Just wonder what will be the quality of the CKD vs the CBU. However I note that the CBU model has its fair share of complaints. Could it be the lack of customization to Malaysian conditions?

This post has been edited by KennyKB: Apr 16 2015, 08:42 PM

I saw the Mirrorlink function in this page where you can broadcast your smartphone screen to the Mazda 3 head unit but don't know if this is available here.

Certainly an Android HU will be more flexible. You can download what you want from Google Play Store.

This post has been edited by KennyKB: Apr 17 2015, 07:05 AM

I just test drove the Mazda 3 CKD (thanks Jim Tan). I don't agree that the road noise is quite loud. Was testing without the radio on. At low speed can hear some road noise but not very obtrusive. With the radio on you'll probably not notice it. At higher speed it just fade into the background. Sound insulation is pretty decent. But different people have different perception. Test drive yourself first, don't just accept what another guy (including me) says.

For me I'll probably change to 17" rims. 18" is more for "gaya" la. Not so suitable for our bumpy Taman roads. And of course tyres will be cheaper.

Not sure that 18" rims have lower fuel consumption. I thought it should be higher because they are heavier.

But the engine noise and vibration during idling is impressively quiet. You don't even know that i-stop has stopped the engine until you let go of the brake and you feel a slight vibration when the engine fires up.

i-eloop appears to have some problems with engine ECU during rainy weather from reading the previous Mazda 3 thread. Maybe that's why it isn't included in the CKD now.

No, it does not. If you install outside it will probably void warranty for electrical system. My SA quote RM600 to install but I heard it can be done cheaper by going direct to Mazda authorized installer. Any CBU owners can share the location and pricing? I think auto brake lock is a must for security as it is very hard to remember to lock all your doors all the time.

Why need front parking sensors? I wouldn't pay RM600 for this. If you are going forward you can easily look forward right?

Btw, how much are the new 18" rims and Toyo tyres worth for trade in? I know accessory shops will try to chop but we must have a guide so we don't get chopped too much.

At RM600 I don't think there are many takers. Although I can't really see what sensor can be better than your own eyes.

Just a rough, unscientific calculation.

The i-stop claim to be able to save 5% of your fuel.
Say you travel 30,000km a year and special battery can last 2 years.
Saving = 30,000km x 2 years x 0.18 cents/km x 5% = RM540.00 over the life of the battery.

So if special battery cost RM1500 and normal battery RM400 not worth buying special battery once it conk.

This isn't a Conti car. It may cost a little more to maintain than Honda or Toyota until parts prices come down due to volume but if you can maintain a 2.0L H or T there is no reason why you can't maintain a Mazda 3.

The service interval is 10K km. Free service for parts and labour for 3 years or 60k km whichever comes first. After that some CBU owners say normal service is RM500-RM600 but this is SC price which must use during warranty period. But I am told that even Honda SC charge RM400 for City normal service. After the 3yrs/100K km warranty of course can use outside shop to service. From my experience using semi-syn for my 2.0L car, oil & filter change can do for RM200.

If your service/warranty limit is mileage you only need to service 3 times in SC after the freebie expire - at 70K, 80K & 90K km.

If you are going for the high spec model, be warned that 18" tyres are very expensive. You should budget RM750 per tyre.

Jim.Tan who is an SA for Mazda has shared with us that the cost of the M3 special battery is RM400-RM500.

Hope this helps.

It's 3 years or mileage whichever comes first.

Is the price for the CX-5 headlamp for CBU or CKD model? The CX-5 was CKD here in June 2013. If one party control spare parts supply the price will be very expensive. For MAzda parts I believe there a 3rd party suppliers but of course they will only bring in parts for popular models.

Don't be too confident of 5 years warranty. During the warranty period you have to service at their SC and tolerate higher price and long waiting time. You also have to be very careful about installing accessories. After 3 years manufacturers can be very dodgy about warranty claims, Honda included. They will try to find 101 reasons to void warranty. Even installing tinted film outside can void warranty for car engine dying off. Reason - the installer spray chemicals which leaked into the internal and damage the wiring. It happened to my friend.

I think they are producing the low spec first due to expectation that low spec will be in higher demand.

You pre-ordered in Jan without even seeing or test driving the car? Only in Malaysia can this happen with car buyers.

Don't forget when you drive the hand brake is down and almost level with the seat.

What for all these expensive coating? Coating won't prevent your paintwork from being chipped by flying stones. They make it smooth and easier to clean your car but you can also wax it for the same purpose. Better save the money for a respray after 3-4 years. Then your car will look like new with all the dents touched up.

Maybe quieter tyres will fix it. Do you get the knock-knock sound only when going over speed bumps or also when the road is bumpy?

The problem described in the website http://vitalysmobileautodiagnostics.com/10...15-mazda-models occur when driving on wet roads. Were you driving on wet roads?

Bro, how is the wind noise at 100 - 110 km/hr?

If tyre noise from the 16" rims is loud what will it be like with 18" rims?