Verdict
The Core costs RM118,359 and the High RM131,559, so the RM13,200 gap buys meaningful active-safety and convenience kit rather than extra performance. Both use the same 154 hp, 204 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic, but the High adds autonomous braking, collision warning, a 360-degree camera and LED projector headlamps. Its 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control and sunroof sweeten the deal. For buyers who mainly want the CX-3’s drivetrain and infotainment, the Core is the sensible saving; the High is the safer, better-equipped daily car.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD if RM13,200 matters more than autonomous braking, LED lighting and a 360-degree camera.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 2.0 High 2WD if you want autonomous braking, collision warning, front parking sensors and the 360-degree View Monitor.
Key differences
- Price: RM118,359 for the Core versus RM131,559 for the High.
- Wheels and tyres: 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres on the Core versus 18-inch alloys with 215/50R18 tyres on the High.
- Airbags: driver and passenger airbags listed for the Core versus driver, passenger, front side and front/rear curtain airbags for the High.
- Driver assistance: no autonomous braking or collision warning on the Core versus autonomous braking and collision warning on the High.
- Lighting: halogen reflector headlamps and bulb taillamps on the Core versus LED projector headlamps and LED combination taillamps on the High.
- Parking and cabin kit: rear sensors and a reverse camera with manual air-con on the Core versus front/rear sensors, a 360-degree monitor and single-zone…
2.0 Core 2WD
- RM13,200 less expensive.
- Gets the same 154 hp and 204 Nm 2.0-litre petrol powertrain.
- Has an airbag disable function, which the High lacks.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping warning.
- No front parking sensors or 360-degree View Monitor.
- Halogen headlamps and manual air-con instead of LED projectors and automatic climate control.
2.0 High 2WD
- Autonomous braking, collision warning, Driver Attention Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
- LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, front foglamps and auto headlamps.
- Adds a sunroof, Qi wireless charger, paddle shifters and 360-degree camera view.
- Costs RM13,200 more.
- No airbag disable function, while the Core has one.
| 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 | 154 hp |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 83.5 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 | Driver and Passenger | 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 2.0 Core 2WD or Mazda CX-3 2.0 High 2WD better?
The High is better equipped, chiefly through autonomous braking, collision warning, extra airbags listed, LED lighting and a 360-degree camera. The Core is the better buy if those additions do not justify a RM13,200 stretch.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-3 2.0 High 2WD costs RM13,200 more than the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD.
Does the Mazda CX-3 2.0 High 2WD have more power?
No. Both variants 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.
