Verdict
Just RM1,880 separates these two SUVs, but they suit very different Malaysian routines. The Mazda CX-3 is 465 mm shorter and 434 kg lighter, so it is the easier urban-sized choice, while its 114 hp, 149 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine is conventional and straightforward. The Proton eMas 7 PHEV is the far roomier C-segment option: its 2,755 mm wheelbase and 528-litre boot matter for family use. Its 215 hp, 258 Nm motor, 18.4 kWh battery and 83 km EV range also make it the more capable electrified package if charging is practical.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want a much more compact SUV with a power driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.
Pick the Proton eMas 7 PHEV if you need C-segment space, a 528-litre boot, 83 km of EV range and active safety assistance.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Proton eMas 7 PHEV RM109,800.
- Length: Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm; Proton eMas 7 PHEV 4,740 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 350 litres; Proton eMas 7 PHEV 528 litres.
- Powertrain output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Proton eMas 7 PHEV motor 215 hp and 258 Nm.
- Battery/EV range: Mazda CX-3 has no battery or EV range; Proton eMas 7 PHEV has an 18.4 kWh battery and 83 km EV range.
- Rear suspension: Mazda CX-3 torsion beam; Proton eMas 7 PHEV multi-link.
CX-3
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Blind Spot Info System and head-up display
- 465 mm shorter and 434 kg lighter
- 350-litre boot is 178 litres smaller
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
- No rear air-con
eMas 7 PHEV
- 528-litre boot and 2,755 mm wheelbase
- 18.4 kWh battery with 83 km EV range
- Autonomous braking, steering correction and adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Manual-adjust front seats instead of the Mazda’s powered memory driver’s seat
- No Blind Spot Info System or head-up display
- 1,735 kg kerb weight is 434 kg higher
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM109,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 114 hp✓ | 98 hp |
| Torque | 149 Nm✓ | 125 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 215 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 258 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 18.4 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 83 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 30 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 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 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,940 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,735 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 51 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 528 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 18" 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 | 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 Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector with Automatic High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| 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 | 15.4" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 8-Year/160,000 km Hybrid and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & eMas 7 PHEV for sale
CX-3 vs eMas 7 PHEV FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Proton eMas 7 PHEV better?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV is better for family space, boot capacity, EV running and driver assistance. Choose the Mazda CX-3 for a smaller footprint, lower weight, a powered memory driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.
What is the price difference?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV costs RM1,880 more than the Mazda CX-3. That small gap brings a larger C-segment body, 178 litres more boot space, an 18.4 kWh battery and 83 km EV range.
Which one has more practical cabin space?
The Proton eMas 7 PHEV does. Its 2,755 mm wheelbase is 185 mm longer than the Mazda CX-3’s 2,570 mm figure, and its boot holds 528 litres versus 350 litres.