At its launch in 2015, the Mazda CX-3 represented a benchmark for a new type of crossover SUV that transcended notions of vehicle class and segment
Yes, the very popular CX-3 has been face-lifted and you will probably not be able to tell the difference when you drive past it. Why? Well, Mazda designers have decided to keep to the seductive shape that has made it desirable and the simple yet effective cabin layout remains.
So, why a facelift? Well, market conditions request for it and improvements were done more where the eye will miss it.
This rather conservative Japanese car manufacturer has enough market presence and likes to ‘play safe’ when it comes to product expansion.
So, when they have a great product like the CX-3 and also the Mazda2 compact car they work to improve beneath the surface and it works in their favor.
On out test drive we found this CX-3 was superbly ergonomic with heads-up cabin and human-machine interface, safe and easy-to-use smartphone connectivity and a vast array of active safety technologies.
Seating for 4 remains good and a third passenger passenger in the rear needs to be a slim small adult to remain comfortable. The driver gets great seat comfort and good all round view.
Unsurprisingly, this approach -combined with responsive yet efficient SKYACTIV powertrains, exceptional car-like handling and a smart gearbox has seen the CX-3 remain popular against a slew of new rivals.
This latest Mazda CX-3 responds to customer feedback with design and technology advances in several key areas. In a design which raises the standard of radical styling and eye-catching elegance, Mazda’s crossover combines a flexible, driver-oriented interior with superb engineering and painstaking attention to detail, making it a more compelling proposition than ever before.
On board, a higher quality interior is free of non-essential elements in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic of eliminating excess to create beauty. A redesigned centre console with an electric parking brake and a multi-box centre armrest enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.
The adoption of the latest developments in Mazda’s next-generation SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture has significantly evolved the CX-3’s driving performance from the human-centred perspective of vehicle-total optimisation.
Further suspension system tuning and the use of higher-damping urethane in the front seat construction provide a quieter and more comfortable ride and an even more engaging driving experience. On our CX-3 test drive it was clear that some of the all new rivals were still lagging behind in this area.
A renewed focus on traditional Japanese design that strips way ornamentation to reveal beautifully honed forms has enabled Mazda’s designers to explore a striking evolution of the company’s KODO-Soul of Motion design philosophy.
A new front grille features an increase in bars from seven to eight. The bars are paired in two lines of differing thickness; a configuration which gives the front face a sharp look and a feeling of depth, whilst helping the headlamp clusters and signature wing stand out.
The SkyActiv-G 1.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder with VVT engine puts out 114hp at 6,000rpm and 149Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
The SkyActiv-G 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder with VVT has an output of 154hp at 6,000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 2,800rpm.
The Mazda CX-3 is available in Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Soul Red Crystal as before. There’s a new colour – Aero Gray as well as a colour option reserved for the 2.0L High variant – Platinum Quartz for a total of 7 colours.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the On The Road Price without Insurance is as follows:
Mazda CX-3 1.5L Plus – RM115,720
Mazda CX-3 2.0L Plus – RM126,159
Mazda CX-3 2.0L High – RM139,159 (RM2,000 for sunroof option)
