Mazda CX-3 Goes On Sale In Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation today began sales of the all-new Mazda CX-3 in Japan. With prices ranging from 2,376,000 yen (tax included) (RM 71,870, directly converted) to 3,024,000 yen* (RM 91,469), the company is expecting to sell 3,000 units per month in the local Japanese market.

Combining the full Skyactiv technology suite and Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design philosophy, the compact crossover SUV is available exclusively with the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine for Japan. The engine is paired to either a Skyactiv-Drive automatic or Skyactiv-MT manual transmission and can be had with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system.

To help reduce the diesel engine’s combustion noise, Mazda’s Natural Sound Smoother is found the CX-3 to refine engine sound and make the vehicle quieter when running.

That same diesel powerplant can found on the Mazda 2, which interestingly enough made an appearance during the launch of said car in Malaysia in sedan form. However, that model is not sold in Malaysia as of yet.

Other features on the Japanese-spec Mazda CX-3 include the MZD Connect infotainment system and i-Activesense safety technologies.

Three variants of the Mazda CX-3 are available for sale in Japan with each having the choice between front- or all-wheel drive.

As for us here in Malaysia, we would most likely not receive the Skyactiv-D engine and would have to settle for a petrol engine variant but as to which one, that’s yet to be confirmed. Potential options include the Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre or 1.5-litre mill.

Those who can’t wait to get our hands on the Mazda CX-3 will have to wait just a little longer until mid-2015, with July being its expected time of arrival. When it does arrive on our shores, it’ll be facing off against the recently launched Honda HR-V and that is stiff competition indeed.