SHAH ALAM: The much-awaited compact Mazda CX-3 – the little brother to the CX-5 – has finally arrived and it's ready to go up against the Honda HR-V.
Mazda distributor Bermaz Motor has expanded the model line-up to six that are equipped with the Japanese carmaker’s SkyActiv technology.
The CX-3 has been priced on-the-road with insurance at RM135,143 and comes with a “3+3 Years Free Warranty and Maintenance” programme as well as LED technology for the automatic headlights, daytime running lights, tail lights and fog lamps.
Bermaz is confident the CX- 3 would be a hit with Malaysians, expecting the initial 2,000 units brought in from Mazda's Hiroshima plant to be snapped up by February next year. The distributor has also signalled that it is keen to assemble the CX-3 at its plant in Kulim, Kedah, which now produces the CX-5 and Mazda3.
Defined by a long hood, short overhangs, a 350-litre boot capacity and a kerb weight of 1,193kg, the CX-3 has a wheelbase of 2,570mm while measuring 4,275mm-long, 1,765mm-wide and 1,550mm-tall.
Powering the front wheels is a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine with a compression ratio of 14:1 that sips from a 48-litre fuel tank and produces 154bhp at 6,000rpm and 204Nm of torque at 2,800rpm while mated a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive transmission.
It rides on 18-inch wheels with 215/50 series tyres that partially hide the brake discs all-round and the combination of McPherson struts (front) and torsion beam (rear) takes care of ride and handling.
The cabin gets half-leather seats while the centre dash panel receives a seven-inch LCD colour touchscreen with reverse camera for its six-speaker audio system and paddle-shifters for the multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel that uses an electric power assisted steering system.
For added convenience, it comes equipped with Mazda’s i-Stop (start-stop functionality), keyless entry with push-start button, head-up-display, automatic wipers, sunroof and MZD Connect.
In terms of safety, the CX-3 gets six airbags along with a host of electronic wizardry that includes antilock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, electronic brake assist, traction control, dynamic stability control, hill launch assist and emergency signal system.
Other optional accessories being offered - priced with GST, include navigation (RM1,270) and SKYTINT safety tint (RM1,900).
The CX-3 is being offered in five colours of Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Gray and Deep Crystal Blue.
