Verdict
These are radically different answers to Malaysian motoring. The Maxus MIFA 9 puts seven seats, a 1,010-litre boot and 435 km of EV range ahead of the Mazda’s two seats and 130 litres. Its single motor produces 241 hp and 350 Nm, against the MX-5’s 181 hp and 205 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, but the 3,095-kg MPV is no substitute for a 1,119-kg rear-drive convertible with a six-speed manual. For family transport, choose the Maxus; for open-top two-seat driving, the Mazda is the clear fit.
Pick the Maxus MIFA 9 if seven seats, a 1,010-litre boot, EV charging and a 435-km range matter more than a two-seat manual convertible.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119-kg rear-wheel-drive convertible with a six-speed manual and retractable hard-top.
Key differences
- Price: Maxus MIFA 9 RM269,888; Mazda MX-5 RM294,154
- Powertrain: MIFA 9 one 241-hp/350-Nm electric motor; MX-5 1,998-cc 181-hp/205-Nm petrol engine
- Length: MIFA 9 5,270 mm; MX-5 3,915 mm
- Seats: MIFA 9 seven; MX-5 two
- Boot space: MIFA 9 1,010 litres; MX-5 130 litres
- Annual road tax: MIFA 9 RM220; MX-5 RM379
MIFA 9
- Seven seats and a 1,010-litre boot
- 241 hp and 350 Nm, with 435 km EV range
- 11 kW AC and 120 kW DC charging, plus adaptive cruise control
- 3,095 kg versus the MX-5’s 1,119 kg
- Single-ratio automatic only; the MX-5 gets a six-speed manual
- Eight-speaker audio versus the Mazda’s nine-speaker Bose system
MX-5
- 1,119-kg rear-wheel-drive layout with a six-speed manual
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Two seats versus the MIFA 9’s seven
- 130-litre boot versus 1,010 litres
- Passive cruise control and lane warning only, against adaptive cruise and steering correction
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM269,888✓ | RM294,154 |
| Body type | MPV | Convertible |
| Segment | D-Segment | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM220✓ | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 181 hp |
| Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 241 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 350 Nm | — |
| EV Range | 435 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 120 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT-LSD |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | — | 220 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,270 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 2,000 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,840 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 3,095 kg | 1,119 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 1,010 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 205/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Side and Curtain Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three Point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger and outer two second row seats | Available on Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Headlights | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED Tail Lights | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Power Lumbar | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | Sliding and Folding Second Row | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Blower Control | — |
| Sunroof | Yes | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 1 front |
| Audio | 12.3" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 8-speaker sound system | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Powered Sliding Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km battery warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used MIFA 9 & MX-5 for sale
MIFA 9 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the Maxus MIFA 9 or Mazda MX-5 better?
Neither is universally better. The MIFA 9 is the better family carrier with seven seats, 1,010 litres and 435 km of EV range; the MX-5 suits drivers wanting a two-seat rear-drive convertible with a six-speed manual.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 costs RM24,266 more than the Maxus MIFA 9.
Which has lower annual road tax?
The Maxus MIFA 9 has lower annual road tax at RM220, compared with RM379 for the Mazda MX-5.