Verdict
The RM5,844 gap is small, but these are radically different tools. The Maxus V80 is a 5,700-mm commercial vehicle with only two seats, a five-speed manual and 330 Nm from its 2.5-litre turbodiesel; it suits work that needs space and pulling force. The Mazda CX-3 is a 4,275-mm five-seat SUV with a six-speed automatic, 350-litre boot and far lower RM120 annual road tax versus RM839. For private Malaysian use, the Mazda’s safety equipment, cabin technology and five-year/100,000-km free-service cover make the stronger case.
Pick the Maxus V80 if you need a two-seat commercial vehicle, 330 Nm of diesel torque and rear air-con vents with blower control.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want a five-seat SUV with an automatic, 350-litre boot, stability control and much lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Maxus V80 RM102,076; Mazda CX-3 RM107,920.
- Power and torque: Maxus V80 136 hp and 330 Nm; Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm.
- Seating: Maxus V80 2 seats; Mazda CX-3 5 seats.
- Length: Maxus V80 5,700 mm; Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm.
- Transmission: Maxus V80 five-speed manual; Mazda CX-3 six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic.
- Road tax per year: Maxus V80 RM839; Mazda CX-3 RM120.
V80
- RM5,844 cheaper to buy
- 330 Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel
- Rear air-con vents with blower control and a full-size spare wheel
- Only two seats versus the CX-3’s five
- Five-speed manual instead of a six-speed automatic
- No stability control, reverse camera, blind-spot monitoring or ISOFIX
CX-3
- Five seats and a 350-litre boot
- Six-speed automatic with Sport mode and G-Vectoring Control
- Stability control, blind-spot monitoring, reverse camera and 5-year/100,000-km free service
- RM5,844 higher purchase price
- 149 Nm is 181 Nm down on the V80
- No rear air-con vents with blower control
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM102,076✓ | RM107,920 |
| Body type | Commercial | SUV |
| Segment | Commercial | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM839 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve, common-rail direct fuel injection, turbodiesel | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,499 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 136 hp✓ | 114 hp |
| Torque | 330 Nm✓ | 149 Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel | Petrol |
| Bore | 92 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 17.5 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5 Speed Manual | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | 5 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 9.1 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,700 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 2,383 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 2,552 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,850 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 3,500 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 80 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 6 | 5 |
| Seats | 2 | 5 |
| Boot Space | — | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/75R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/75R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 16" Steel | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Spring | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Steel | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Steel | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic 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 | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Blower Control | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 front, 2 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 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 V80 & CX-3 for sale
V80 vs CX-3 FAQ
Is the Maxus V80 or Mazda CX-3 better?
The Mazda CX-3 is better for most private buyers: it has five seats, a six-speed automatic, a 350-litre boot, stability control and a five-year warranty with free service. The Maxus V80 is the better choice only when its two-seat commercial format and 330 Nm diesel torque suit the job.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-3 costs RM5,844 more than the Maxus V80. Its annual road tax is RM719 lower, at RM120 versus RM839, although purchase price and road tax are only part of the ownership decision.
Which one carries more people?
The Mazda CX-3 carries five people and has a 350-litre boot. The Maxus V80 has only two seats, reflecting its commercial-vehicle layout, but it is much longer at 5,700 mm against the Mazda’s 4,275 mm.