Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 is RM5,746 less than the RM299,900 MG Cyberster, and its RM379 annual road tax undercuts the MG’s RM395. The MX-5 brings a 1,119 kg rear-drive manual package, a 220 km/h top speed and a power-folding retractable hard-top. But the Cyberster answers with 338 hp, 475 Nm, a 77 kWh battery rated for 508 km, 249 litres of boot space and adaptive cruise control. For Malaysian buyers wanting a compact manual sports car, take the Mazda; the MG makes the stronger case for electric range, luggage and driver assistance.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want the 1,119 kg manual, 220 km/h top speed and power-folding retractable hard-top.
Pick the MG Cyberster if you want 508 km of EV range, 249 litres of boot space, 338 hp and adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Powertrain output: Mazda MX-5 181 hp and 205 Nm from a 1,998 cc petrol engine; MG Cyberster 338 hp and 475 Nm from one electric motor.
- Weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; MG Cyberster 1,885 kg.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda MX-5 3,915 mm and 2,310 mm; MG Cyberster 4,535 mm and 2,690 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda MX-5 130 litres; MG Cyberster 249 litres.
- Top speed: Mazda MX-5 220 km/h; MG Cyberster 195 km/h.
- Manufacturer warranty: Mazda MX-5 five years/100,000 km; MG Cyberster seven years/150,000 km, plus an eight-year/150,000 km battery warranty.
MX-5
- 766 kg lighter than the Cyberster
- Six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive
- Power-folding retractable hard-top and 220 km/h top speed
- 130-litre boot is 119 litres smaller
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the Cyberster’s 338 hp and 475 Nm
- Passive cruise control rather than adaptive cruise control
Cyberster
- 77 kWh battery with 508 km stated range
- 249-litre boot and powered front seats
- Adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors and 360-degree camera
- 1,885 kg kerb weight is 766 kg more than the MX-5
- 195 km/h top speed is 25 km/h lower
- No power-folding retractable hard-top; no ISOFIX is listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM299,900 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm | — |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 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 | 4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side) | 4 (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 |
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?
The Mazda MX-5 is better for a lighter manual rear-drive sports-car format at 1,119 kg. The MG Cyberster is better for EV driving, with 508 km of stated range, 249 litres of boot space, 338 hp and adaptive cruise control.
What is the price difference?
The MG Cyberster costs RM5,746 more than the Mazda MX-5. Its annual road tax is also RM16 higher, at RM395 versus RM379.
Which car has more practical storage and range?
The MG Cyberster does. Its 249-litre boot is 119 litres larger than the MX-5’s 130 litres, and its 77 kWh battery has a stated 508 km range. The MX-5 instead carries 45 litres of petrol.
