Verdict
At RM107,920, the Mazda CX-3 saves RM5,880, yet its 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 114 hp and 149 Nm against the Nissan Kicks e-Power’s 136-hp, 280-Nm motor. The RM113,800 Nissan also brings seven airbags, autonomous braking and a 423-litre boot, 73 litres more than the Mazda’s 350 litres. The CX-3 fights back with blind spot monitoring, a head-up display and a power driver’s seat with memory. For most Malaysian buyers, the Kicks’ safety kit, larger cabin footprint and hybrid system justify the extra outlay; choose the Mazda only if its driver-focused equipment matters more.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want to spend RM5,880 less and value blind spot monitoring, a head-up display and a memory-equipped power driver’s seat.
Pick the Nissan Kicks e-Power if you prioritise seven airbags, autonomous braking, 280 Nm of motor torque and a 423-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Nissan Kicks e-Power RM113,800.
- Drive output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Nissan Kicks e-Power motor 136 hp and 280 Nm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Nissan Kicks e-Power 423 litres.
- Wheelbase: Mazda CX-3 2,570 mm; Nissan Kicks e-Power 2,673 mm.
- Airbags: Mazda CX-3 2; Nissan Kicks e-Power 7.
- Wheels: Mazda CX-3 16-inch alloys; Nissan Kicks e-Power 17-inch alloys.
CX-3
- RM5,880 lower purchase price
- Blind spot monitoring and head-up display
- Power driver’s seat with memory
- Only 2 airbags versus the Nissan’s 7
- No autonomous braking or collision warning
- 350-litre boot is 73 litres smaller
Kicks e-Power
- 136-hp, 280-Nm electric motor
- 7 airbags, autonomous braking and collision warning
- 423-litre boot and 2,673-mm wheelbase
- Costs RM5,880 more
- No blind spot monitoring or head-up display
- Manual driver’s seat, without memory function
What the CX-3 has over the Kicks e-Power
What the Kicks e-Power has over the CX-3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The Kicks e-Power's wheelbase is 103 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The Kicks e-Power is 48 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Kicks e-Power: 423 litres against 350.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM113,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM85✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,100/mo✓ | RM1,160/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,085✓ | RM3,207 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,198 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 82 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ | 103 Nm at 4,800 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | 78 mm × 83.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 12 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 136 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 2.1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | eCVT 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 |
| Top Speed | — | 21.7 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,384 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,813 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,673 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 41 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 423 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Yokohama BluEarth E70 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | 22 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | 18 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | 10 inch | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" 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 | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag) |
| 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 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 7" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 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 |
| 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 | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used CX-3 & Kicks e-Power for sale
Our reviews & guides
Mazda CX-3
CX-3 vs Kicks e-Power FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Nissan Kicks e-Power better?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is the stronger all-round choice for its 7 airbags, autonomous braking, 280 Nm motor torque and 423-litre boot. The Mazda CX-3 suits buyers who place more value on its lower price, head-up display and power memory seat.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power costs RM113,800, which is RM5,880 more than the RM107,920 Mazda CX-3.
Which has better safety equipment?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power has the fuller active and passive safety package: 7 airbags, autonomous braking and collision warning. The Mazda CX-3 has 2 airbags and blind spot monitoring, but lacks autonomous braking and collision warning.