2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan launched in Malaysia, priced at RM139k [+Video]



The Mazda6 is undoubtedly a good looking car and today, her pretty little sister is finally in Malaysia. Bermaz Motor launched the highly anticipated Mazda3 at 1 Utama shopping mall today. Unveiled at the launch was the 2014 Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv sedan, and the new Mazda CX-5 2.5 CBU. What’s missing is the Mazda3 hatchback.

Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review

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Quick Facts

Name Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan
Segment C-Segment Sedan
Engine SKYACTIV-G 2.0L, In-line, 4-Cylinder, DOHC 16V (162hp, 210Nm)
Price RM138,935.50 (OTR with insurance)

Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review

Since the first generation Mazda3 was introduced back in 2004, the Japanese automaker has sold 4 million units around the world, contributing 30% to Mazda’s global sales volume. This is the third generation Mazda3, which is also the third member in the Mazda family to adopt the SkyActiv Technologies, after the CX-5 and Mazda 6. An essential product that is carefully designed and developed.

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Specification & Price List
2014 Skyactiv M3 Spec (CBU Only)-1

2014 Skyactiv M3 Spec (CBU Only)-2

Mazda3 SkyActiv Price List

Exterior
Many would refer this new C-segment contender as the baby Mazda6 due to its KODO design theme. KODO, which means Soul of Motion in Japanese, is a concept Mazda adopted to designs inspired by animals in instant motion. Much like a panther, in a position that’s ready to pounce.  It does look like the all-new muscular Mazda3 is ready to pounce on the rest of the C-segment players in Malaysia, and probably rip them apart as well because, it is really gorgeous.

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The look from front of the car is unmistakably a Mazda with the signature front grille and familiar looking Bi-xenon headlights. If you look carefully, the hood of the car is exceptionally longer and the rear is shorter than usual, giving the impression that the weight of the car is shifted to the rear.

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A long hood is good, but short boot? Not so, because you’ll get an unusually small boot opening which means there’s a limitation to what you can fit into it. But, the space in the boot does make up to the issue. You do get a spacious boot out of it. You’ll also get a set of 18-inch wheels that is quite a surprise for a C-segment car. With that, it just completes the broad stance this panther portrays.

Interior
Mazda Malaysia advertised in their specs that the seats and upholstery come in fabric, but they are throwing in free upgrade to leather seats. That should have come as standard but anyway, there are quite a bit of carbon fiber touches here and there, raw carbon fiber look. They have it on the door panels, steering wheel and the meter cluster hood; and they do look good, young and sporty.

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Infotainment system is displayed on the Samsung-tab-looking 7-inch display in the middle of the dashboard that is controlled by a i-Drive (BMW) looking commander control on the centre console. Meter cluster is simple with the speedometer in the middle.

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The steering wheel is Electric Power Steering that comes with buttons on one side and paddle shifters as well! On the safety side, the car comes with six airbags and is awarded maximum 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and the standard ABS, EBD, BA, DSC and TCS. Not forgetting, it has electric sunroof as well.

Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review

Performance
This third generation Mazda3 is built entirely on the SkyActiv Technologies that covers the engine, chassis, body and transmission which makes it a Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV). When asked if Mazda’s EEV qualifies for the EEV incentive from government, Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh, Managing Director of Bermaz Motor said the government has recognized Mazda’s SkyActiv cars as EEV however the guidelines on the incentive is still unclear.

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What makes it so efficient is the impressive compression ratio figure from the SkyActiv engine, 14.0:1 which is the highest in its class. This matches the Ferrari 458 Speciale’s compression ratio from its most powerful V8 engine ever made. With that, more power can be generated using the most efficient amount of fuel. The 2.0-litre SkyActive-G engine is mated with SkyActiv-Drive, a 6-speed Automatic transmission. Both working harmoniously while producing maximum output of 162 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 210 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

What else…
Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the focus on the C-segment market is family oriented sedan which explains why the hatchback has yet to make its debut in Malaysia. He added there’s plan to bring in the sporty hatchback with the performance spec but it will be pricey. On the plans of locally assembling the Mazda3, Datuk Seri said Bermaz is now focusing on the CX-5 CKD with dedicated assembly line by Inokom, no specific time frame on when the Mazda3 will be localized.

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The all-new 2014 Mazda3 2.0L SkyActiv Sedan is priced at RM138,935.50 OTR with insurance. It is available in four colours; Soul Red Metallic, Snowflas White Pearl Mica, Titanimum Flash Mica and Meteor Grey Mica.

Read the new Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan full review here

Watch our Mazda3 2.0 SkyActiv Sedan video review

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IMAGE GALLERY