2018 Mazda CX-3 (facelift) - Buyer guide

Mazda has always kept things very interesting for the customers and prospects with the amazing designs and features filled to the brim. The CX-3 crossover is just an example of the same.

In fact, the latest facelift of the car launched in the country today, after being previewed recently in June 2018 at the Oval Concourse Utama Shopping Centre. Being in Malaysia, crossovers have always been in contention for the top customers' choice and for long, the Honda HR-V has donned that spot.

However, despite this tough competition, the Mazda CX-3 hasn’t had much of an issue in taking the sweet spot in the enthusiasts' heart with its sheer attractiveness and driving pleasure.

Well, if you are looking to buy a new crossover, or particularly the new CX-3, here are the quick points that you should know about before you get your hands to the steering.

Styling

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is undoubtedly an attractive car with meticulously carved out cuts and corners. The stance looks authoritative in the first place and manages to look sleek at the same time, thanks to the low overhangs, an aspect that has always been an underrated companion for crossovers.

And yes, the KODO design language, the company’s latest philosophy, is what manages to bring the charismatic and dynamic approach intact. And while saying so, let’s not forget how well the pentagon-ish grille is worked to get the rounded appearance. The fog lamps are given a very sleek shape lower down the bumper.

The car rides on 18-inch 215-section wheels that are grippy and offer good stability. The front section is suspended over MacPherson Struts while the rear has Torsion Beams.

Interior

Once you get inside the cabin, you will be surprised that every bit of the nooks is crafted with precision. The cabin is surrounded with soft materials everywhere along with metallic-finished trims. The ergonomics of the driver’s seat is quite comfortable and put you in the right control of the steering and the road ahead.

The seats are wrapped in great quality leather that does not feel uncomfortable even on long drives. And then comes that one thing most people love in the CX-3, that is, the MZD CONNECT system. This system offers the next level of connectivity with HMI (Human Machine Interface) that is developed to offer a great experience and minimum distractions while driving.

Also, there is a display mounted on the console hood to reduce driver’s distractions. Further, there are a lot of control buttons mounted on the steering along with a paddle shifter for the automatic gearbox.

Power & performance

The current model of the new Mazda CX-3 gets the same engine that powered the previous model. The 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine is a direct-injected type. The engine is capable of producing a maximum power of 154 PS, which comes at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 204 Nm, which is delivered in as low as 2,800 rpm.

As for the transmission, there is a SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. However, the driver can even use a manual mode with the help of the paddle shifter. The power delivery is very smooth on the throttle and is designed to be more linear than outright. And if you are not very comfortable with the automatic gear shifts so often, you can take control with that manual shifter.

Lastly, the G-Vectoring technology from the company improves the steering further as it modulates the available torque to all the wheels to optimize the vertical load on each of the wheels.

Safety equipment

The braking department is handled by ABS along with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. Traction control and auto hold function make for a better stability. Other driver’s assistance includes hill launch assist and the emergency stop signal (ESS).

A total of six SRS airbags are given along with seat belts that have the ELR (emergency lock retractor) function. Blind spot monitoring and detection and RCTA (rear cross traffic alert) form the advanced safety systems.

Summary

The new Mazda CX-3 is undoubtedly a very capable crossover in the Malaysian market and that is what defines its current status. It has every single aspect to impress the customers including the fuel efficiency.

Yes, it is one of the rare models that is both powerful and efficient and promises to deliver over 15 kmpl mileage. So, even though the 2017 model was priced at RM138,373 at the time of launch (RM3,230 more than the previous model), every bit of that amount was actually worth.