Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 is RM24,734 cheaper and keeps the purist formula intact: a 1,119 kg, rear-wheel-drive two-seater with a six-speed manual, limited-slip differential and power-folding retractable hard-top. The MINI Convertible costs RM318,888, but its 204 hp/300 Nm turbo engine, seven-speed dual-clutch auto and 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time make it the quicker choice. It is also far easier to use day-to-day, with four seats, a 215-litre boot, active cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Pick the Mazda for driver involvement; take the MINI if passengers and parking tech matter more.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and retractable hard-top motoring for RM24,734 less.
Pick the MINI Convertible if you need four seats, a 215-litre boot and 300 Nm with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; MINI Convertible RM318,888.
- Output: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm; MINI Convertible 204 hp and 300 Nm.
- Drivetrain and gearbox: Mazda MX-5 rear-wheel drive six-speed manual; MINI Convertible front-wheel drive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- Seating and boot: Mazda MX-5 2 seats and 130 litres; MINI Convertible 4 seats and 215 litres.
- Performance: Mazda MX-5 top speed 220 km/h; MINI Convertible 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and top speed 237 km/h.
- Dimensions: Mazda MX-5 wheelbase 2,310 mm and height 1,235 mm; MINI Convertible wheelbase 2,495 mm and height 1,431 mm.
MX-5
- RM24,734 lower purchase price.
- Rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual and limited-slip differential.
- Five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and power-folding retractable hard-top.
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the MINI's 204 hp and 300 Nm.
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot, versus four seats and 215 litres.
- No active cruise control, front parking sensors, 360-degree camera or auto parking.
Convertible
- 204 hp, 300 Nm and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Four seats, 50:50 split-folding rear seats and a 215-litre boot.
- Active cruise control, head-up display, navigation and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM24,734 more than the Mazda MX-5.
- Front-wheel drive and dual-clutch automatic only, against the Mazda's rear-wheel-drive manual layout.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty, versus five years/100,000 km for the Mazda.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM318,888 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 204 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 300 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | 7-speed Steptronic Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 237 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,879 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,744 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,495 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 44 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 215 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Night Flash Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 50:50 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years |
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 & Convertible for sale
MX-5 vs Convertible FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or MINI Convertible better?
The Mazda MX-5 is the better choice for a rear-wheel-drive manual two-seater with a retractable hard-top. The MINI Convertible is better for daily use, bringing four seats, 215 litres of boot space, 300 Nm and active cruise control.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Convertible costs RM24,734 more than the Mazda MX-5: RM318,888 against RM294,154.
Which convertible is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The MINI Convertible is clearly more practical. It has four seats, 50:50 split-folding rear seats and a 215-litre boot, while the Mazda MX-5 has two seats and 130 litres of boot space.