2025 Mazda MX-5 RF launched in Malaysia – 2.0L MT or AT, Asymmetric LSD, DSC-Track, big screen, fr RM294k

You’ve checked out the Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition, now let’s take a look at the regular 2025 MX-5 that the limited edition is based on. Bermaz is offering just the RF with the 2.0L engine, as usual, but what’s new locally is the option of a six-speed manual gearbox.

Yes, a manual Miata from Bermaz. The 2025 MX-5 RF – a CBU import from Japan, of course – is now open for booking at RM294,154 for the MT and RM296,154 for the AT, both on-the-road without insurance. Buying official means you get a five-year warranty and free maintenance package that includes labour, parts and lubricants.

Introduced in late-2023, this is the latest facelift of the ND MX-5, unofficially called the ND3. The third revision of the roadster that first surfaced in September 2014 can be identified via LED headlamps that now integrate the daytime running lights (previously an option, located at the side vents) and new tail lamps with concave lens for a cool ‘jet afterburner’ effect.

While the roadster’s front grille now accommodates a radar sensor for the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (adaptive cruise control), this isn’t available locally. What we get is a pack that includes front/rear AEB (Smart Brake Support), blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, driver attention alert and adaptive LED headlights. No ACC in a lightweight driving machine is no bad thing.

Aero Grey Metallic is a new exterior paint option, and it sits alongside familiar hues such as Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal and the Machine Grey you see here. Artisan Red Premium Metallic is exclusive to the 35th Anniversary Edition, which you can check out in full here.

Inside, the ND3’s most obvious upgrade is the much larger screen – now measuring 8.8-inches and angled towards the driver. There’s also a frameless rear-view mirror and USB-C ports. The meter panel has been revised slightly for even better legibility, receiving a darker tone for the dial faces and new pointers. The JDM Roadster gets a new S Leather Package V Selection variant that comes with a tan interior and soft top – this is the basis for the 35th Anniversary, but it’s all-black for Malaysia-bound RFs.

As before, Bermaz is only offering the 2.0L engine, and the naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G four-pot makes 181 hp at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Aside from a 20 km/h higher top speed (220 km/h), the manual gets an asymmetric limited-slip differential with an increased limiting force while decelerating for improved stability, thanks to a conical clutch with new cam mechanism.

The 6MT also comes with DSC-Track, a more lenient dynamic stability control mode. There’s a dedicated button for this new mode within the switch cluster below the driver’s AC vent. DSC-Track “respects the driver’s own driving based on the concept of Jinba-Ittai and not get in the way with control, but help as much as possible with dangerous behaviour,” Mazda says.

All 2025 Miatas have steering racks with 5% less friction and improved control of the assist motor. Mazda says that overall, the steering has more direct feel and a more natural return. By the way, Kinematic Posture Control has been in the MX-5 since 2022 – it applies slight braking to the inner rear wheel during high-g cornering, suppressing body roll.

Kit wise, Malaysia-bound units get 17-inch alloys (black instead of the 35th Anniversary’s bright) with 205/45 rubber, automatic adaptive LED headlamps with DRLs, auto wipers, rear parking sensors, walk-away auto door lock, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 4.6-inch colour multi-info display, shift paddles and drive mode selector (auto-only), auto air con and black leather seats (steering and gear knob too).

The new 8.8-inch screen is connected to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, Bluetooth phone and audio, nine speakers (including Bose headrest speakers) and a reverse camera.

Once again, the CBU Japan 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0L is priced at RM294,154 for the MT and RM296,154 for the AT. The latter is RM20,000 cheaper than the 35th Anniversary Edition, which is RF 2.0L AT-only in Malaysia. A costly toy at RM300k, but oh what a toy. Some of the ND3 upgrades would make current MX-5 owners salivate too.

Long live the roadster!

GALLERY: 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF 6MT in Malaysia

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