Car Buyer's Guide

Overview

The Mazda CX-3 is a five-seat B-segment SUV for buyers who want a petrol automatic with front-wheel drive. This 2018-generation facelift is sold in Malaysia with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol options, and suits those who do not need more than five seats. Prices start from RM107,920.

CX-3 in 2026 — what's new

For 2026, the Mazda CX-3 carries on in Malaysia as a CBU import from Thailand, with three variants: 1.5 Core, 2.0 Core 2WD and 2.0 High 2WD. It has been discontinued in Japan, but remains on sale here. A next-generation CX-3 is set to debut in 2027, with Thailand named as a production base for ASEAN, Japan and other markets.

Variants (3)

RM107,920–RM131,559 · est. from RM1,100/mo

Which variant to buy

The 2.0 Core 2WD is the sensible point in the range. At RM118,359, it costs RM10,439 more than the 1.5 Core but brings a 1,998 cc, 154 hp petrol engine instead of the 1,496 cc, 114 hp unit; both are front-wheel-drive automatics with five seats. The 2.0 High 2WD costs RM131,559, a further RM13,200. Its listed mechanical specification is the same as the 2.0 Core, so check the equipment list carefully before paying for the higher trim.

Previous model years (5)

Shopping the previous generation? CX-3 DK (2015–2018) →

Colours

across the range — availability varies by variant

  • Deep Crystal Blue Metallic
  • Machine Grey Pearl
  • Platinum Quartz Metallic
  • Polymetal Grey Pearl
  • Snowflake White Pearl Pearl
  • Soul Red Crystal Pearl

Mazda CX-3 buyer's guides & reviews

Verdict

The CX-3 gives buyers a choice between 114 hp and 154 hp petrol power in a compact five-seat SUV package. The 2.0 Core is the range’s clearest proposition, because its extra outlay over the 1.5 buys a substantial power increase. Pricing is less easy to justify on size or seating alone: the CX-3 starts above the Perodua Ativa, Perodua QV-E, Perodua Aruz and MG S5, while the Omoda Jaecoo J5 and Mitsubishi Xforce begin close to its entry price.

Buying a new CX-3? Sell your old car for a better price, get paid in 24 hours

Mazda CX-3 sales in Malaysia

3 registered so far in 2026 — Malaysia's #330 best-selling model this year. 1 were registered in Aug 2026, the latest month on record.

Jan 2025: 13 Feb 2025: 12 Mar 2025: 15 Apr 2025: 17 17 May 2025: 9 Jun 2025: 5 Jul 2025: 15 Aug 2025: 4 Sep 2025: 6 Mar 2026: 1 May 2026: 1 Aug 2026: 1 Jan 2025 Aug 2026 Full CX-3 sales data, month by month →

Mazda CX-3 resale value

What a used CX-3 holds of its price, by registration year: the trade-guide value insurers and dealers reference, and the price the market typically asks.

A three-year-old CX-3 holds about 53% of its original value — weaker than the market average of 62%. The slower the line falls, the better it holds its value.
0% 50% 100% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Age (years)
Mazda CX-3 Market average
Year Trade guide Typical asking Dealer sold Holds
2026 RM126,200 100%
2025 RM107,200 85%
2024 RM90,400 72%
2023 RM84,100 RM66,900 (22) 53%
2022 RM75,000 RM70,800 60%
2021 RM73,100 RM66,800 (6) 53%
2020 RM68,400 RM62,800 (11) 52%
2019 RM63,250 RM51,800 (11) 42%
2018 RM57,200 RM47,800 (39) RM55,900 37%
2017 RM53,400 RM44,800 (42) 33%

Trade-guide and market listing data, West Malaysia. Actual prices vary with condition, mileage and variant; "holds" compares against that year's new price.

Generations

Rivals to consider

same class, similar money

Mazda CX-3 FAQ

How much is the Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia?

The Mazda CX-3 costs from RM107,920 for the 1.5 Core. The 2.0 Core 2WD is RM118,359, while the 2.0 High 2WD costs RM131,559.

Which Mazda CX-3 variant should I buy?

Choose the 2.0 Core 2WD. Its 154 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine gives 40 hp more than the 1.5 Core for RM10,439 extra. The High has the same listed engine, drivetrain and seating as the Core.

Is the Mazda CX-3 available in Malaysia in 2026?

Yes. The CX-3 remains available in Malaysia in 2026 as a CBU model from Thailand, despite being discontinued in Japan.

What engine and drivetrain does the Mazda CX-3 have?

The 1.5 Core has a 1,496 cc, 114 hp petrol engine. Both 2.0 variants use a 1,998 cc, 154 hp petrol engine. Every Malaysian CX-3 is a front-wheel-drive automatic with five seats.

Latest Mazda CX-3 news