Did you take some photos of the new CX3 in the Mazda showroom that you have visited? How is the interior (and exterior) of the car when compared to the CX5? Almost the same or more premium-looking?

Whether the price is reasonable, that is entirely up to the individual expectations. The CX3 can be considered as expensive when compared to the CX5 2.0 CKD where the price is RM129k compared to the 135k of the CX3 2.0 CBU. Realistically, the larger SUV will cost higher than the smaller SUV, CX5 > CX3 but in this case, it is the other way round. Only when you take the CX5 2.5 CBU which costs RM172k only then the CX3's pricing looked "better".

If compared to other brands in the same segment such as the Honda HRV, I would choose the Mazda anytime. As usual it depends on priorities. I value interior quality and performance more than anything else, and the interior quality of the HRV and CRV is poor to my standards which is at Proton's level. If you want space or other aspects such as resale etc., then the HRV will be the right choice.

If judging based on the value of the CX3 alone taking into consideration all factors, whether the vehicle is value for money or overpriced, the valuation will be based on the buyer's criteria and level of expectations. I have not seen the car in real life (especially the interior quality and performance which are the top 2 criteria that I value most) but CBU vehicles especially from Asian (not Asean) countries usually cost quite a bit. If I am guessing correctly the CX3 is assembled in Japan? If that is the case, the higher premium may be warranted. CBU vehicles will almost always have higher quality and better fit and finish than CKD vehicles although it is ia generalisation. The only issue is whether potential owners consider the higher premium of CBU vehicles worth it. MOST people just want cheap, hence CKD is preferred, but there will be some who would want CBU vehicles, unless of course the difference in the price between CKD and CBU isn't too large.

I forgot to mention about navigation and BOSE sound system of the CX3. So the CX3 doesn't come with navigation. Interesting. My wife drives the CX5 2.5 and although the car comes with navigation, she does not use it even if she needs navigation. She will use Waze on her mobile device. She once used the navigation on the vehicle and it took her to somewhere else instead of the destination. Sometimes, the location cannot be found on the map of the vehicle. In summary, the navigation / maps on the vehicle may not be too reliable when compared to those on mobile or standalone GPS devices.

And for the Bose sound system. I find the stock Sony sound system in my Ford Focus to sound better than the Bose sound system in the Mazda CX5. The Bose system sounds cleaner than the Sony and is flatter sounding, more neutral. The Sony system sounds more 3-dimensional and enveloping with better bass quality which goes deeper. The bass of the Bose system doesn't go as deep as the Sony's system in the Ford Focus. In my view, the Bose sound system (in the Mazda CX5) is over-rated. It is better than most stock sound systems in other cars though. It is just that the Sony sound system (stock) in the Ford Focus is exceptional, the best that i have experienced so far when compared to the Proton and most if not all Japanese vehicles. (not Lexus or Infiniti level which I have no experience with)

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Dec 9 2015, 08:57 AM

As for whether to go with the cheaper CKD CX-5 or the costlier CBU CX-3, that is a personal question although the current CBU CX-3 may be seen as not particularly value-for-money at the moment with the RM135k price tag. I have not seen the CX-3 in real life so I would reserve comment.

Not sure about the complaints (from Japan) about the CBU Mazda 3, but over here, the soundproofing of the CKD CX-5 is not as good as the CBU CX-5 which is quieter. That has been verified by CX-5 CKD owners who have sat in the CBU CX-5. Somehow it appears that the soundproofing material in the CKD units may have been cut down or compromised. Not too sure about other differences, other than rattling noises in the car which I also hear is more apparent in the CKD than the CBU units.

Good to hear that your CKD Mazda 3 does not have any issues though. Fit an finish usually is almost the same. It is mainly in the quality issues ie. rattling noises and quietness of the car. Or perhaps the material that are sourced in Malaysia that may show sightly different quality or durability.

No major issue with the car other than the replacement of the clutch which requires the car to be in the service centre for about 1 week. Car can still be driven even with the "defective" clutch. Just more jerks during low speed acceleration.

Minor issues include rattling sound from the gear knob when in S mode and mild vibration in the car when stationary at traffic lights especially after some spirited driving sessions at higher RPMs (will get these rectified at the service centre during the next appointment).

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Dec 9 2015, 01:24 PM

Yes the 18" tyres/rims certainly is a standout for a small vehicle such as the CX3. I can imagine the car to look striking with the 18" tyres.

As usual it depends on what you are looking for in a vehicle. Looking at your choice of selection, it appears that a small SUV or sedan car is also acceptable to you since you mentioned Peugeot 408. If that's the case, you have more choices.

For the Peugeot 408, personally the new model will look much better inside out (other than new technological features). If you are considering the 408, definitely consider the new 408 and not the current model, in my opinion. Current one doesn't look good.

However, the Mazda 3 although a CKD is a much safer choice than the French, and it is a good car as well if comparing between sedans. If you are considering Peugeot 408, why are you considering the CX3 (and Mazda 2) and not the Mazda 3? Mazda 3 looks better than the Mazda 2 and is not too costly I guess around RM100k to 110k+?

Usually difference between low-spec and high-spec (for any car brand) is around RM10k. If it is RM15k for the case of Mazda 3, the upgrade must be quite major in terms of equipment. Of course, if one has the money, definitely go with the high-spec even though some (or most) of the features may not be useful to the driver.

The Mazda 2 and 3 are surely going great guns now as the cars as the cars are good and the price is reasonably cheap when compared to the Civic and Altis.

If this Mazda CX3 is basically a Mazda 2 that is elevated higher off the ground, then the "major" difference between the CX3 and Mazda 2 is the 1.5-litre engine of the Mazda 2 and the 2.0-litre engine of the CX3 isn't it?

In other words, or simpler words, the Mazda CX3 is a more powerful Mazda 2 that sits higher off the ground. Is this understanding correct?

This Mazda showroom looks like the one in Sri Petaling.