Car Buyer's Guide

Overview

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive petrol convertible sports car for drivers who want a manual or automatic roadster. The ND3 generation arrives in Malaysia in 2025 with a 1,998 cc, 181 hp engine and RF body style, starting from RM294,154.

MX-5 in 2026 — what's new

The MX-5 carries into 2026 unchanged. Malaysia’s current RF range remains the 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT, both using the 1,998 cc 181 hp petrol engine and rear-wheel drive. The 2025 launch brings an asymmetric limited-slip differential, DSC-Track and a big screen. Mazda is preparing a next-generation MX-5 with fully electric drive alongside a 2.5 litre Skyactiv-Z ICE powertrain, but that does not change the current ND3.

Variants (2)

RM294,154–RM296,154 · est. from RM3,005/mo

Which variant to buy

Most buyers should take the RF 2.0 MT. It is the lower-priced entry into the range and retains the same 1,998 cc, 181 hp, rear-wheel-drive layout as the automatic. Pay the RM2,000 extra for the RF 2.0 AT only if an automatic gearbox is a must-have. On the listed specifications, the gap is about transmission choice; check the equipment list before assuming the AT adds more kit.

Previous model years (2)

Shopping the previous generation? MX-5 ND 2019 (2019–2025) →

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 ND3 MX-5 keeps the brief straightforward: two seats, 181 hp, rear-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Its RM294,154 starting price is RM5,746 below the RM299,900 MG Cyberster. The price gap is small, so the transmission choice and the MX-5’s petrol, rear-drive layout are the deciding points rather than a major saving.

Buying a new MX-5? Sell your old car, get paid in 24 hours

Mazda MX-5 sales in Malaysia

359 registered so far in 2026 — Malaysia's #94 best-selling model this year.

72 Aug 2025 Jul 2026 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.

A three-year-old MX-5 holds about 76% of its original value — stronger than the market average of 64%. The slower the line falls, the better it holds its value.
0% 50% 100% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Age (years)
Mazda MX-5 Market average
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 costs RM294,154 for the RF 2.0 MT and RM296,154 for the RF 2.0 AT in Malaysia.

Which Mazda MX-5 variant should I buy?

Buy the RF 2.0 MT unless you specifically need an automatic. Both variants have 181 hp, rear-wheel drive and two seats; the automatic costs RM2,000 more.

Does the Mazda MX-5 have a manual gearbox?

Yes. The RF 2.0 MT uses a manual gearbox, while the RF 2.0 AT uses an automatic. Both are powered by a 1,998 cc petrol engine producing 181 hp.

What changes does the Mazda MX-5 get for 2026?

There is no 2026-specific change to the current ND3. It carries on with the RF 2.0 MT and RF 2.0 AT, asymmetric limited-slip differential, DSC-Track and big screen.

Latest Mazda MX-5 news