Verdict
The Mazda CX-3 costs RM107,920, undercutting the Suzuki Fronx by RM22,968 while bringing 114 hp, 149 Nm and a 350-litre boot. Its 2,570 mm wheelbase is 50 mm longer too, and the 48-litre tank adds 11 litres for buyers who cover longer distances. The Fronx answers with a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre, LED lighting, autonomous braking, steering lane correction and adaptive cruise control. It is also 280 mm shorter, so it makes more sense where parking space matters. The Mazda is the stronger value call; the Suzuki’s extra money is chiefly for active safety and convenience equipment.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want the RM22,968 saving, 14 hp and 11 Nm more, a 350-litre boot and a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty.
Pick the Suzuki Fronx if autonomous braking, steering lane correction, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera matter more than cargo space and price.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Suzuki Fronx RM130,888.
- Output: Mazda CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; Suzuki Fronx 100 hp and 138 Nm.
- Length and wheelbase: Mazda CX-3 4,275 mm and 2,570 mm; Suzuki Fronx 3,995 mm and 2,520 mm.
- Boot and fuel tank: Mazda CX-3 350 litres and 48 litres; Suzuki Fronx 308 litres and 37 litres.
- Driver assistance: Mazda CX-3 has passive cruise control and no autonomous braking; Suzuki Fronx has adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking.
- Warranty: Mazda CX-3 has a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty; Suzuki Fronx has a three-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty.
CX-3
- RM22,968 lower price
- More power and torque: 114 hp and 149 Nm
- 350-litre boot and 48-litre fuel tank
- No autonomous braking or collision warning
- Passive, rather than adaptive, cruise control
- Halogen headlamps and no rear air vents
Fronx
- Autonomous braking, collision warning and steering lane correction
- Adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
- LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and rear air vents
- Costs RM22,968 more
- Less power at 100 hp and 138 Nm
- Smaller 308-litre boot and 37-litre fuel tank
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM130,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing and Mild-hybrid Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,462 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp✓ | 100 hp |
| Torque | 149 Nm✓ | 138 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | 6AT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,520 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 37 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres✓ | 308 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/50R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Indonesia (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| 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 | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front & 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 for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For Front Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Reflector |
| 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 | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 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 | 9" Infotainment Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 6 Spekers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 5-year/100,000 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 & Fronx for sale
CX-3 vs Fronx FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Suzuki Fronx better?
The Mazda CX-3 is the better buy on price, performance and practicality, with 114 hp and a 350-litre boot. Choose the Suzuki Fronx only if its autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane steering correction and 360-degree camera are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Suzuki Fronx costs RM22,968 more than the Mazda CX-3: RM130,888 versus RM107,920.
Which has more luggage and fuel capacity?
The Mazda CX-3 does. Its boot holds 350 litres against the Suzuki Fronx’s 308 litres, while its 48-litre fuel tank is 11 litres larger than the Fronx’s 37-litre tank.