Test drive: Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core Variant fits basic needs

SOMETIMES, packing only the bare necessities may be what a car needs for it to be an enjoyable ride.

There is no real need for flashy features and technologies to provide that driving pleasure. How the car feels on the road is more important than the bells and whistles seen in many of today's vehicles.

That is the "core", so to speak, of the Mazda CX-3 1.5L 2WD Core variant. Not that it doesn't come with modern features but you're in it mainly for the feel.

More specifically, it is how much of that Mazda sensation you're looking for without having to break the bank.

RIGHT TO THE CORE

The updated CX-3 is available in three variants: the 1.5L 2WD Core, 2.0L 2WD Core and 2.0L 2WD High. The one we'll only be looking at is the new 1.5L variant.

The front-wheel drive compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre SkyActive-G four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 114hp at 6,000rpm and 149Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

It is mated to a six-speed automatic SkyActive-Drive transmission with manual shift mode. The engine — thanks to its smaller size — is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km.

By comparison, the 2.0-litre engine is a four-cylinder unit producing 154hp at 6,000rpm and 206Nm of torque at 2,800rpm.

In terms of equipment, the 1.5L 2WD Core shares its features with the 2.0L 2WD, with halogen headlights, bulb tail lights, keyless entry, power mirrors, electronic parking brake, cruise control, fabric seats and manual air-conditioning system.

Standard across all the variants is the eight-inch infotainment touch screen with Apple CarPlay (2.0 High gets wireless Apple CarPlay), start/stop idling and G-Vectoring Control, as well as the usual safety features such as dynamic stability control, traction control, and emergency stop signal.

All three variants are fully imported from Thailand.

The newly introduced 1.5L variant is priced at RM107,870 on the road without insurance, while the 2.0L 2WD Core and 2.0L 2WD High variants are priced at RM118,159 and RM131,159, respectively.

The colour options are Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray and Platinum Quartz.

The car comes with a five-year or 100,000km, whichever comes first, warranty and maintenance package.

BOTTOM UP

From the start, I was forewarned that the 1.5L variant was underpowered. If you're coming from another more powerful Mazda model, then that would seem to be the case.

Yes, it doesn't have the same power and punch as the 2.0L four-cylinder engine but that's only because you're comparing it to an already very good engine that is also larger.

Gradual pedal control will give you the right torque acceleration and power, so don't hard jam on the pedal and expect it to give you a sudden boost.

It also handles very well at high speeds, which can be attributed to its solid body build and platform. It is very stable and the suspension has just the right amount of stiffness/softness for a comfortable drive.

Practicality is also one area I didn't take into account until much later on. This writer has always liked how compact the CX-3 is compared to its larger siblings but many feel that the SUV isn't worth the asking price.

But that's because of its smaller-than-average size, in which a larger engine doesn't make practical sense.

With a smaller engine translating to better fuel consumption and cheaper road tax, the 1.5L variant makes it a great choice for those looking for an economical option to go along with their brand experience.

While I enjoyed the drive and have no issues with the 1.5L engine variant, I feel that the Core variant has got the short end of the stick regarding features.

It isn't a zero-spec SUV but a number of compromises seem to have been made.

Halogen headlights, non-automatic power mirrors, and plastic-ky manual air-cond knobs aren't unheard of but feel underwhelming for an RM100,000 vehicle.

Mazda also needs to work on its infotainment system OS. This isn't the first time that I've had the system randomly shut down or black out during a drive but the frequency is worrying.

The audio sound quality is also on the soft side without me ramping up the volume. Too soft, in fact, and can really use some tuning.

What is clear from Mazda is that it wants you, if possible, to pony up for the 2.0L High variant to get the best of the CX-3 and the pricier models for a more complete brand experience.

For around RM20,000 more, you'll get LED headlights and tail lights, parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, leather seats, a wireless charger and automatic air-conditioning.

Unique to the High variant is more advanced safety kits like the high beam control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning system and smart city brake support.

But then again, if features don't bother you, then do you really want to spend an extra RM20,000?

VERDICT

At times, the 1.5L 2WD Core variant feels trapped by its own making, for better or worse.

A bit too bare for a vehicle priced at RM100,000, yet very practical for a CX-3.

The model isn't the largest in terms of space and so where you see yourself with it boils down to how much you want a Mazda and the appeal of the CX-3 is to you.

I actually enjoy the engine that goes along with the body as it provided a very pleasant drive and performance. The lower fuel consumption is also very much welcomed.

The only issues I have are the halogen headlights and audio quality, with the former really being a sore point.

The interior is a hit or miss, depending on your expectations with hard plastic and soft leather panel mix. Personally, while I see no issue with it, there are cars that have a slight premium advantage for this asking price.

The good news is that the only way is up and since the CX-3 Core variant is the base level of the Mazda SUV range, you can't go wrong either way.

The Core variant is all about economy while still delivering a decent driving experience.

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