Mazda MX-5 vs Volkswagen Eos
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles 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.
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
Volkswagen Eos
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 TSI turbo-petrol direct injection
155kW
7.7 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
205L
Volkswagen Eos: we're still completing price, kerb weight and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda MX-5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Eos. The Volkswagen Eos counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) producing 135kW and 205Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Eos responds with a 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol direct injection making 155kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Volkswagen Eos has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 1.3s quicker. 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, 492mm shorter than the Volkswagen Eos at 4,407mm (2,576mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Eos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 205L in the Volkswagen Eos, giving the Volkswagen Eos a 75L advantage. The Volkswagen Eos seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.9m
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $2,195/year for the Volkswagen Eos. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5) vs 3 years (Volkswagen Eos). The Mazda MX-5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Eos if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Eos has a clear edge. The Mazda MX-5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Volkswagen Eos?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Volkswagen Eos holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda MX-5, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Eos has the largest boot at 205L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Eos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Eos makes the most power at 155kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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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