Hi guys. Currently in dilemma to choose to buy kia cerato 2.0 or mazda 3 high spec. Any suggestions, pros or cons for these car.
The main criteria I want is comfort, safety, fuel consumption, easy to maintain. Resell value will not important for me as I'm planning to use this car for more than 5yrs.

for me is a no brainer and will go for m3

Same here

What means?

the comparison that you need
http://www.carbase.my/car-comparison?id=9s...oeos,8AFrhZqL3U,

means no need to think if only two options only available.. we will take mazda 3

For Fuel Consumption
Based on data from 26 vehicles, 556 fuel-ups and 270,242 km of driving, the 2015 Mazda 3 gets a combined Avg L/100km of 7.07 with a 0.11 L/100km margin of error.

Based on data from 9 vehicles, 155 fuel-ups and 71,328 km of driving, the 2014 Kia Cerato gets a combined Avg L/100km of 8.24 with a 0.29 L/100km margin of error.
Taken from:-
http://www.fuelly.com/car/kia/cerato/2014

This post has been edited by kevinlim001: Nov 4 2015, 12:48 PM

M3 definitely is the better choice for me, it can accelerate faster and sushi engine is more reliable than kimchi engine.

With the new safety technology offered by M3, you can't go wrong with Zoom-Zoom technology... Furthermore, Mazda is more premium brand in Japan compared to Honda or Toyota..

Go for Mazda 3 high spec. You won't regret it.

Toyota honda nissan n lots of kimchi brands throwing price....easily. 5-8k....try to find a m3 with good rebates...u be shocked if u could even get anything more than 1.5-2 without any freebies....majority only at 500-1k....so what does that tell u?.. Go figure

please explain.. i am curious.

please consider Nissan Sylphy 1.8VL (B17) and VW Jetta 1.4 Tdi(or Tsi ? )

I have same dilemma with you on August. Choose these two models also on my list. I love Cerato outlook and spec since last year. After Mazda 3 gone to CKD, price is competitive with Cerato 2.0 and outlook and spec are not lose too. After test drive both car, I chosen Mazda 3 HS. You should test drive it first.
Personally after test drive, I feel Cerato 2.0 pickup kinda slow respond after press the gas pedal, soft suspension. Mazda 3 to me is more towards driver car, feel solid and confident with the car.

In terms of:
comfort = Cerato 2.0 (Mazda seat are more hard and tire is UHP so hard =.=)
safety = Mazda 3 (as it added those i-activsense)
fuel consumption = Mazda 3
easy to maintain = not sure
performance = Mazda 3

Mazda 3 of course.

I did test drive both cars. But still in dilemma..
As performance wise not really in my concern since mostly city drive... Traffic jam and so on...
I do know the skyactive engine is the best NA engine so far. But the features inside the mazda 3 for me is not as good as the cerato 2.0. Both with 6 airbags while cerato have front parking sensir, m3 have auto start stop system. Really hope there is one car that have both car features.
One question to ask, for auto start stop features during traffic jam, will the sensor or system become faulty let say after using the car for 3yrs?

Of course Mazda 3

Nowadays kimchi also dump us old engine.

IF ONLY the k3 uses the GDI engine like overseas spec.. else forget bout it.. go for mazda3..

after test drive u still cant decide? u test drive below 60kmph ?

m3 hands down handles really well with good steering feedback....high spec keyless entry cruise control dam son...its the shizzles....

Well i tested both car back to back means one after another with 5 min difference. Acceleration m3 wins but cerato nt far behind u wont notice it unless u very observant. I feel almost both same.

Handling definitely m3.
Space and comfort definitely cerato
Beautiful and stylish m3
Cerato has ventilated seat and rear aircond, m3 has more cool gadgets.

P/s im comparing cerato2.0 and m3 (not cerato 1.6)

Fyi im nt driving both coz i i find volkswagen turbo influenced me

I think if you compare feature for feature Mazda 3 will win hands down. Mazda 3 HS has really useful features like Adaptive Headlights, Smart City Brake, Blindspot Monitoring, HUD and Lane Change Warning. The sunroof in the Cerato is not useful in our weather. You don't need ventilated seats if the air-con is doing its job and as for front parking sensor you will soon learn to judge the front space to your car. The smart city brake will brake your car before you collide with something in front at low speed.

Performance should your concern even in city driving. It makes overtaking and lane changing safer and is more exhilarating to drive.

So where is the dilemma? The M3 wins hands down.

Don't take Koreans if given a choice, especially when compared with the excellent Mazda 3. They are still 3rd tier behind Japanese & continentals in terms quality and performance. Hands-up the Mazda 3. If the Mazda 3 comes with a 2.5-litre engine it would be killer complete car in its segment. Although the Mazda 3 may lose to the Ford Focus in areas of handling and power, it is currently the most balanced and complete car in the C-segment after looking at all the other competitors in the Altis, Civic, Sylphy, Fluence and and 408 in similar price bracket of RM100k-130k. The plus point is the Mazda 3 looks great at all angles.