Bermaz Motor, official distributors of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has official launched the new Mazda 3 at the One Utama Shopping Centre and when you see the media gawking at the car more than taking pictures of it, you know it’s something special.
There are three new variants for the new Mazda 3 which is fully imported and the new liftback, as it’s officially called, is available as a 1.5-litre base model at RM139,770 or a “High Plus” 2.0-litre model at RM160,059.
The 1.5-litre model makes 118 hp and 153 Nm while the 2.0-litre engines push out 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to a 6-speed SkyActive-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission.
While there’s much to gawk over the exterior that been developed based on the Kai Concept, the equipment list of the 1.5-litre base model may not excite as much.
There may be automatic LED headlamps and tail lights but funnily enough, the DRLs are actually bulb-type units. You also don’t get keyless entry although the 16-inch wheels may not be such a bad thing when it comes to changing a new set of tyres.
Inside the 1.5-litre model, you get fabric seats, manually-operated front seats, auto brake hold and a new electronic parking brake.
As for the 2.0-litre “High Plus”, the stunning exterior is further enhanced visually, with round LED daytime running lights both in the front and back, 18-inch wheels, sunroof and keyless entry.
At over RM20k more than the 1.5-litre model, the 2.0-litre “High Plus” gets leather upholstery, a 10-way powered driver seat with memory function, rear air con vents, eight parking sensors, auto locking, paddle shifter and dual zone climate control.
Elsewhere creature comforts include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight speakers, and two USB ports.
Safety wise the Mazda 3 hatchback comes with seven airbags, ABS, DSC, EBD, Traction control and Hill Launch Assist.
Exclusively for the High Plus variant is the i-Activsense driver assistance system which includes Adaptive Front Lighting System, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Smart City Brake Support.
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