Despite preceding newer rivals, the 2023 Mazda CX-3 still packs few luxuries competitors cannot edge
Sanjay · Jul 5, 2023 10:45 AM
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That satisfaction of biting into a crumbly, fresh kaya kok. The clink of a ceramic coffee set in the middle of the mountains, are perhaps the peak experiences one can derive from good ol' Ipoh.
Sure, among the pre-war buildings lie plenty of ready-made options and air-conditioned cafes, but there's always something to relish in places and things that are simpler, yet remain ever so charming.
Frothy, handmade cup of white coffee and a mechanically-charming car; different, but same-same
Miyabi is what the Japanese will term it, loosely translating to finding the beauty in everything. Not entirely dissimilar in experiences is the fully-imported (CBU Thailand) 2023 Mazda CX-3; a model that while nobody can deny preludes much of today's competition, remains equally talented in the criteria that matter.
The key difference boils down to the recipe. No one's stopping you from having 3-in-1 coffee mixes, but you know it won't have the same feel as the one in the china cup, hand-strained by an uncle that has seen it all.
Such is also the CX-3, carrying with it qualities that still stand strong, five years on from the model's initial reveal.
And that essence in the CX-3 is how it neatly marries the two timeless precepts of engineering and design into a single, coherent package that doesn't seem like one department got the lion's share of the budget over the other.
18-inch wheels for the CX-3 2.0 High look the business
Soul Red Crystal pops in the sun; check out the shoulder line that subtly emerges in the light
Guided by the Kodo design ethos, it remains arresting as ever; whether you like yours in subtler shades or something more eye-catching, the CX-3 is not one to just fade into regular traffic. The best part? It's without compromise too – four adults can be ferried comfortably, with room for cargo to spare.
Stepping into the interior, the same fashionable-but-practical touches shape your experience. Soft suede fabrics line the doors and the dashboard, blending in with the supple leather that also makes up the seats. If you like being coddled, little else come close to Mazda's thoughtful material mix.
Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay via an 8-inch screen makes for an easy drive everytime
Practical pockets of space for the family
For the anshin – Japanese for peace of mind – side of things, the CX-3 comes with the i-ACTIVESENSE suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
High beam control (HBC), blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), lane departure warning system (LDWS), driver attention alert (DAA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), and cruise control mean each drive is one that's comfortably reassuring for all on board.
Sport mode for when things need to be livelier
And...drive. Whether it's pooling around carparks or feeling the GVC torque vectoring system sail you through like a guardian angel down sweeping mountain passes, the CX-3 melds around you, the driver, and that's something not many cars, let alone SUVs, can do.
Yes, lots of it is down to the arcane art of suspension tuning, yet we won't discount the magic of Jinba Ittai too.
Mazda's i-Stop technology earns you extra kilometres per litre. We managed KL-Ipoh-KL on one full tank with plenty to spare
Pair that to either responsive naturally-aspirated SkyActiv-G engines (1.5L, 114 PS/149 Nm or 2.0L 154 PS/206 Nm) and a six-speed automatic transmission that's intuitive as it is quick, each journey is one that's economical and engaging all at the same time.
Above all else, the Mazda CX-3 affords one more luxury that few others can in today's times: immediate deliveries. You read that right – in an era where a 4 to 6 month wait at minimum is commonplace, being able to drive your new car off your nearest showroom in the shortest time possible is in itself a victory.
Conclusion
To surmise, the Mazda CX-3 is by no means an 'outdated' product. Still packed full of meaningful features with a compelling drive wrapped in an artful package, the 2023 Mazda CX-3 is one you need to experience to feel the difference.
To facilitate that, Bermaz Motor will be organising a roadshow at Pavillion Bukit Jalil all through 6- to 9-July 2023 where you can feel for yourself thequalities of the Mazda CX-3. Sign-up gifts with free merchandise are also yours to take home, so don't miss out on this opportunity.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
