Verdict
At RM107,920, the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core is the sensible entry point for buyers who value lower ownership charges. The Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD costs RM10,439 more, and that gap buys 40 hp and 55 Nm: a substantial jump from 114 hp/149 Nm to 154 hp/204 Nm. Its annual road tax also rises by RM319. With the same six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive and core equipment, the 2.0 makes sense chiefly for drivers who will use its stronger output regularly.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 1.5 Core if you want to save RM10,439 upfront and keep annual road tax at RM120.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD if the extra 40 hp and 55 Nm are worth paying RM439 a year in road tax.
Key differences
- Engine capacity: 1,496 cc vs 1,998 cc.
- Power: 114 hp vs 154 hp.
- Torque: 149 Nm vs 204 Nm.
- Bore: 74.5 mm vs 83.5 mm.
- Annual road tax: RM120 vs RM439.
1.5 Core
- RM10,439 lower purchase price.
- RM120 annual road tax, RM319 less per year.
- Same six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic as the 2.0 Core 2WD.
- 40 hp less power: 114 hp versus 154 hp.
- 55 Nm less torque: 149 Nm versus 204 Nm.
2.0 Core 2WD
- 154 hp, 40 hp more than the 1.5 Core.
- 204 Nm, 55 Nm more than the 1.5 Core.
- Same six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic and front-wheel-drive layout as the 1.5 Core.
- Costs RM10,439 more to buy.
- RM439 annual road tax, versus RM120 for the 1.5 Core.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920✓ | RM118,359 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 114 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 204 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 14 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Mazda |
| Driveline | 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 |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | 1,301 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | 48 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 350 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Bridgestone Turanza T005A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | G-Vectoring Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| 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 Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | Halogen reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Normal Bulb |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Manual air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 front, 2 USB |
| 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 | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service |
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 cars for sale
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 against 114 hp and 149 Nm. The 1.5 Core is the better value choice if you do not need the extra output.
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.
Does the Mazda CX-3 2.0 Core 2WD get more equipment?
The listed equipment is the same, including the 8.0-inch MZD Connect screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, head-up display, reverse camera and blind-spot monitoring. The extra money primarily buys the larger engine and higher output.