Mazda MX-5 Overview
The Mazda MX-5 is simply the most recognizable and the best-selling roadster in the world! It held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car since 2000. Hailing from the prefecture of Hiroshima, Japan, over one million units of the Mazda MX-5 rolled out the assembly plant since it was first introduced back in 1989. Despite its popularity on a global scale, it remained one of the lesser-seen Mazda models on Malaysian roads today.
The Mazda MX-5, or more fondly known as the Miata, is a 2.0-litre, front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, lightweight, two-door convertible sports car, promising superior handling and unadulterated road feel. Weighing in at 1,137kg with the retractable hard top (the only roof option available in Malaysia), Mazda MX-5 is one of the lightest modern sports cars on the road today and a puristās dream. Throughout its 4 generations of evolution, the fundamental concept has remained largely unchanged and 2021 sees the latest iteration with a minor mid-life update in Malaysia with the introduction of wireless Apple Car Play.
Considering the niche proposition that the Mazda MX-5 offers, there arenāt many natural rivals currently on sale in Malaysia that will go head-to-head with the roadster. Priced starting from RM 258,591, the Toyobaru twins (Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ), 2020 Mini Convertible Cooper S and the Lotus Elise are the closest comparable rivals in terms of pricing and performance, the latter closer to a track car than a convertible. Other alternatives include the likes of the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Boxster, both of which are on a different performance level with a premium price tag that goes with it.