A month after detailed specifications were shared on its own website, Bermaz Motor has now officially announced the availability of two new entry-level ‘Core’ variants for the Mazda CX-3, joining the existing 2.0L High variant to complete the compact crossover’s line-up here in Malaysia.
Fully imported from Thailand, the two new 1.5L and 2.0L Core variants are priced at RM107,870 and RM118,159 respectively, while the range-topping 2.0L High variant retails at RM131,359. All variants also come with a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and free service programme as standard.
At the bottom of the range is the Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core, powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that’s also used in the Mazda2. The four-pot mill here outputs 114 hp and 149 Nm of torque, while the two higher-end 2.0L models retain the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G inline-four engine from before, serving up 154 hp and 206 Nm.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox on all variants, and the Core variants will also get the marque’s signature G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system.
As for standard equipment, both Core variants are identically specified; the only difference to justify the RM10k dearer price tag is the larger engine capacity.
Being the new entry-level base-spec models, the new Core variants come with 16-inch alloy wheels instead of 18-inch units on the 2.0L High, while all exterior lighting are also now halogen-illuminated instead of LED. The headlights also do not come with automatic on/off and levelling functions, and you’ll also be missing out on the auto-folding wing mirrors and rain-sensing wipers.
Inside, the Core variants also omits the head-up display, gearshift paddle, Qi wireless charging pad, powered sunroof, as well as the powered driver’s seats from the High variant. Automatic air-conditioning is swapped out for a manual unit, while the seats are also covered in fabric instead of leatherette to help achieve the new price points.
The Core variants do get the new eight-inch infotainment display that was introduced on the High variant earlier this year, but the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities are limited to a wired connectivity only. Keyless entry with push-start button, electronic parking brake, as well as the selectable driving modes are also inherited from the range-topping 2.0L High.
For safety, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L and 2.0L Core variants misses out on the advanced safety features that were introduced on the model here in Malaysia back in 2021. The airbag count has also dropped from six to two, while the 360-degree surround view monitor is swapped out for a basic reverse camera.
As part of the launch, the new Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core will be displayed at the Bermaz Auto Showcase event, which will take place on October 5-9 at Oval Concourse, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Aside from the new CX-3 variant, an array of Mazda models will also be shown at the event including the CX-8 2.5L Turbo, BT-50, and the MX-30.
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Keyword: Mazda CX-3 1.5L and 2.0L Core officially launched – on display at 1 Utama from Oct 5-9