Verdict
The RM100,968 jump from the Mazda CX-3 to the Volvo EX30 is substantial, but it buys a 268 hp, 343 Nm rear-mounted motor, a 69 kWh battery rated for 476 km, and 175 kW DC charging. The EX30 is also quicker on paper, reaching 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while adding adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and a 360-degree camera. The CX-3 makes the stronger budget case: its RM120 annual road tax is RM140 lower, it has a 350-litre boot and a space-saver spare. For petrol simplicity and lower upfront outlay, Mazda; for EV performance and equipment, Volvo.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if RM107,920, a 350-litre boot and a space-saver spare suit your needs better than EV charging and outright pace.
Pick the Volvo EX30 if you can absorb the RM208,888 price and want 476 km of rated range, 175 kW DC charging and far more driver assistance.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-3 RM107,920; Volvo EX30 RM208,888.
- Power and torque: CX-3 114 hp and 149 Nm; EX30 268 hp and 343 Nm.
- Energy storage: CX-3 has a 48-litre petrol tank; EX30 has a 69 kWh battery with 476 km EV range.
- Driveline: CX-3 is front-wheel drive with a six-speed automatic; EX30 is rear-wheel drive with a single-ratio automatic.
- Boot space: CX-3 350 litres; EX30 318 litres.
- Wheelbase: CX-3 2,570 mm; EX30 2,650 mm.
CX-3
- RM100,968 cheaper to buy.
- 350-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre.
- Lower RM120 annual road tax.
- 114 hp and 149 Nm trail the EX30's 268 hp and 343 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist.
- Halogen headlamps and manual air-con versus LED lamps and dual-zone automatic climate control.
EX30
- 69 kWh battery, 476 km rated range and 175 kW DC charging.
- 268 hp, 343 Nm and a 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, 360-degree camera and auto parking.
- Costs RM100,968 more and has RM260 annual road tax versus RM120.
- 318-litre boot is 32 litres smaller.
- No spare tyre; it uses a tyre repair kit.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM208,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM260 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 114 hp | — |
| Torque | 149 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 268 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 343 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 69 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 476 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 175 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.6 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,223 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,837 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres✓ | 318 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 24545R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 245/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 19" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 19" 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, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric 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 | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Reflector with Auto 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient 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 | 12.3" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| 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 (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | 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 | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | 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 & EX30 for sale
CX-3 vs EX30 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or Volvo EX30 better?
The Volvo EX30 is the more capable car on specification, with 268 hp, 476 km rated range, 175 kW DC charging and extensive active safety assistance. The Mazda CX-3 is the better choice where upfront cost, road tax and boot capacity matter most.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EX30 costs RM208,888 and the Mazda CX-3 costs RM107,920, so the EX30 requires an extra RM100,968.
Which has the larger boot?
The Mazda CX-3 has the larger boot at 350 litres, compared with 318 litres for the Volvo EX30. The Mazda also carries a space-saver spare, while the Volvo supplies a tyre repair kit.