Berjaya Auto is expected to launch the locally-assembled (CKD) Mazda 3 in 1.5 and 2.0 litre forms in October (pushed forward from initial Q3 forecast), according to an AmResearch report (see after jump).
The report adds that pricing for the CKD C-segment sedan could potentially be RM10k-15k lower for the 2.0 litre (which costs RM139k in CBU form), while a future CKD-only 1.5 litre “can be priced within a B-segment’s price range i.e. sub-RM90k.” As a reference, the prev gen 1.6 CKD sedan was priced at about RM99k.
The same report mentions a yet-to-be-unveiled “high-volume B-segment SUV” called the CX-3 and a new CX-5 variant in the pipeline – both forecasted for FY16.
The existence of the CX-3 has been rumoured for some time, though never officially confirmed. It would go head to head against the Peugeot 2008 and the upcoming Ford EcoSport. The new CX-5 variant mentioned could be the 2.5, which launched last month at RM165k-175k. But it could also be a seven-seat variant, as the report states.
According to the report, 500 of the 600 CBU CX-5 2.5s that were brought in have been delivered, and Berjaya Auto is in talks to bring in 300 more this month.
The Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentive for the CKD CX-5 was approved last quarter, raising excise duty rebates by 25% from the existing base. As a result, AmResearch estimates post-incentive prices for the SUV to be cut by 10-11%, likely from 4QFY14 as production stabilises.
The CKD Mazda 6 is forecasted to launch in 4QFY15, and the report estimates output at 250 units per month and export (Thailand) at 4,000 units per annum from its introduction.
This CKD programme is forecasted to bring about a price reduction of up to RM20k, says the report. The CBU Mazda 6 currently costs between RM159k and 194k.
We’re not done yet – our Mazda 2 (Hazumi concept pictured below), which has been forecast to arrive by the end of this year, is set to come fully imported from Thailand. It’s likely to have a 1.5 litre engine – but that means it won’t qualify for the Thai Eco Car scheme.
If the report is to be believed, Mazda Japan is considering the Demio’s 1.3 litre engine for Thai production, but tweaks may be needed because the motor may not be fuel efficient enough for Eco Car.
A Mazda-dedicated trim and final shop will be ready by end-April, which could up capacity to 1,300-1,400 units per month. A paint shop is also under consideration; this should expand capacity by 80% to 2,500 units per month.
Mazda Malaysia currently only owns its own body shop. Other processes such as paint, trim and final and inspection are outsourced to Inokom, where available capacity has to be shared with other models that Inokom contract-assembles.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Mazda 3 CKD, especially if priced under RM90k, which many believe could make it highly competitive with models like the Honda City and Vios. Enthusiasts hope for full safety features, good equipment, and comparable specs to overseas versions, with some mentioning the potential impact on competitors' sales. There are concerns about possible spec downgrades or higher prices, but overall, the sentiment is positive about Mazda offering a stylish, reliable car at a more affordable price, potentially challenging the current market leaders. Several comments also discuss the car's engine performance and the significance of EEV incentives, with a shared hope that Mazda and other brands will bring competitive, well-equipped CKD models to the Malaysian market soon.