Verdict
Just RM2,609 separates these C-segment SUVs, but they suit very different Malaysian use. The iCaur 03 costs RM119,800 and brings a 181 hp rear motor, 65.69 kWh battery, 355 km range and 80 kW DC charging, while its annual road tax is only RM140. It is also roomier between the axles at 2,715 mm and far better equipped for driver assistance. The RM122,409 Mazda CX-30 makes the practical case with a 430-litre boot against 264 litres, a 51-litre petrol tank and 6.4 L/100 km rated consumption. Choose based on charging access and luggage needs, not the small sticker-price gap.
Pick the iCaur 03 if home or workplace charging suits your routine and you want 355 km EV range, rear-wheel drive and active safety assistance.
Pick the Mazda CX-30 if a 430-litre boot, petrol refuelling convenience and a 196 km/h top speed matter more than EV running costs.
Key differences
- Price: iCaur 03 RM119,800; Mazda CX-30 RM122,409.
- Powertrain: iCaur 03 has a 181 hp/220 Nm electric motor; Mazda CX-30 has a 162 hp/213 Nm 1,998 cc petrol engine.
- Range and economy: iCaur 03 is rated for 355 km from a 65.69 kWh battery; Mazda CX-30 is rated at 6.4 L/100 km with a 51-litre tank.
- Boot space: iCaur 03 264 litres; Mazda CX-30 430 litres.
- Wheelbase: iCaur 03 2,715 mm; Mazda CX-30 2,655 mm.
- Road tax: iCaur 03 RM140 per year; Mazda CX-30 RM439 per year.
03
- 355 km EV range with 80 kW DC charging
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist
- Powered ventilated front seats and 15.6-inch touchscreen
- 264-litre boot is 166 litres smaller than the Mazda CX-30's
- 150 km/h top speed trails the Mazda CX-30's 196 km/h
- No driver's knee airbag listed, unlike the Mazda CX-30
CX-30
- 430-litre boot and 51-litre fuel tank
- 196 km/h top speed and 6.4 L/100 km rated economy
- Driver's knee airbag, head-up display and space-saver spare tyre
- Costs RM2,609 more than the iCaur 03
- No blind spot information system, autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist listed
- Annual road tax is RM299 higher than the iCaur 03's
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM119,800✓ | RM122,409 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM140✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 162 hp |
| Torque | — | 213 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 181 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 220 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 65.69 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 355 km | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 80 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.2 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 6.4 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 196 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,406 mm | 4,395 mm |
| Width | 1,910 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,715 mm | 1,540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm | 2,655 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,441 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 51 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 264 litres | 430 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/65R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang Radial RP76 | Yokohama BluEarth-GT AE51 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control Plus |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| 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 outer two rear seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Emergency Stop Signal |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Ventilation | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sliding Roof | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 15.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Infinity Sound System | 8.8" MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, 8 Speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| 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 Operation | Powered with Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 7" TFT LCD Digital Instrument Cluster Display with Analogue Dials |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Years/160000 km Battery Warranty, Drive Unit & High Voltage Components | 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 03 & CX-30 for sale
03 vs CX-30 FAQ
Is the iCaur 03 or Mazda CX-30 better?
The iCaur 03 is better for buyers with dependable charging, thanks to 355 km range, lower RM140 road tax and more active safety equipment. The Mazda CX-30 is better for regular long-distance trips needing its 430-litre boot and quick petrol refuelling.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-30 costs RM122,409, which is RM2,609 more than the RM119,800 iCaur 03. The iCaur counters with a 65.69 kWh battery, 355 km range and 80 kW DC charging.
Which has more boot space?
The Mazda CX-30 has the larger boot at 430 litres, versus 264 litres in the iCaur 03. That is a 166-litre advantage for the Mazda.