Verdict
The RM14,489 step from the Mazda CX-3 to the Mazda CX-30 buys a larger C-segment body, a 430-litre boot and a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 162 hp and 213 Nm, versus 350 litres, 114 hp and 149 Nm. That is a meaningful gain for a Malaysian buyer carrying family or joining fast highways. The CX-3 remains the cheaper, lighter choice at 1,301 kg and has useful extras including blind spot monitoring and a power driver’s seat with memory. But the CX-30’s 85 mm longer wheelbase, LED lighting and listed extra airbags make it the more complete family SUV.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if RM107,920 entry cost, RM120 annual road tax, blind spot monitoring and the power driver’s seat matter more than extra space and performance.
Pick the Mazda CX-30 if you need the 430-litre boot, 162 hp 2.0-litre engine and longer 2,655 mm wheelbase for regular family use.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Mazda CX-30 RM122,409.
- Engine output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm from 1,496 cc; Mazda CX-30 162 hp and 213 Nm from 1,998 cc.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Mazda CX-30 430 litres.
- Wheelbase: Mazda CX-3 2,570 mm; Mazda CX-30 2,655 mm.
- Annual road tax: Mazda CX-3 RM120; Mazda CX-30 RM439.
- Kerb weight: Mazda CX-3 1,301 kg; Mazda CX-30 1,441 kg.
CX-3
- RM14,489 cheaper to buy with RM319 lower annual road tax.
- Blind spot monitoring and rear parking sensors are listed.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory.
- 114 hp and 149 Nm trail the CX-30’s 162 hp and 213 Nm.
- 350-litre boot is 80 litres smaller than the CX-30’s.
- Halogen reflector headlamps and bulb taillamps versus the CX-30’s LED projector headlamps and full-LED taillamps.
CX-30
- 162 hp and 213 Nm from the 2.0-litre petrol engine.
- 430-litre boot and 2,655 mm wheelbase add useful family-car space.
- LED projector headlamps, full-LED taillamps and a tilt-and-slide sunroof.
- RM14,489 higher purchase price and RM439 annual road tax, against RM120 for the CX-3.
- Manual front-seat adjustment replaces the CX-3’s power driver’s seat with memory.
- Blind spot monitoring is not listed, while the CX-3 gets it.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM122,409 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp | 162 hp✓ |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 213 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 13 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | — | 6.4 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | — | 196 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,395 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,795 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,655 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,441 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 51 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 430 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/65R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Yokohama BluEarth-GT AE51 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | G-Vectoring Control Plus |
| 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, 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 for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Emergency Stop Signal |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Full LED |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Manual Air-con |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 8.8" MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, 8 Speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and 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 with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered with Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 7" TFT LCD Digital Instrument Cluster Display with Analogue Dials |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 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 CX-3 & CX-30 for sale
CX-3 vs CX-30 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Mazda CX-30 better?
The Mazda CX-30 is better for most family buyers: it has 48 hp and 64 Nm more, an 80-litre larger boot and an 85 mm longer wheelbase. Choose the CX-3 if its lower price, lower road tax and blind spot monitoring are higher priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-30 costs RM14,489 more than the Mazda CX-3: RM122,409 versus RM107,920. Its annual road tax is also RM319 higher, at RM439 versus RM120.
Which Mazda has the bigger boot?
The Mazda CX-30 has the bigger boot at 430 litres, compared with 350 litres in the Mazda CX-3. That 80-litre advantage matters more for prams, luggage and regular family shopping.