Mazda CX-30 Confirmed For Malaysia, CKD Plans Mulled
Auto NewsFollowing our earlier report in April, Bermaz Motor has now confirmed that the first ever Mazda CX-30 will be launched in Malaysia.
Bermaz declined to confirm if the CX-30 will follow the direction of the CX-5 and upcoming CX-8 – of being locally-assembled rather than imported from Japan.
However we understand that Bermaz is currently pursuing the path of increasing its mix of locally assembled SUVs, a segment which is growing faster than others. It's also part of the reason why the all-new Mazda 3 is no longer assembled in Kulim but imported from Japan.
Positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 is aimed at the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Subaru XV. The model will be powered by a 2.0-litre mild hybrid engine paired to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Mazda have yet to confirm any further details as the model will only go on sale later this year, with Europe being the first market to receive it. The only public appearance of the model so far was during March’s Geneva Motor Show.
As such, we don’t think that the CX-30 will be introduced in Malaysia within this year. A local launch in 2020 seems more likely and if the model is going to be locally-assembled, a longer lead time is to be expected.