Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD costs RM118,359 against RM107,920 for the 1.5 Core, so the RM10,439 step buys 40 hp and 55 Nm rather than extra cabin kit. Its 154 hp and 204 Nm give it a clear paper advantage over the 1.5’s 114 hp and 149 Nm, while annual road tax rises from RM120 to RM439. Both retain the same six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, 16-inch wheels, 350-litre boot, reverse camera and wireless smartphone connectivity. Choose the 1.5 if the saving matters; stretch for the 2.0 if stronger output is the priority.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core if you want to save RM10,439 upfront and pay RM319 less in annual road tax.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD if the extra 40 hp and 55 Nm matter more to you than its higher purchase price and road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core RM107,920; Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD RM118,359.
- Annual road tax: Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core RM120; Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD RM439.
- Engine capacity: Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core 1,496 cc; Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD 1,998 cc.
- Power: Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core 114 hp at 6,000 rpm; Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD 154 hp at 6,000 rpm.
- Torque: Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm; Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm.
1.5 Core
- RM10,439 lower purchase price.
- RM120 annual road tax, versus RM439.
- Same six-speed automatic, 350-litre boot and infotainment kit as the 2.0.
- 40 hp less: 114 hp versus 154 hp.
- 55 Nm less torque: 149 Nm versus 204 Nm.
2.0 Core 2WD
- 154 hp at 6,000 rpm, versus 114 hp.
- 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm, versus 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
- Same cabin equipment, safety items and 350-litre boot as the 1.5.
- RM10,439 higher purchase price.
- RM439 annual road tax, RM319 more than the 1.5.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM118,359 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm | 154 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | G-Vectoring Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 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 Passenger Seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Manual air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 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 | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 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 cars for sale
1.5 Core vs 2.0 Core 2WD FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core or Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD better?
The 2.0 Core 2WD is the stronger choice on output, with 154 hp and 204 Nm against 114 hp and 149 Nm. The 1.5 Core is the better cost-led choice because it is RM10,439 cheaper and its annual road tax is RM319 lower.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD costs RM10,439 more than the 1.5 Core: RM118,359 versus RM107,920.
What does the extra money buy on the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD?
It buys a 1,998 cc engine with 154 hp and 204 Nm, instead of the 1.5 Core’s 1,496 cc engine with 114 hp and 149 Nm. The listed transmission, driveline, infotainment, safety equipment and interior features are otherwise the same.
