Mazda MX-5 vs Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $41,520 before on-road costs, while the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid opens at $42,850. That makes the Mazda MX-5 the more affordable entry point by $1,330.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $45,672 and $47,135 respectively.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda MX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid by roughly $9,380 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda MX-5 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen, while the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Sony audio that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mazda MX-5 gets cloth upholstery while the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5 and 2-zone in the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 lines up producing 97kW and 152Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo + PHEV making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has the clear power advantage at 105kW vs 97kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 809mm shorter than the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid at 4,724mm (2,694mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 550L in the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid, giving the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid a 420L advantage. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid seats 7 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 11.8m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $62/year for the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid. That is a $1,876 annual difference in favour of the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid.
Estimated annual total: $1,938 (Mazda MX-5) vs $62 (Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid saves you roughly $1,876 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid will save you roughly $1,876 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has a clear edge. The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda MX-5 and Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid by $1,330.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid uses the least fuel at 1.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has the largest boot at 550L.
Which can tow the most?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid makes the most power at 105kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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