Mazda CX-30 to be launched in Malaysia in November 2019

Bermaz Auto, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia is expected to add the C-segment CX-30 into its model line-up this November. Positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 is a closer rival to the dominating Honda HR-V, which the Mazda 2-based CX-3 couldn’t match because it was just a little bit too small.

The CX-30 will be part of Bermaz Auto’s 3-model SUV introduction blitz that will kick off later this month with the turbocharged CX-5 variant, followed by the seven-seater CX-8, and finally the CX-30.

While both the turbocharged CX-5 and seven-seater CX-8 will be locally-assembled to keep prices low, sourcing of the CX-30 remains uncertain, although local assembly at the Mazda Malaysia’s plant in Kulim is possible.

At the moment, Japan remains the only source for the CX-30 but sources indicate that the company plans to produce the model in Mexico as well as Thailand.

However even if the rumour is true, it doesn’t necessarily mean our CX-30 will come from Thailand. Recall that for Malaysia, the smaller CX-3 is imported from Japan even though the model is also assembled in Thailand. This is because the Thai-assembled CX-3 does not have enough regionally sourced local content to qualify for import duty exemptions under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.

The CX-30 isn’t available in Japan yet but sales have just started in the UK, with Europe to follow in the coming weeks. There, the CX-30 is available in three engine options, all available either as a front- or all-wheel drive, paired to either a six-speed manual or automatic:

• SkyActiv-D 1.8-litre turbo diesel: 116 PS / 270 Nm
• SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol: 122 PS / 213 Nm
• SkyActiv-X 2.0-litre supercharged/lean burn petrol: 180 PS / 224 Nm

Both the SkyActiv-G and SkyActiv-X are also available with a 24V mild hybrid (Mazda M Hybrid) option. Power output remains unchanged but a belt-driven starter-generator provides for a smoother enginen start-up in stop-go driving and slightly better fuel efficiency. 

Malaysia will most likely receive as the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine in front-wheel drive configuration (without M Hybrid). The SkyActiv-X engine is very costly and will push the CX-30’s price even higher so we can rule that out. SkyActiv-X is offered only in Japan and Europe, where emissions standards are significantly tighter.