3 Reasons: Why Honda HR-V has the capability to beat Mazda CX-3?

Crossover SUV’s are hot! The reason is that they provide a great blend of comfort, safety, practicality, and fuel economy in a stylish package with all-wheel drive (AWD) availability. To assist you with your selection between the many great options available, we’ve matched up the 2016 Honda HR-V vs 2016 Mazda CX-3 (Another vehicle on your list might include the Renault Captur). Both models have attractive designs so it’s up to you whether you prefer the look of the Honda HRV or the Mazda CX3. But, certainly, there are few things that might alter your decision for taking Honda HR-V against Mazda CX-3.

Read the following three takes over the two crossovers by Carbay Malaysia Team:

2016 Mazda CX-3	2016 Honda HR-V
2.0L 4-Cylinder	1.8L 4-Cylinder
146 Horsepower	140 Horsepower
197 Nm Torque	172 Nm Torque
11.9 kmpl Mileage	13.5 kmpl Mileage
2,951 lbs	3.109 lbs
Cargo – 52.4 cubic ft.	Cargo – 55.9 cubic ft.
Price – From Rm 130,000*	Price – From Rm 95,730*

Read Also: Honda hits a mammoth sales count with 43,957 units in Malaysia

Existing market reputation & value

The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 are all-new for 2016, and they currently occupy the top two spots in our affordable subcompact SUV rankings. Both vehicles have a lot to offer, but there is a little difference in between the two crossovers in terms of current market value. Honda HR-V is already on sale in Malaysia for a time being now and it has successfully grabbed attention of many auto enthusiasts in the country. Surprisingly, Honda HR-V has contributed a total of 17 % sales count out of 41 % of total contribution by Honda vehicles. Even more, Honda has planned to add three new dealerships in East Malaysia to its existing 10 dealerships by the end of the year in order to make positive efforts in terms of growth and advancement. To this, Mazda CX-3 is still standing in a queue! No doubt, it has raised the anticipation level among local residents before its official launch. But, it's still 'wait and watch' scene for the CX-3 unlike HR-V.

More space for your Cargo's & Lifts

And pricing is just the start of the pendulum swinging back in favor of the HR-V. For how small it is, the HR-V offers a ton of rear passenger space. With almost 40 inches of legroom, a six-foot adult can easily sit behind another six-foot adult. Oddly, headroom isn’t an issue in the back and seat comfort is pretty good. All of this space makes installing a rear-facing baby seat a non-issue for the front passenger. And when it comes to cargo space, the HR-V wins hands down. Forget for a second that the Honda, at 23.3 cubic feet, offers nearly 40 percent more cargo space behind the rear seats. The CX-3 can’t match the HR-V’s hauling ability, and it also has a much smaller hatch opening. Trying to fit the base of an infant stroller is a chore and a half while the HR-V swallows it up without issue. And it’s not like the HR-V is a massively larger crossover; it’s less than inch longer in total length than the CX-3.

Read Also: The Era of Crossovers: Honda HR-V

Value for Money

No doubt! Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 are two new Japanese-branded contenders crowding up the increasingly popular small SUV segment. The two baby crossovers are designed as higher-riding city runabouts for adventurous empty nesters and new families alike. True to the form of these divergent car makers, they go about fulfilling the brief in two very different ways. The Thai-made HR-V is about SPACE and the Japanese-made CX-3 is about STYLE. However, Honda HR-V has already proved its worth for minimal pricing against high-priced CX-3. The Honda crossover is a base-level moderate offering while the Mazda sits one step above the entry-level crossover. The leather armrests, bigger door pockets, single cupholder and rake-adjustable rear seats native to the Honda also help it edge the Mazda as a proposition for back-seat drivers. Honda’s Magic Seats are also supremely versatile, with multiple configurations. The HR-V offers marginally softer suspension and better travel at lower speeds over broken roads. Its superior approach angle also means it breezes over bumps and down-angled driveways without scraping its front apron. So, If you’re planning to buy a family car, and practicality is your priority, then the Honda HR-V is the one for you. Its cabin flexibility is second-to-none, and it’s one of the brand’s better efforts of late in terms of cabin presentation as well.

Read Also: Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HR-V vs Renault Captur : The Era of Compact SUV Commences

Read Also: Major cars to look out in second half of 2015

Read Also: Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HR-V: The battle of luxury B-segment