Here it is folks, in all its glory, the much-anticipated Mazda CX-3 compact SUV has been officially launched in Malaysia!
This is perhaps one of the most crucial models for the company being introduced this year, because it is entering one of the hottest, the most rapidly expending and most the popular segments of the car market right now; the compact SUV category. As it is expected to rival the Honda HR-V, we’re keen to find out if the Mazda CX-3 is able to steal the spotlight from this new Honda baby SUV. It also goes up against the Ford EcoSport, Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 2008.
While consumers purchase SUVs for its practicality, we can’t deny the fact that good looks are also what drives us to make a commitment to purchase a brand new vehicle. Adopting the Kodo design language, the CX-3 is stylishly distinctive with a long hood, short overhangs, large wheels and a slim cabin, presenting proportions that lend themselves to a sense of strength and vitality, not to mention sportiness conveying a sense of motion even when standing still.
Based on the fun and feisty Mazda 2 supermini, the CX-3 has an overall length of 4,275 mm, a 1,535 mm height and 2,570 mm wheelbase. The CX-3 also features a powerful stance and feeling of stability thanks to its 1,765 mm width and the positioning of the 18-inch alloy wheels at the extreme corners of the vehicle, resulting in front and rear tracks of 1,525 mm and 1,520 mm respectively.
The luggage compartment measures 1,000 mm wide and 780 mm long with a capacity of 350-litres. In addition, it includes a two-position cargo board that can be adjusted in height to match the load being carried.
The cabin borrows most heavily from the Mazda 2 where buyers will be able to find a MZD 7-inch touchscreen centre display with commander control switch and reverse camera, Push Start & Smart Keyless Entry, Auto Cruise Control, Paddle Shift, Leather Suede Upholstery and (HUD) Head-Up Display fitted as standard features.
Beyond that, the CX-3 also comes with extra nifty and useful features such as sunroof, automatic wipers, power-folding side mirrors (with turn indicators) as standard along with LED headlamps with DRLs (coveted by many Mazda2 buyer), Rear Fog Lamp as well as a High Beam Control System.
For the Malaysian market, the CX-3 comes in a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine that generates 154hp and 204Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via SkyActiv 6-speed automatic transmission. To further improve fuel economy, the CX-3 is also available with i-Stop technology that shuts the engine off when the car is at a standstill.
In terms of safety, the CX-3 comes standard with ABS with EBD, BA and Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) as well as 6-airbags including front, side and curtain airbags.
The Mazda CX-3 is offered in a single high-spec variant with retail price tag of RM131, 218 OTR without insurance. You can now place your CX-3 booking in five choice of colours including the stunning Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Grey and Deep Crystal Blue.
At the moment, the company has no plans to locally-assemble the Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia where all the models being sold here are fully-imported (CBU) from its Hiroshima plant in Japan, despite also being assembled in Thailand. According to Bermaz, the Thai-assembled CX-3 does not meet the 40% local content requirement for tariff exemption under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), and therefore will not be brought into Malaysia. However, Malaysia’s free-trade agreement with Japan entitles Bermaz to have more incentives to import the CX-3 from them.
For more info, visit www.mazda.com.my.
