Verdict
At RM88,800, the Chery Tiggo Cross undercuts the Mazda CX-3’s RM107,920 by RM19,120, and it is the stronger family proposition. Its 145 hp/210 Nm turbo produces 31 hp and 61 Nm more than the Mazda’s 114 hp/149 Nm naturally aspirated engine, with peak torque arriving at 1,750 rpm rather than 4,000 rpm. The Chery also has a 380-litre boot, six airbags and autonomous braking; the Mazda gets 350 litres, two airbags and no autonomous braking. The CX-3 is 167 kg lighter and has a head-up display, but cannot claw back the practical and safety gap.
Pick the Chery Tiggo Cross if you want more power, a larger 380-litre boot, six airbags and autonomous braking for less money.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if a 1,301 kg kerb weight, head-up display and driver’s-seat memory matter more than stronger performance and safety equipment.
Key differences
- Power: Chery Tiggo Cross 145 hp at 5,500 rpm; Mazda CX-3 114 hp at 6,000 rpm.
- Torque: Chery Tiggo Cross 210 Nm at 1,750 rpm; Mazda CX-3 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
- Boot space: Chery Tiggo Cross 380 litres; Mazda CX-3 350 litres.
- Airbags: Chery Tiggo Cross 6; Mazda CX-3 2.
- Warranty: Chery Tiggo Cross 7 years/150,000 km; Mazda CX-3 5 years/100,000 km with free service.
- Kerb weight: Chery Tiggo Cross 1,468 kg; Mazda CX-3 1,301 kg.
Tiggo Cross
- 145 hp and 210 Nm turbo engine
- Six airbags, autonomous braking and collision warning
- 380-litre boot, dual-zone climate control and rear air-con vents
- 167 kg heavier than the Mazda CX-3
- No head-up display or driver’s-seat memory
- No spare tyre is listed
CX-3
- 167 kg lighter kerb weight
- Head-up display and power driver’s-seat memory
- Space-saver spare tyre and five-year/100,000 km free service
- 114 hp and 149 Nm trail the Chery’s 145 hp and 210 Nm
- Only two airbags versus the Chery’s six
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or rear air-con vents
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM88,800✓ | RM107,920 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 145 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm at 1,750 rpm✓ | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 77 mm × 80.5 mm | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed DCT | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,318 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,468 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 51 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 380 litres✓ | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV, GitiComfort F22 | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Automatic LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 1 Rear USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation, with Proximity Sensor Auto Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Tiggo Cross & CX-3 for sale
Tiggo Cross vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Chery Tiggo Cross or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Chery Tiggo Cross is the better buy for most Malaysian families, with more power, a larger boot, six airbags, autonomous braking and a longer 7-year/150,000 km warranty. Choose the CX-3 for its lighter weight, head-up display and driver’s-seat memory.
What is the price difference?
The Chery Tiggo Cross is RM19,120 cheaper than the Mazda CX-3. It also adds 31 hp, 61 Nm, 30 litres of boot space and four more airbags.
Which is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The Chery Tiggo Cross is more practical. Its 2,610 mm wheelbase is 40 mm longer, it has a 380-litre boot against 350 litres, and rear passengers get air-con vents. Both have five seats and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
