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FireFlyz | 67
The ride comfort in city driving with the numerous pot-holes and bumps
was surprisingly comfortable and despite its short wheelbase and 18-inch
wheels, this Mazda never felt unsettled or returned a jostling ride to the rear
passengers. In ‘Sport’ mode, which can be selected by a simple button below the
6-speed gear-shifter, the engine control extracts every last ounce of performance
potential from the SKYACTIV engine.
Should I Buy?
Time for you to test drive this Mazda because when you look at its pricing
of RM131k you will think of the larger Mazda CX-5 SUV which costs less.
But remember, this CX-3 is fully imported with more features and the larger
2-wheel drive CX-5 is locally assembled. The import tax paid on the CX-3 needs
to passed on to the buyer and the local assembled tax incentives are passed
on to the CX-5 buyer.
Factf ile
Mazda CX-3 SUV 2.0L
Engine
4-cylinder DOHC 16VSKYACTIV
Capacity
1998cc
Power
154bhp@6000
Torque
204Nm@2800
Transmission
6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE Semi-Auto
0-100km/h
4.6 secs –4.2with Sport Plus &PDK
Top speed
190km/h as tested
-100km/h
NA
Price
RM131,218.50
The front passenger gets a torso hugging seat
with premiummaterial feel. Passengers in the rear
sit high and have a good view out front and if you
drop the rear seats the cargo volume rises, but with
the seats up it’s an average cargo hold. With a flat
floor (a large spare tyre and tool kit sit underneath)
it is easy to load DIY kits and even a folding bike.
Driving It
Despite riding higher than a hatchback and sharing
theMazda2 platform, the CX-3 handles remarkably
like a Mazda3 hatchback. There is very little body
roll when you push it hard on to highway ramps
and with firm surefooted braking when called on.
As far as handling goes, this vehicle is more like a
hot hatchback than a SUV, exhibiting fairly decent
capabilities. Also the steering feels more like a
hatchback than a SUV.