Verdict
At RM219,999, the Mazda MX-5 ND costs RM74,155 less than the RM294,154 Mazda MX-5 ND3. The ND3 brings 181 hp and 205 Nm against 158 hp and 200 Nm, a six-speed manual with LSD, a power-folding retractable hard-top and much fuller active safety. But the ND is 39 kg lighter at 1,080 kg, has the convenience of a six-speed automatic with paddle shifts, and retains the same 3,915 mm length, 2,310 mm wheelbase and 130-litre boot. For a Malaysian buyer wanting an automatic roadster, the outgoing car is the rational saving; the ND3 is for the manual-first enthusiast who wants newer equipment and a five-year warranty.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND if you want the RM74,155 saving, a 1,080-kg kerb weight and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifts.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND3 if you want 181 hp, a six-speed manual LSD, a retractable hard-top and Smart City Brake Support front and rear.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 ND RM219,999; Mazda MX-5 ND3 RM294,154.
- Output: Mazda MX-5 ND 158 hp and 200 Nm; Mazda MX-5 ND3 181 hp and 205 Nm.
- Transmission: Mazda MX-5 ND six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with Sport mode; Mazda MX-5 ND3 six-speed manual with LSD.
- Kerb weight: Mazda MX-5 ND 1,080 kg; Mazda MX-5 ND3 1,119 kg.
- Roof: Mazda MX-5 ND manual fabric soft-top; Mazda MX-5 ND3 power-folding retractable hard-top.
- Warranty: Mazda MX-5 ND three years; Mazda MX-5 ND3 five years.
ND
- RM74,155 lower purchase price
- 39 kg lighter at 1,080 kg
- Six-speed automatic with Sport mode and paddle shifts
- 158 hp and 200 Nm trail the ND3's 181 hp and 205 Nm
- No blind spot monitoring, reverse camera or autonomous braking
- Three-year warranty versus five years
ND3
- 181 hp and 205 Nm with six-speed manual LSD
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- Smart City Brake Support front and rear, blind spot monitoring and reverse camera
- RM74,155 more expensive
- 39 kg heavier at 1,119 kg
- No automatic transmission or paddle shifts
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM219,999✓ | RM294,154 |
| Body type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 181 hp✓ |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 205 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | 6MT-LSD |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | — |
| Rated Economy | 7.8 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 222 km/h✓ | 220 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,230 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 1,080 kg | 1,119 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/45R17 |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" 8-spoke Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 8-spoke Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side | Driver and Front 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 |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Manual fabric soft-top | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 1 front |
| Audio | 7.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth and Bose 9-speaker system (with headrest-mounted speakers) | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 3-year/60,000 km free service | — |
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 cars for sale
ND vs ND3 FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 ND or Mazda MX-5 ND3 better?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 is better equipped and more powerful, with 181 hp, manual LSD, retractable hard-top and active safety systems. The Mazda MX-5 ND is the better fit if an automatic gearbox and much lower entry cost matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 costs RM74,155 more than the Mazda MX-5 ND. That gap also brings 23 hp, 5 Nm, a manual LSD, retractable hard-top, extra safety equipment and two more years of warranty.
Which MX-5 has more safety equipment?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 has the fuller safety kit, adding blind spot monitoring, collision warning, Smart City Brake Support front and rear, a reverse camera, ISOFIX on the passenger seat and an airbag disable function. Both have ABS/EBD, stability control and front and side airbags.
