Verdict
Just RM968 separates these two SUVs, but they take sharply different routes. The Dongfeng Vigo is the roomier C-segment choice: its 2,715 mm wheelbase, 500-litre boot and 380 km electric range make a stronger case for family use and EV running. Its 161 hp, 230 Nm motor, 167 kW DC charging and standard autonomous braking also give it a far fuller technical brief. The Mazda CX-3 counters with a conventional 114 hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, 48-litre tank, six-speed automatic, head-up display and a space-saver spare. Choose by charging access, not the tiny price gap.
Pick the Dongfeng Vigo if you can charge regularly and want a 380 km EV range, 500-litre boot and active safety aids including autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want petrol refuelling, a six-speed automatic, head-up display and a space-saver spare tyre.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Vigo has a 161 hp/230 Nm electric motor; CX-3 has a 114 hp/149 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
- Range/fuel storage: Vigo has 380 km EV range from a 51.87 kWh battery; CX-3 has a 48-litre petrol tank.
- Boot space: Vigo has 500 litres; CX-3 has 350 litres.
- Wheelbase: Vigo measures 2,715 mm; CX-3 measures 2,570 mm.
- Wheels: Vigo runs 18-inch alloys with 215/55R18 tyres; CX-3 has 16-inch alloys with 215/60R16 tyres.
- Front lighting: Vigo uses LED projectors; CX-3 uses halogen reflectors.
Vigo
- 380 km EV range and 167 kW DC charging
- 500-litre boot and 2,715 mm wheelbase
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
- Four speakers versus the CX-3's six
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
- No head-up display or telescopic steering adjustment
CX-3
- Six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic with Sport mode
- Head-up display and telescopic steering adjustment
- Space-saver spare tyre and six-speaker audio
- 350-litre boot versus the Vigo's 500 litres
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
- Halogen headlamps and manual air-con versus LED projectors and automatic climate control
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM108,888 | RM107,920✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 114 hp |
| Torque | — | 149 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 74.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 161 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 230 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 51.87 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 380 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 167 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,306 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,868 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,654 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 500 litres✓ | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| 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 Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags | 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 On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory & Ventilation | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 4-speaker Sound System | 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 & Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | 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 | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | 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 | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year, Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Drive Battery | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
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.
Used Vigo & CX-3 for sale
Vigo vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Vigo or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Vigo is the better-equipped family-oriented choice, with a 500-litre boot, 380 km EV range and autonomous braking. The CX-3 suits buyers who need petrol refuelling, a head-up display and a space-saver spare.
What is the price difference?
The Dongfeng Vigo costs RM968 more than the Mazda CX-3. That small gap is outweighed by the difference between EV charging and petrol refuelling, plus the Vigo's larger boot and wider driver-assistance suite.
Which one has more luggage space?
The Dongfeng Vigo has the larger boot at 500 litres, 150 litres ahead of the Mazda CX-3's 350 litres. Its wheelbase is also 145 mm longer, at 2,715 mm versus 2,570 mm.