Verdict
The Chery Tiggo Cross is the stronger value play at RM88,800, undercutting the Mazda CX-3 by RM19,120 while giving you 145 hp and 210 Nm against 114 hp and 149 Nm. It is also larger, with a 380-litre boot versus 350 litres, plus AEB, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and rear air vents. The Mazda counters with a lighter 1,301 kg body, a conventional automatic, head-up display, driver memory and 5-year/100,000 km free service. For most Malaysian buyers, the Chery gives more car for less money.
Pick the Chery Tiggo Cross if you want stronger performance, more cabin and boot space, more driver assistance kit and the lower price.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you prefer the lighter car, a conventional automatic gearbox, head-up display, driver memory and included scheduled servicing.
Key differences
- Price: Chery Tiggo Cross RM88,800; Mazda CX-3 RM107,920
- Output: Chery Tiggo Cross 145 hp/210 Nm; Mazda CX-3 114 hp/149 Nm
- Size: Chery Tiggo Cross 4,318/1,830/1,670 mm; Mazda CX-3 4,275/1,765/1,535 mm
- Boot space: Chery Tiggo Cross 380 litres; Mazda CX-3 350 litres
- Kerb weight: Chery Tiggo Cross 1,468 kg; Mazda CX-3 1,301 kg
- Warranty: Chery Tiggo Cross 7 years/150,000 km; Mazda CX-3 5 years/100,000 km with free service
Tiggo Cross
- RM19,120 cheaper than the Mazda CX-3
- Turbo 1.5 litre makes 145 hp and 210 Nm
- Adds AEB, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
- Heavier at 1,468 kg versus 1,301 kg
- No head-up display
- No spare tyre listed, while the Mazda gets a space saver
CX-3
- Lighter 1,301 kg kerb weight
- Conventional 6-speed automatic with Sport mode
- Gets head-up display and driver’s seat memory
- Costs RM19,120 more
- Lower output at 114 hp and 149 Nm
- Lacks AEB and collision warning
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 88,800✓ | RM 107,920 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 145 hp✓ | 114 hp |
| Torque | 210 Nm✓ | 149 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 77 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed DCT | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,318 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,468 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 51 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 380 litres✓ | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV, GitiComfort F22 | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| 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 seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Automatic LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 1 Rear USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen Display, 6 Speakers, Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto | 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, 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, with Proximity Sensor Auto Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
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.
Tiggo Cross vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Chery Tiggo Cross or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Chery Tiggo Cross is the better buy for most shoppers because it is cheaper, more powerful, larger and better equipped for driver assistance. The Mazda CX-3 suits buyers who prefer a lighter car, conventional automatic and included servicing.
What is the price difference?
The Chery Tiggo Cross costs RM88,800, while the Mazda CX-3 costs RM107,920. That makes the Mazda RM19,120 more expensive.
Which one has more power and boot space?
The Chery Tiggo Cross has more of both: 145 hp and 210 Nm versus the Mazda CX-3’s 114 hp and 149 Nm, with 380 litres of boot space against 350 litres.