2022 Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia – now CBU Thailand; two new 1.5L and a couple of.0L Core variants added; from RM108k

Final month, we reported based mostly on a worth record despatched to us by a reader that the Mazda CX-3 would achieve two extra variants for a complete of three. Nicely, right here they’re, and though Bermaz Motor has but to formally launch the revamped line-up, particulars like pricing and specs are actually available on Mazda Malaysia’s web site.

Earlier than we proceed additional, right here’s a bit of backstory on the CX-3. The B-segment SUV was first launched in Malaysia way back in December 2015 and has been provided in a sole variant since then and thru its 2017 update, 2018 facelift and two further revisions in 2021 in addition to earlier in March this year.

Now, the 2 variants becoming a member of the combination are the 1.5G 2WD Core and a couple of.0G 2WD Core, each of which slot in under the acquainted 2.0G 2WD Excessive. It’s vital to level out that the CX-3 is now absolutely imported (CBU) from Thailand, the place it’s assembled by AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) at its plant in Rayong. This has apparently began with the 2022 mannequin 12 months – the crossover was beforehand introduced in from Japan.

Let’s begin with the 1.5G 2WD Core. Priced at RM107,870 on-the-road with out insurance coverage, the bottom variant of the CX-3 vary is powered by a Skyactiv-G 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that serves up 114 hp at 6,000 rpm and 149 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

In the meantime, the two.0G 2WD Core (RM118,159) will get the identical engine as the two.0G 2WD Excessive (RM131,359), with a 2.0 litre model of the Skyactiv-G pumping out 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 206 Nm at 2,800 rpm. All engines ship drive to the entrance wheels by way of a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed computerized transmission.

The Core variants are similar when it comes to package, with the one factor justifying the RM10,289 worth hole between them being engine capability. Nonetheless, each are nonetheless cheaper than the only real Excessive possibility, though the usual tools you get is kind of a bit totally different.

As an example, the Core variants are fitted 16-inch alloy wheels (with 215/60 profile tyres) as a substitute of the range-topper’s 18-inch items (with 215/50 profile tyres). The brand new additions additionally get halogen headlamps as a substitute of LEDs, and they’re with out computerized on/off and levelling capabilities.

Nonetheless on the subject of lighting, bulb-type DRLs and taillights are used as a substitute of LEDs, and there aren’t any LED entrance fog lamps on the Core automobiles. Different issues which might be lacking embrace rain-sensing wipers, auto-folding aspect mirrors and any parking sensors.

Shifting inside, the Core variants don’t get the Excessive’s head-up show, paddle shifters, Qi wi-fi charger and a powered driver’s seat. The air-conditioning can be a guide affair as a substitute of the Excessive’s single-zone computerized system, whereas cloth upholstery is used as a substitute of leatherette.

As for stuff you do get from the Excessive, they embrace powered aspect mirrors, keyless entry and begin, an digital parking brake, a multi-function steering wheel, passive cruise management, a 4.6-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster show, a selectable Sport mode, idling begin/cease and G-Vectoring Management (GVC).

The eight-inch Mazda Join touchscreen infotainment system (launched with different objects as a part of the 2022 replace) can be current and continues to be accompanied by six audio system in addition to assist for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it’s purely connection by wire (the Excessive has wi-fi CarPlay). A reverse digital camera is normal however there’s no 360-degree view monitor.

The Excessive variant acquired just a few driver help methods as a part of its 2021 replace, which noticed the addition of entrance and rear Good Metropolis Brake Help (autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning, rear cross site visitors alert, blind spot monitoring, excessive beam management and driver consideration alert.

These methods are absent with the Core variants, and whereas the passive methods (ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Management, traction management, Hill Launch Help, brake auto maintain, ISOFIX little one seat anchors) are the identical, the airbag depend has been lowered from six to simply two.

As soon as once more, pricing for the 2022 CX-3 begins at RM107,870 for the 1.5G 2WD Core, and it’ll value you an additional RM10,289 to get a bigger engine with the two.0G 2WD Core that retails at RM118,159. The range-topping 2.0G 2WD Excessive maintains its asking worth of RM131,359 following the end of SST exemption, which is a RM13,200 premium on high of the mid-spec possibility.

Every buy comes with a five-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty and free maintenance package, and prospects may possibility Activ-e movie tint for an additional RM1,900 – accessible for all variants. With the decrease asking costs of the Core variants, will you contemplate it over different B-segment SUV/crossover fashions available in the market?

GALLERY: 2022 Mazda CX-3 1.5G 2WD Core

GALLERY: 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0G 2WD Core

GALLERY: 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0G 2WD Excessive