size is 5mm wider than its predecessor. Carrying on the design motif recognizable as the Roadster at a glance, the Roadster designed to offer sportier, aggressive and dynamic styling in a three dimensional form. The Roadster line-up includes a 1.8 liter DOHC BP-ZE engine that makes 145 horsepower and 1.6 liter DOHC B6-ZF engine that makes 125 horsepower. The 1.8 liter engine model adopts a newly developed 6 speed manual transmission which optimizes engine speed and acceleration characteristics at high rpms. The double wishbone suspension at the front and rear are further enhanced.

1998. 12 : Mazda introduced a limited edition Roadster in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of its debut. Features of the 10th anniversary model are a close ratio 6 speed manual transmission, new innocent blue mica body color, polished-finish alloy wheels, and two-tone black and blue design interior.

1999.12 : The limited edition NR limited was introduced. Exclusive equipment are artvin-red mica body color, beige schemed soft top and cover, buffed aluminum wheels, beige interior( lower portion of dashboard, door trim, scuff plates, shift boots, parking brake cover, floor carpeting, leather bucket seats, NARDI wood steering and wood shift knob, chrome inside door handles and parking brake button, and chrome readout display rings on a white gauge meter panel.

2000.07 : The Roadster have gotten major changes. The main features of the Roadster are : The front air intake opening incorporates the "5-point grille" for the distinctive Mazda family appearance. The headlamps consist of multi-reflector-type high beam lamps and projector-type low beam lamps. The RS model features a black interior and the RS-II model features a two-toned(black & red) interior color. The 1.8 liter engine incorporates the S-TV system that optimizes the open/close timing of intake valves from low to high rpm ranges. The body of the RS and RS-II models incorporate reinforcements such as newly added truss members for substantially increased rigidity. EBO ( Electronically controlled Braking force Distribution ) is added : Automatically optimizes the distribution of braking force to match the front and rear load when the brakes are applied. Standard equipment on all models includes seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, as well as the previously offered SRS airbags on the driver and front passenger.

2000.12 : The YS limited Roadster was introduced. The YS limited Roadster is equipped with blackout headlamps, black and titanium two tone color interior (Nardi steering wheel, shift knob, center panel, door trim, titanium stitching on seats upholstery, and scuff plate.), keyless sentry system, and power locks.

2001. 05 : The Mazdaspeed Roadster was introduced. The Mazdaspeed Roadster employs adjustable dampers and an improved exhaust manifold. In addition, it is equipped with aero parts, blue body color, gold wheels, and sporty interior design.

2001. 12 : Mazda has added the base model 'NR-A' to the Roadster 1600cc engine line-up. The NR-A is equipped with enhanced suspension and brakes, and increased radiator capacity.

2001.12 : The MV Limited Roadster was introduced. The MV Limited, based on the 1600SP, features Titanium gray metallic body color and a brownish-red interior color.

2002.12 : The limited edition Roadster 'SG Limited' was introduced. The SG Limited features celion silver metallic body color, blue soft top with glass rear window, weather repellent cloth bucket seats, black/blue NARDI steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum tone interior (center panel, shift plate, air vents, parking brake button, and inner door handles), power door lock, and key less entry system.