Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT undercuts the RM296,154 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT by RM2,000 and is 24 kg lighter at 1,119 kg. Both send 181 hp and 205 Nm to the rear wheels, reach 220 km/h, and carry the same safety and cabin kit. The AT’s extra spend buys a six-speed conventional automatic with manual-shift mode and paddles; the MT gets a six-speed manual with LSD. For a Malaysian buyer, the manual is the stronger value if changing gears yourself is part of the point.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT if you want the lower price, 1,119 kg kerb weight and six-speed manual with LSD.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT if you want a conventional six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode and paddle shifts for RM2,000 more.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT RM294,154; Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT RM296,154.
- Transmission: MT six-speed 6MT-LSD manual; AT six-speed SkyActiv-Drive conventional automatic with Manual Shift mode.
- Weight: MT 1,119 kg; AT 1,143 kg.
- Tiptronic: MT not fitted; AT fitted.
- Paddle shifts: MT not fitted; AT fitted.
RF 2.0 MT
- RM2,000 lower purchase price
- 24 kg lighter at 1,119 kg
- Six-speed manual with LSD
- No Tiptronic manual-shift function or paddle shifts
RF 2.0 AT
- Six-speed conventional automatic
- Manual Shift mode and paddle shifts
- Same 181 hp and 205 Nm as the MT
- Costs RM2,000 more
- 24 kg heavier at 1,143 kg
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM296,154 |
| 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 fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 205 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 | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,143 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 Wishbone | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| 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 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 | Available on Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustment |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 1 front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 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 Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | 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 | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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
RF 2.0 MT vs RF 2.0 AT FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT or Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT better?
The MX-5 RF 2.0 MT is the better pick for value and lower weight, with a six-speed manual and LSD. Choose the AT only if its conventional automatic, manual-shift mode and paddles suit your driving better.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 AT costs RM2,000 more than the Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 MT.
Do the MT and AT have different safety equipment?
No. Both have four airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, Blind Spot Info System, Smart City Brake Support front and rear, collision warning, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera.
