Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 is the cheaper petrol choice: RM107,920 buys a 1.5-litre SUV with 114 hp/149 Nm, a six-speed auto and a space-saver spare. The MG ZS EV asks RM126,629, but it counters with a 174 hp/280 Nm motor, 320 km EV range, 448-litre boot and stronger driver assistance. Both are B-segment CBU SUVs with five seats and RM120 road tax. If you can charge, the MG’s extra RM18,709 buys real performance, space and kit; if not, the Mazda is simpler and cheaper.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the lower purchase price, petrol refuelling, a space-saver spare tyre and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Pick the MG ZS EV if you can charge at home or work and want more torque, more boot space and more active safety kit.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; MG ZS EV RM126,629
- Output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp/149 Nm petrol engine; MG ZS EV 174 hp/280 Nm electric motor
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; MG ZS EV 448 litres
- Size: Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm long, 1,765 mm wide; MG ZS EV 4,323 mm long, 1,809 mm wide
- Driver assistance: Mazda CX-3 has no AEB and no lane-keeping assist; MG ZS EV has AEB and steering-correction lane-keeping
- Warranty: Mazda CX-3 5 years/100,000 km with free service; MG ZS EV 5 years/unlimited mileage plus 8 years/150,000 km battery warranty
CX-3
- Lower RM107,920 price
- Space-saver spare tyre instead of a repair kit
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Smaller 350-litre boot versus 448 litres
- Lower output at 114 hp/149 Nm versus 174 hp/280 Nm
- No autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist
ZS EV
- Stronger 174 hp/280 Nm motor with 8.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 448-litre boot
- Adds AEB, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and panoramic glass roof
- Costs RM18,709 more
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
- Wired phone mirroring, while the Mazda gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 107,920✓ | RM 126,629 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 114 hp | — |
| Torque | 149 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 174 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 51.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 320 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 50 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio 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 | — | 8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 170 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,323 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,625 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,585 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 448 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Michelin Primacy 3 ST |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Discs |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 4 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty |
| 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.
CX-3 vs ZS EV FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or MG ZS EV better?
The MG ZS EV is better on performance, boot space and driver assistance. The Mazda CX-3 makes more sense if you want the cheaper petrol SUV and do not want to plan around charging.
What is the price difference?
The MG ZS EV costs RM18,709 more than the Mazda CX-3. That gap buys a 174 hp/280 Nm electric motor, 320 km range, a larger boot and more active safety features.
What are the MG ZS EV charging figures?
The MG ZS EV has a 51.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, 320 km EV range, 7 kW AC Type 2 charging and 50 kW DC CCS charging. It also has 2.5 kW V2L.