Cupra Formentor vs Mazda MX-5

What's the difference?

VS
Cupra Formentor
Cupra Formentor

$51,990 - $94,990

2026 price

Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5

$37,990 - $55,990

2024 price

Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor
2024 Mazda MX-5
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
-

6.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

2
Dislikes
  • Small boot in PHEV
  • Formentor S runs out of puff
  • Lots of tyre roar

  • Compromised as a daily driver
  • Tan Nappa leather only in Automatic
  • Nearing the end of its life :(
2026 Cupra Formentor Summary

We’ve waited more than two years and it’s finally here.

Cupra has introduced the updated version of its most popular car in Australia, the Formentor.

A spicy small SUV rival to the likes of the Mini Countryman, BMW X2 and Audi Q3, among others, this design-led small SUV is now offered in more flavours than ever before.

It’s our first time testing out this updated Formentor on local soil, so read on to see how it stacks up.

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2024 Mazda MX-5 Summary

It's not often a car is elevated to 'icon' status, cars like the VW Beetle, Porsche 911, Toyota LandCruiser or Ford Mustang - but the Mazda MX-5 has quietly been the best choice for keen drivers who don't want to break the bank with a big sticker price or costly maintenance.

The ND MX-5 has been around since 2015, and while it’s been praised as a return to the original, simple formula of the NA MX-5 from the late 80s and early 90s, it’s getting close to a decade old.

So, a little refresh with some new tech and a mechanical tweak is here to make the roadster feel like a playful pup once more.

And what better place to test that out than a combination of the winding roads of the Adelaide Hills wine region, paired nicely with a main course of track driving at The Bend Motorsport Park?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2024 Mazda MX-5

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