Verdict
The RM5,746 gap is tiny for two CBU two-seat convertibles, so this is about character and packaging. The Mazda MX-5 is the smaller petrol roadster: 3,915 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, manual, rear-drive and good for 220 km/h. The MG Cyberster is the bigger electric choice, with 338 hp, a 77.0 kWh battery, 508 km range, 5.0-second 0–100 km/h and 249 litres of boot space. For Malaysia, the MG asks you to plan charging; the Mazda asks you to live with 130 litres.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want the smaller, manual, petrol rear-drive roadster with the higher 220 km/h top speed.
Pick the MG Cyberster if you want electric shove, 338 hp, a 5.0-second 0–100 km/h time, 508 km range and the bigger boot.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; MG Cyberster RM299,900
- Powertrain: Mazda MX-5 1,998 cc petrol manual; MG Cyberster single-motor electric single-ratio auto
- Power: Mazda MX-5 181 hp; MG Cyberster 338 hp
- Size: Mazda MX-5 3,915 x 1,735 x 1,235 mm; MG Cyberster 4,535 x 1,913 x 1,329 mm
- Boot space: Mazda MX-5 130 L; MG Cyberster 249 L
- Top speed: Mazda MX-5 220 km/h; MG Cyberster 195 km/h
MX-5
- Manual petrol rear-drive layout
- Much smaller: 3,915 mm long and 1,735 mm wide
- Higher 220 km/h top speed
- Only 130 litres of boot space
- 181 hp trails the MG’s 338 hp
- Warranty is 5 years, not 7
Cyberster
- 338 hp from its single motor
- 508 km EV range from a 77.0 kWh battery
- 249-litre boot
- Lower 195 km/h top speed
- Much wider at 1,913 mm
- Uses EV charging rather than petrol refuelling
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM299,900 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | — |
| Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 338 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 475 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 77 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 508 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 144 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h✓ | 195 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 4,535 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,913 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,329 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,885 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 249 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 245/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 275/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Pirelli P Zero Elect |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Powered Front Seats |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 7" Dual Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Eight Speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up & Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Powered Scissor Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 7 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain, 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM395 |
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 MX-5 & Cyberster for sale
MX-5 vs Cyberster FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or MG Cyberster better?
Neither is simply better. Choose the Mazda MX-5 for the manual petrol roadster feel and smaller body; choose the MG Cyberster for 338 hp, 5.0-second 0–100 km/h, 508 km range and 249 litres of boot space.
What is the price difference?
The MG Cyberster costs RM299,900, which is RM5,746 more than the RM294,154 Mazda MX-5. Road tax is almost level: RM395 per year for the MG and RM379 for the Mazda.
Which is more practical day to day?
The MG Cyberster has the clearer practicality edge: 249 litres of boot space versus 130 litres in the Mazda MX-5, plus a 2,690 mm wheelbase against 2,310 mm. Both seat two.