Volkswagen Eos vs Mazda MX-5
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.
Volkswagen Eos
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 TSI turbo-petrol direct injection
155kW
7.7 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
205L
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Volkswagen Eos: we're still completing price, kerb weight and ground clearance.
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
Blank cells below mean 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
The Mazda MX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Volkswagen Eos.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 0 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Volkswagen Eos stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Mazda MX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Eos uses a 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol direct injection producing 155kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dsg to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) making 96kW and 150Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels.
The Volkswagen Eos has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Eos measures 4,407mm long on a 2,576mm wheelbase, 492mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Eos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Volkswagen Eos and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Volkswagen Eos a 75L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.9m
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m 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 $2,195/year for the Volkswagen Eos and $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Volkswagen Eos) vs $1,739 (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Volkswagen Eos) vs 3 years (Mazda MX-5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Eos if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Volkswagen Eos and Mazda MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Eos has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen Eos and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda MX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
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 is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Eos makes the most power at 155kW.
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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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