Verdict
At RM119,888 against RM119,620, these two cost virtually the same but answer very different Malaysian needs. The JAC T9 brings 168 hp, 410 Nm, all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic, plus a 5,330 mm pickup body for buyers who need a truck. The Mazda 3 Hatchback is 870 mm shorter, 170 mm narrower and 485 mm lower, so it is the more manageable city car. It also gets 5.9 L/100 km rated economy, a 295-litre boot, head-up display and 60:40 rear seats.
Pick the JAC T9 if 410 Nm diesel torque, all-wheel drive, a full-size spare and pickup proportions matter more than compact-city usability.
Pick the Mazda 3 Hatchback if you want a smaller five-door with rated 5.9 L/100 km economy, a 295-litre boot and more driver-focused cabin equipment.
Key differences
- Price: JAC T9 RM119,888; Mazda 3 Hatchback RM119,620.
- Output: JAC T9 168 hp and 410 Nm; Mazda 3 Hatchback 118 hp and 153 Nm.
- Driveline and transmission: JAC T9 all-wheel drive with 8-speed automatic; Mazda 3 Hatchback front-wheel drive with 6-speed automatic.
- Length: JAC T9 5,330 mm; Mazda 3 Hatchback 4,460 mm.
- Width and height: JAC T9 1,965 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall; Mazda 3 Hatchback 1,795 mm wide and 1,435 mm tall.
- Kerb weight: JAC T9 2,055 kg; Mazda 3 Hatchback 1,368 kg.
T9
- 168 hp and 410 Nm turbodiesel with all-wheel drive
- 8-speed ZF automatic and 265/60R18 tyres
- 360-degree monitor, rear air vents and 220-volt socket
- 870 mm longer and 170 mm wider than the Mazda 3 Hatchback
- One-piece folding rear seat instead of a 60:40 split-folding arrangement
- No head-up display, navigation or steering reach adjustment
3 Hatchback
- Rated fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km
- 295-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Head-up display, navigation, paddle shifts and steering reach adjustment
- 118 hp and 153 Nm trail the JAC T9's 168 hp and 410 Nm
- Front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive
- Six-speed automatic has two fewer ratios than the JAC T9's eight-speed unit
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM119,888 | RM119,620✓ |
| Body type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Segment | Truck/4X4 | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve, DOHC commonrail two-stage turbodiesel | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 168 hp✓ | 118 hp |
| Torque | 410 Nm✓ | 153 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 74.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Automatic | SkyActiv-Drive |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mazda |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 5.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,330 mm | 4,460 mm |
| Width | 1,965 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,920 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110 mm | 2,725 mm |
| Weight | 2,055 kg | 1,368 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 51 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | — | 295 litres |
| Front Tyre | 265/60R18 | 215/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/60R18 | 215/45R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Spare | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Open Country H/T Z | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | G-Vectoring Control Plus |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side Curtain and Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| 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 | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | — | Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 3 USB, 1 220-volt Socket | 1 Front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.4" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Six-speaker Sound System | 8.8" MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, 8 Speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 7" TFT-LCD Digital Instrument Cluster Display with Analogue Dials |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Engine (1st Owner Only) | 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 T9 & 3 Hatchback for sale
T9 vs 3 Hatchback FAQ
Is the JAC T9 or Mazda 3 Hatchback better?
The Mazda 3 Hatchback is the better fit for daily urban use: it is substantially shorter, narrower and lower, with rated 5.9 L/100 km economy and a 295-litre boot. Choose the JAC T9 for 410 Nm diesel torque, all-wheel drive and pickup utility.
What is the price difference?
The JAC T9 costs RM268 more than the Mazda 3 Hatchback. That tiny gap means the choice should rest on body style and use: pickup size and all-wheel drive versus hatchback packaging and fuel economy.
Which is easier to park in town?
The Mazda 3 Hatchback is easier to place in tight spaces at 4,460 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,435 mm tall. The JAC T9 is 5,330 mm long, although it counters with a 360-degree monitor.