We’re in Penang this week where Bermaz Motor has chosen to officially launch the refreshed Mazda CX-3 crossover. The firm also took the opportunity here and previewed the refreshed Mazda6 saloon as well.
Both were shown in what appears to be its latest 3S outlet located in the island state’s Jelutong district. We’ll begin with the new facelifted compact crossover and here’s what’s in store.
ICYMI, the refreshed CX-3 was previewed locally since the end of June this year. We’ve already noted some of the minor changes to its exterior. There’s a new grille design, followed by newly added chrome accents, darkened fog lamp surrounds, CX-5-esque taillights and a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels design to top things off.
The biggest change is seen on board, with this B-segment crossover benefitting with a new electronic parking brake feature complete with auto hold function – the outgoing model’s analogue unit has been ditched altogether. Also ditched here is the outgoing model’s sunroof.
To accommodate the electronic parking brake, the centre console has been redesigned, its layout now mirroring closely to bigger CX-5’s in fact. New here too is the centre arm rest with a deep storage bin underneath, slimmer air conditioning vents, redesigned chrome bits, as well as the addition of new suede-like trim.
The most important change with the cabin, according to Mazda at least, is the enhanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) reduction this refresh CX-3 boasts. This comes courtesy of thicker door panels, tailgate glass and headliner, plus upgraded door seals.
Kit list, on the other hand, remains as tasty as ever. Highlights include full-LED lighting front and aft, keyless entry, 10-way electric driver seat adjustment with memory, coloured HUD, MZD connect infotainment with a 7-inch touchscreen plus six speakers, paddle-shifters, cruise control, not forgetting a reverse camera too.
Lastly come the new additions in safety as the CX-3 gains Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert features. It joins existing items such as ABS, DSC, and six airbags, not forgetting ISOFIX childseat anchors too.
The CX-3 retains the same 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol motor with direct injection plus six-speed automatic as before, which supply the front wheels with 154hp and 206Nm. The Mazda G-Vectoring Control (GVC) is standard of course.
Available in six colour choices, this fully imported (CBU) offering goes on sale now with a starting price tag of RM121,134.
