Verdict
At RM74,155 more, the Mazda MX-5 ND3 is not merely a newer badge: its 181 hp 2.0 litre engine adds 23 hp, and the six-speed manual with LSD is a materially different driving proposition from the ND’s six-speed automatic. Malaysian buyers also get a power-folding hard-top, front and rear Smart City Brake Support, blind-spot monitoring and a five-year warranty. But the ND remains the sensible used buy if its automatic gearbox, 39 kg lower weight and much lower entry cost matter more than the ND3’s extra performance and safety kit.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND if you want the six-speed automatic, a 1,080 kg kerb weight and to save RM74,155.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 ND3 if you want 181 hp, a six-speed manual with LSD, a power-folding hard-top and substantially more active safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 ND RM219,999; Mazda MX-5 ND3 RM294,154.
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 ND 158 hp/200 Nm; Mazda MX-5 ND3 181 hp/205 Nm.
- Transmission: Mazda MX-5 ND six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with Sport mode; Mazda MX-5 ND3 six-speed manual with LSD.
- Roof: Mazda MX-5 ND manual fabric soft-top; Mazda MX-5 ND3 power-folding retractable hard-top.
- Kerb weight: Mazda MX-5 ND 1,080 kg; Mazda MX-5 ND3 1,119 kg.
- Warranty: Mazda MX-5 ND three years/100,000 km; Mazda MX-5 ND3 five years/100,000 km.
ND
- Six-speed automatic with Sport mode, Tiptronic and paddle shifts
- 39 kg lighter at 1,080 kg
- Auto high beam, front foglamps and two front cup holders
- 158 hp and 200 Nm trail the ND3’s 181 hp and 205 Nm
- Manual fabric soft-top instead of a power-folding hard-top
- No blind-spot monitoring, reverse camera or front and rear Smart City Brake Support
ND3
- 181 hp 2.0 litre engine and six-speed manual with LSD
- Power-folding retractable hard-top
- Front and rear Smart City Brake Support, blind-spot monitoring and reverse camera
- Costs RM74,155 more
- Manual-only gearbox instead of the ND’s automatic
- 39 kg heavier at 1,119 kg
| 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 at 6,000 rpm | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | 83.5 mm × 91.2 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 | 4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side) | 4 (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 the more complete car, with 181 hp, a manual LSD drivetrain, power-folding hard-top and more safety equipment. Choose the ND instead if you specifically want an automatic and lower purchase cost.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 costs RM74,155 more than the Mazda MX-5 ND.
Which Mazda MX-5 has more safety equipment?
The Mazda MX-5 ND3 does. It adds blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, a reverse camera and front and rear Smart City Brake Support; the ND has none of those listed features.
