Verdict
At RM115,900, the Honda HR-V costs RM7,980 more than the Mazda CX-3, but it brings Honda Sensing autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. It is also 72 mm longer and rides on a 40 mm longer wheelbase, with rear air-con vents and 18-inch wheels. The CX-3 counters with a larger 350-litre boot, 48-litre fuel tank, 149 Nm of torque and useful cabin extras including a head-up display. For Malaysian family use, the Honda’s driver-assistance kit carries the stronger case.
Pick the Honda HR-V if you want autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, four airbags and more rear-seat accommodation.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you prioritise the lower purchase price, 350-litre boot, 48-litre tank and a power driver’s seat with memory.
Key differences
- Price: Honda HR-V RM115,900; Mazda CX-3 RM107,920.
- Power and torque: Honda HR-V 119 hp and 145 Nm; Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm.
- Length and wheelbase: Honda HR-V 4,347 mm and 2,610 mm; Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm and 2,570 mm.
- Boot and fuel tank: Honda HR-V 335 litres and 40 litres; Mazda CX-3 350 litres and 48 litres.
- Safety equipment: Honda HR-V has 4 airbags and autonomous braking; Mazda CX-3 has 2 airbags and no autonomous braking.
- Wheels: Honda HR-V 18-inch alloys with 225/50R18 tyres; Mazda CX-3 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres.
HR-V
- Honda Sensing autonomous braking and lane-keeping steering correction.
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
- Longer wheelbase, rear air-con vents and 18-inch wheels.
- Costs RM7,980 more.
- 335-litre boot is 15 litres smaller.
- 40-litre fuel tank is 8 litres smaller.
CX-3
- Lower entry price with a 350-litre boot and 48-litre tank.
- 149 Nm torque, 4 Nm more than the Honda.
- Power driver’s seat with memory, head-up display and six speakers.
- Has two airbags versus the Honda’s four.
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist.
- Shorter 2,570 mm wheelbase and no rear air-con vents.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM115,900 | RM107,920✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 119 hp at 6,600 rpm✓ | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.5 mm | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | CVT | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.1 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 186 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,347 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,790 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,591 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,274 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 335 litres | 350 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UltraContact UC6 | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 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 | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) | 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 on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | Manual Recline, 60:40 Split Folding, ULTRA Seat | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A & USB-C Front | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4 Speakers | 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, Driver's Side 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 Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 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 HR-V & CX-3 for sale
HR-V vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Honda HR-V is the better choice for safety assistance and rear-seat use, thanks to autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, four airbags, a longer wheelbase and rear vents. The Mazda CX-3 suits buyers who value a lower price, larger boot and larger fuel tank.
What is the price difference?
The Honda HR-V is RM7,980 more expensive than the Mazda CX-3: RM115,900 versus RM107,920.
Which has more practical luggage and fuel capacity?
The Mazda CX-3 does. Its boot holds 350 litres against the Honda HR-V’s 335 litres, and its fuel tank is 48 litres versus 40 litres.
