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Thursday, December 10, 2015

CLOSE UP++: Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv

The all-new Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv was launched on 8 December 2015 evening in a spectactular ceremony graced by the media, close associates, business partners and distinguished guests.  The highly-anticipated B-segment Crossover SUV is CBU from Japan and Priced at RM131,218.50 OTR individual registration, without insurance, including GST.







This is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV Technology.  SKYACTIV Technology, which first emerged in the year 2011, is the embodiment of Mazda. It is the revolutionary technology that defies convention to produce cars that are energy saving and environmental friendly without compromising driving performance.

Bermaz Motor stated that with the all-new CX-3, Mazda enthusiasts will now be able to buy into the fastest growing B-segment segment of the industry, one that is driven by a very trendy and likeable model.  Mazda called it the 'Freestyle Crossover'.  Mazda CX-3 is like a combination of a hatchback and SUV, hence the term Crossover.

"Crossovers deliver the driveability of sedans with the versatility and rugged, sporty image of SUVs. The all-new CX-3 Crossover introduced by Bermaz brings all of these features in a smart and technologically-advanced package that looks set to steal the hearts of many," it stated in a Press release.

The company added that the CX-3 is a scaled-down version of Mazda’s best-selling CX-5 based on Mazda 2.   As known earlier, the CX-3 is powered by the engine SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter petrol with a power of 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 204 Nm at unusally low 2,800
rpm (for a NA engine). It is mated to an automatic transmission SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed. Its power is supplied to the front wheel.  

We get the higher tuned 154-horsepower and 204Nm torque 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G engine.  Note that Australian market gets the same engine detuned with lesser 146hp and 192Nm torque.

The new CX-3 Freestyle crossover SUV was developed to “Create the standard for the next era.” It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers, supporting creative and adventurous lifestyles. More than merely power and speed, the CX-3 is about delivering ease of handling on city streets, reassuring confidence on the highway and, in particular, faithful response when negotiating curving roads.

Proudly wearing Mazda’s signature Kodo styling, The CX-3 is stylishly distinctive, yet retains the strong Mazda look.   Measuring 4,275 mm in length, 1,765 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, the B-segment crossover rides on the same SkyActiv-Chassis

 that underpins the smaller Mazda 2, with identical 2570mm wheelbase and 160mm ground clearance (mere 10mm higher than Mazda 2).  It's relatively lightweight with a kerb weight of 1,211 kg.

 It is a vehicle that carries itself with style, with a long hood, short overhangs, large wheels and a slim cabin, presenting proportions that lend themselves to a sense of strength and vitality, conveying a sense of motion even when standing still.






On the exterior, the CX-3’s standard equipment list includes automatic LED headlights with adaptive front lighting system,


auto-levelling and LED daytime running lights. The rear tail lights are LED as well,

 as are the front fog lamps (rear fogs make do with halogen bulbs instead).

The CX-3 also gets a lift in aesthetics thanks to gunmetal trim pieces located at the front, sides and rear of the crossover – something not found on lower variants of the Thai-spec model.



Wheel options are limited to just a sole 18-inch five twin-spoke option, wrapped in 215/50R18 tyres. Other standard equipment include automatic wipers, power-folding side mirrors (with turn indicators)

and a sunroof.

Moving inside, the cabin layout is almost identical to the Mazda 2, save for a few differences in trim colour pieces.



Here, the brand’s MZD Connect 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system dominates the dashboard.

 The system can either be controlled via touch or the Commander Control dial.

Like the Mazda 2, the system can be upgraded with navigation functionality for an extra RM1,270. Other highlights in the cabin include the leather-suede combo seats


(60:40 split folding at the rear) and single-zone automatic air-conditioning (front vents only).

Boot space is rated at 264 litres, expandable to 1176 litres (the claimed 350 litres boot space's before factoring the FULL SIZE spare tyres).  


As for the driver, there is Mazda’s Active Driving Display (heads-up display)

and a multi-function (multimedia and cruise control)


 leather steering wheel (electric power assisted) that comes with paddle shifters. There is also a drive selection switch (Sport mode),

reverse camera and keyless operation (entry and engine start).


The safety suite on the CX-3 is pretty comprehensive as well, with DSC electronic stability control, traction control and ABS with EBD and BA all being present. The crossover is fitted with six airbags well (dual frontal, side and curtain). Hill launch assist and emergency stop signal are also part of the package, but there’s no i-Activesense pack (Smart City Brake System, Rear View Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning etc.) here. For RM1,900 extra, Mazda’s Skytint (safety tint) can be specified as well.

It will be available in 5 colour choices; Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Gray, and Deep Crystal Blue.

Mazda is confident that this latest addition to its family will go on to be a core model, bringing the brand into the hearts of a new generation of discerning car buyers. Even more so with Bermaz’s stress free ownership “3+3 Years Free Warranty and Maintenance” Programme  (3 years or 60,000km free maintenance and 3 years unlimited mileage warranty), of which CX-3 owners will be able to enjoy.

Answering a question by the media right before the launch, Bermaz executive director and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh, explained that the four-wheel-drive version of the CX-3 will not be introduced in Malaysia, simply due to the fact that it will obviously be priced higher than its two-wheel-driven sibling.

And whether there will be a CKD version of the CX-3, Yeoh explained that this idea is still being pursued. Should this become reality, CX-3's will be coming out of the Kulim, Kedah, plant operated by Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, which currently assembles the larger CX-5.

The CX-3 Bermaz is selling in Malaysia is made in Mazda's main factory in Hiroshima, Japan.  BERMAZ only imports 2,000 units of such example.  As I am typing this, there were already 800 bookings.

Mazda also assembles CX3's in Thailand, but the Thai-assembled CX-3 does not meet the 40% local content requirement for tariff exemption under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), and therefore will not be brought into Malaysia. However, in the case of the Japanese-made CX-3, Malaysia’s free-trade agreement with Japan entitles Bermaz to more incentives to import it.

Let's proceed to Videos:

Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HRV



CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA200 comparison. Note the GLA200 priced almost double at RM110,000 more. Caradvice.com.au Review

 2015 Mazda CX-3 commercial Australia First Ever Mazda CX-3 in detail (Australia)


Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words, enjoy the 70+ photos.























 Above: rear legroom and Below, rear headroom

 Above, front legroom based on above rear legroom.











If you want to buy this car, please call Jefferson Lim at 012-6852-718.
Mazda Taman Megah OR Setia Alam.

ARTICLE Partially SOURCED from:

1) http://www.thesundaily.my/node/341319
2) Mazda Malaysia press release.

Otherwise, photos are all Jefferson Lim's original work.

2 comments:

  1. 2016 Mazda CX 3 is the best SUV in the subcompact segment at an affordable price with well-built interior, futuristic technology, excellent fuel mileage, available all-wheel drive, combination leather seats, LED headlamps and more optional features. Take your Test Drive today.

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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