Mazda’s newest model, the Mazda CX-3, was officially launched here in Malaysia on 8 December 2015 and it’s fully imported from Hiroshima, Japan. It carries a price tag of RM131,218.50 on-the-road excluding insurance.
For those who aren’t in the know, this B-Segment crossover is considered a direct competitor to the popular Honda HR-V, Renault Captur and Ford EcoSport. The Mazda is the most expensive of the lot, but it also has the most powerful engine – a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that makes 154 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 204 Nm of torque peaking at 2,800 rpm.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | 2015 Mazda CX-3 2.0L SkyActiv |
| Engine | 1,998cc; 4-cylinder direct injection, DOHC |
| Transmission | 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic |
| Max Power | 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 204 Nm @ 2,800 rpm |
| Price | RM131,218.50 (OTR without insurance) |
This Deep Crystal Blue unit on display at Bermaz Motor’s headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam is just one of five exterior colours on offer, all of which ride on 18-inch wheels wrapped with 215/50 series Toyo Proxes R40 rubbers. The headlamps are completely LED-lit, including the fog lamps and high beam – a first for its class. Other convenient features are comprised of keyless entry, push-start ignition, passive cruise control, auto levelling headlamps, powered sunroof and Mazda’s multimedia system called MZD Connect.
Inside, the seats are upholstered in a mix of black leather and suede fabric which feel a tad more premium than the Mazda2 it’s based on. Now, only 2,000 units of the Japan-imported Mazda CX-3 will be sold before we get the Thai-made batches thereafter.
For the time being, the CX-3 will only be offered in the 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive trim, so keep those fingers crossed if you’re hoping for the all-wheel drive variant (or the diesel variant for that matter) to hit your nearest Mazda showroom. Meanwhile, enjoy the quick First Look at the all-new Mazda CX-3!
IMAGE GALLERY
