Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core vs 2.0 Core 2WD
Verdict
This is a straight power-versus-cost decision. The Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core costs RM 107,920, while the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD is RM 118,359, so the RM10,439 gap buys a larger 1,998 cc engine with 154 hp and 204 Nm instead of 1,496 cc, 114 hp and 149 Nm. But both are front-wheel-drive petrol SUVs with the same automatic gearbox, 4,275 mm length, 350 L boot, two airbags and no auto emergency braking. The 2.0 is quicker on paper; the 1.5 is the thriftier buy.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core if you want the lower purchase price and lower RM 120 yearly road tax, and can accept 114 hp and 149 Nm.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD if the extra 40 hp and 55 Nm matter more to you than the RM10,439 higher price and RM 439 yearly road tax.
Key differences
- Price: RM 107,920 for the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core; RM 118,359 for the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD
- Engine capacity: 1,496 cc vs 1,998 cc
- Power: 114 hp vs 154 hp
- Torque: 149 Nm vs 204 Nm
- Road tax per year: RM 120 vs RM 439
- Dimensions and boot space: 4,275 mm length and 350 L boot for both
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 107,920✓ | RM 118,359 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 114 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 204 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Boot space | 350 L | 350 L |
| Fuel tank | 48 L | 48 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 120✓ | RM 439 |
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.
1.5 Core
- Lower purchase price
- Lower RM 120 yearly road tax
- Same 350 L boot as the 2.0
- 40 hp down on the 2.0
- 55 Nm down on the 2.0
- Only two airbags and no auto emergency braking
2.0 Core 2WD
- 154 hp gives it the stronger output
- 204 Nm is a useful torque gain
- Same size and boot space as the 1.5
- Costs RM10,439 more
- Yearly road tax rises to RM 439
- Only two airbags and no auto emergency braking
1.5 Core vs 2.0 Core 2WD FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core or Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD better?
The Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD is better for performance, with 154 hp and 204 Nm. The Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core is better value if lower cost matters more than pace.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD costs RM10,439 more than the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core.
Do they differ in size or boot space?
No. Both are 4,275 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, with a 2,570 mm wheelbase and 350 L boot.