Let’s say you're in the market for a new car, perhaps an additional car for your garage and you're drawn to the Mazda brand. With a budget of just over RM 100k, your options narrow down to either the 2024 Mazda 2 facelift or the 2024 Mazda CX-3 1.5L.

Priced closely at RM 108,670 for the Mazda 2 (sedan and hatchback) and RM 115,720 for the Mazda CX-3 1.5L, these models offer similar driving experiences and near-identical interiors, yet there are notable differences that may sway your decision. Here's a breakdown to help you determine which suits you best.

Body Style Preference

The primary consideration is the body style – crossover versus hatch/sedan. If you prefer a taller vehicle with improved forward visibility and easy ingress/egress, the CX-3 would be more suitable.

Conversely, if you lean towards a lower riding sedan or prioritise deeper boot space, the Mazda 2 Sedan would be the obvious choice. If boot space is not a priority, then the generally favoured hatchback would be the more appealing choice.

The Mazda 2 Sedan aside, very little separates the Mazda 2 Hatchback from the Mazda CX-3 in terms of space and practicality as they both share the same interior. The deciding factor could also be down to design. Perhaps you just like the way the Mazda 2 hatchback looks over the CX-3, or vice versa, then there’s little else that will sway your decision.

Which drives better?

The answer might be evident: it's the Mazda 2. With its lower stance, the Mazda 2 benefits from a lower centre of gravity, resulting in slightly superior handling. It demonstrates reduced body movement and lean in corners and feels a tad more agile compared to the CX-3.

Both cars share similarities in driving control calibration. The steering is precise and appropriately weighted, while the throttle and brake pedals respond linearly to inputs. The driving positions are also akin, as the interiors are essentially identical.

The key here is cohesion. All controls are finely tuned. The steering strikes a balance, offering just enough heft and responsiveness—neither overly sensitive on highways nor sluggish at lower speeds.

These characteristics are emblematic of modern Mazdas, and the 2 and CX-3 adhere to this standard. What distinguishes them are the subtle disparities in driving dynamics, which may or may not weigh heavily in your decision-making process.

Winner: Mazda 2

Which is more comfortable?

You might be surprised, but it's the Mazda 2 that takes the lead in comfort between the two. Following its previous facelift, the Mazda 2 underwent suspension retuning, a refinement that carries over to this latest update.

The ride quality of the Mazda 2 is consistently smooth and remains composed even on challenging road surfaces. In contrast, the Mazda CX-3, despite its thicker sidewalls, exhibits a slightly busier ride.

This disparity becomes evident in a back-to-back comparison, with the Mazda 2 demonstrating superior ability to dampen high-frequency vibrations and sharp impacts.

Both the Mazda 2 and CX-3 feature front seats with moderate side and lumbar support. However, the rear bench in both models lacks sufficient thigh support. The only discernible difference lies in the upholstery material: the Mazda 2 boasts a half suede/leather combination, while the CX-3's seats are cloth upholstered.

Winner: Mazda 2

Which is better equipped?

Answering this question isn't as straightforward. The Mazda 2 and CX-3 1.5L are closely matched in terms of specifications and features.

The disparities lie in three key areas: the Mazda 2 boasts a leather/suede combo, whereas the CX-3 comes with fabric seats; the Mazda 2 offers automatic climate control, while the CX-3 features manual climate control; the CX-3 is equipped with an electric parking brake, whereas the Mazda 2 has a manual handbrake.

However, the most significant differentiating factor beyond the comfort creatures is safety features, which should have a higher weightage in the decision-making process. The Mazda 2 is equipped with only two airbags and lacks ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

In contrast, the Mazda CX-3 1.5L gets 6 airbags and features the i-Activesense suite of ADAS, including high beam control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and smart city brake support (AEB).

Winner: Mazda CX-3 1.5L

Conclusion

Each car has its advantages and drawbacks in terms of features, but for me, safety features carry significantly more weight. I'm willing to forego leather/suede upholstery and automatic climate control in favor of a more complete safety kit. Hence, my preference leans towards the Mazda CX-3 1.5L.

Also read: 2024 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus - Do you really need all that performance for a base baby Mazda SUV?

However, as is often the case, the decision ultimately hinges on your priorities. If you favor the taller stature and the crossover/SUV aesthetics, then the CX-3 is the ideal choice. Conversely, if driving dynamics take precedence, then the Mazda 2 would better suit your needs.

Also read: Review: 2024 Mazda 2 Sedan/Hatch, almost a decade old B-seg model, RM 109k justified?