Verdict
At RM118,359, the lower-priced Mazda CX-3 keeps the same 154 hp/204 Nm 2.0-litre petrol drivetrain, six-speed automatic, 350-litre boot and 5-year/100,000 km free-service cover as the RM131,559 car. The RM13,200 step up makes sense if six airbags, autonomous braking and collision warning matter more than the saving. It also brings LED projector headlamps, a 360-degree camera, front sensors and automatic climate control. For buyers chiefly interested in the mechanical package, save the money.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the identical 154 hp 2.0-litre powertrain and cabin practicality while keeping RM13,200 in your pocket.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want six airbags, autonomous braking, LED lighting and parking aids that make the extra RM13,200 easier to justify.
Key differences
- Price: RM118,359 versus RM131,559.
- Wheels and tyres: 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres versus 18-inch alloys with 215/50R18 tyres.
- Airbags: 2 airbags versus 6 airbags.
- Forward safety: no autonomous braking or collision warning versus autonomous braking and collision warning.
- Lighting: halogen reflector headlamps versus LED projector headlamps.
- Parking assistance: rear camera and 4 rear sensors versus 360-degree camera, 4 front sensors and 4 rear sensors.
2.0 Core 2WD
- Same 154 hp and 204 Nm 2.0-litre drivetrain as the pricier trim.
- Same 350-litre boot and 5-year/100,000 km free-service package.
- Has an airbag disable function.
- Only 2 airbags, against 6 airbags.
- Lacks autonomous braking, collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
- Gets halogen headlamps, no front foglamps and no automatic headlamps or wipers.
2.0 High 2WD
- Six airbags plus autonomous braking, collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
- LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED combination tail lamps.
- Adds a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, automatic climate control and a Qi wireless charger.
- Costs RM13,200 more.
- Has no airbag disable function.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM118,359✓ | RM131,559 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | 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 | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp at 6,000 rpm | 154 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm | 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 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 | 215/50R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/50R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Toyo Proxes R40 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| 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) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| 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 |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Driver Attention Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger |
| 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
2.0 Core 2WD vs 2.0 High 2WD FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Mazda CX-3 better?
The RM131,559 Mazda CX-3 is better equipped, particularly for safety, with six airbags, autonomous braking and collision warning. The RM118,359 Mazda CX-3 is the smarter value choice if those additions are not essential, because the drivetrain and practicality are unchanged.
What is the price difference?
The difference is RM13,200: RM118,359 for the lower-priced Mazda CX-3 and RM131,559 for the higher-priced version.
Does the more expensive Mazda CX-3 have more power?
No. Both use a 1,998 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 154 hp and 204 Nm, paired with a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic and front-wheel drive. The higher-priced car changes equipment and wheels, not the core mechanical specification.
