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Overview
The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat RF sports convertible for drivers who want a petrol roadster with either a manual gearbox or a conventional automatic. In Malaysia, the ND3 range starts from RM294,154, with both variants using a 1,998 cc engine making 181 hp.
MX-5 in 2026 — what's new
The MX-5 carries on into 2026 unchanged after the 2025 Malaysia launch of the ND3 RF range. The line-up stays simple: RF 2.0 MT and RF 2.0 AT, both with a 2.0 litre petrol engine, 181 hp and two seats. The current car gets an Asymmetric LSD, DSC-Track and a larger screen. A 35th Anniversary Edition arrived separately in 2025 as an RF 2.0 AT in Artisan Red with numbering.
Variants (2)
RM294,154–RM296,154 · est. from RM3,005/mo
Which variant to buy
Most buyers should start with the RF 2.0 MT at RM294,154. It has the same 1,998 cc petrol engine, 181 hp output and two-seat layout as the automatic, and it is the cheaper way into the MX-5. The RF 2.0 AT costs RM296,154, so the RM2,000 gap buys you the conventional automatic gearbox. Pick it only if you specifically want two-pedal driving; on paper, the mechanical numbers are otherwise the same.
Key specs
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Torque
- 205 Nm
- Capacity
- 1,998 cc
- Transmission
- Manual
- Driveline
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Boot Space
- 130 litres
- Airbags
- Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side
Key specs
- Horsepower
- 181 hp
- Torque
- 205 Nm
- Capacity
- 1,998 cc
- Transmission
- Conventional Automatic
- Driveline
- Rear Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Boot Space
- 130 litres
- Airbags
- Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side
Colours
across the range — availability varies by variant
- Aero Grey Metallic
- Crystal Blue Mica Metallic
- Jet Black Metallic
- Machine Grey Metallic
- Snowflake White Pearl Pearl
- Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Mazda MX-5 buyer's guides & reviews
Verdict
The MX-5 is still a very focused buy: two seats, petrol power and a choice of manual or automatic, rather than broad family-car usefulness. It also sits below the lone listed same-class rival, the MG Cyberster at RM299,900. The ND3 update gives the RF range Asymmetric LSD, DSC-Track and a larger screen, while Mazda’s next-generation MX-5 plan still keeps a naturally aspirated engine and manual gearbox, with no electrification.
Used cars for sale
Buying a new MX-5? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours
Mazda MX-5 sales in Malaysia
287 registered so far in 2026 — Malaysia's #99 best-selling model this year.
Full MX-5 sales data, month by month →Mazda MX-5 resale value
What a used MX-5 holds of its price, by registration year: the trade-guide value insurers and dealers reference, and the price the market typically asks.
| Year | Trade guide | Typical asking | Holds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | RM296,200 | — | 100% |
| 2025 | RM232,100 | — | 79% |
| 2024 | RM218,200 | — | 78% |
| 2023 | RM210,450 | — | 76% |
| 2022 | RM194,700 | — | 74% |
| 2021 | RM177,400 | — | 68% |
| 2020 | RM168,750 | — | 65% |
| 2019 | RM144,700 | — | 59% |
| 2018 | RM121,250 | — | 54% |
| 2017 | RM113,800 | — | 48% |
Trade-guide and market listing data, West Malaysia. Actual prices vary with condition, mileage and variant; "holds" compares against that year's new price.
Generations
Rivals to consider
same class, similar money
Mazda MX-5 FAQ
How much is the Mazda MX-5 in Malaysia?
The Mazda MX-5 starts at RM294,154 for the RF 2.0 MT. The RF 2.0 AT costs RM296,154.
Which Mazda MX-5 variant should I buy?
Buy the RF 2.0 MT if you want the cheaper MX-5 and a manual gearbox. Choose the RF 2.0 AT only if you prefer a conventional automatic; both variants use the same 1,998 cc, 181 hp petrol engine.
Is the Mazda MX-5 available with a manual gearbox?
Yes. The Malaysian MX-5 range includes the RF 2.0 MT, which pairs the 1,998 cc petrol engine with a manual gearbox.
What engine does the Mazda MX-5 use?
The current Mazda MX-5 uses a 1,998 cc petrol engine producing 181 hp. Both the RF 2.0 MT and RF 2.0 AT share the same engine output.
