The facelifted, 2018 Mazda CX-3 has been launched in
Malaysia following its preview, in sole 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G petrol guise. This
unit outputs 151 hp at 6,000 rpm and 204 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, which
drives the front wheels via a six-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission,
and the driveline retains Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) system.
The Japanese B-segment crossover brings exterior
changes including a new grille with double chrome slats, more chrome accents,
darkened foglamp surrounds, taillight assemblies inspired by the CX-5 and
redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 215/50 profile tyres.
More changes abound within the car, where among the
most notable is the move to an electronic parking brake instead of the
previous, manual handbrake. This enables the inclusion of auto brake hold, and
the redesigned gear lever console houses repositioned Sport mode selector and
MZD Connect controls. The latter is nearly identical to that found in the
bigger sibling, the CX-5.
Equipment in the 2018 CX-3 also includes LED
automatic headlamps, foglamps and tail lamps, keyless entry and start, a 10-way
adjustable driver’s seat with memory function for two position presets,
automatic wipers, automatic air-conditioning, a colour heads-up display, shift
paddles, cruise control, MZD Connect system with a seven-inch touchscreen,
six-speaker audio, reversing camera and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
The facelifted crossover gets a boost in the safety
department, where Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert have
been added, joining the existing suite of systems comprising ABS, EBD with
brake assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), six airbags and ISOFIX rear
child seat anchors. This time around, the powered sunroof is omitted.
As for creature comforts within, front occupants get
an armrest with storage underneath, while rear occupants also get a new centre
armrest with built-in, deployable cupholders. Up in front, the dashboard gains
slimmer air-con vents, a shorter chrome bar and suede-like trim while NVH is
improved by thicker door panels, tailgate glass, headliner and upgraded door
seals.
The price of RM 121,134 on-the-road, without
insurance excludes the optional RM 1,792.45 Skytint window film, along with the
RM1,198.11 satellite navigation. This will be revised once SST has been
finalised, though Mazda will absorb the price difference for units booked
before Sept 1.
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 remains a fully-imported (CBU)
model from Japan, and each unit purchased will be supported by a
five-year/100,000 km warranty and a three-year/60,000 km free maintenance
package. Six exterior colours are available for the 2018 CX-3, and these are
Soul Red Crystal, Machine Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Ceramic
Metallic and Jet Black.
