There used to be a time (not too long ago), when four-powered windows were a ‘premium’ feature, today if a car doesn’t have a sweeping touchscreen, full-length panoramic sunroof and enough safety features to take you safely to the moon, it’s pretty much a dud that will lay waste on showroom floors.

However, adding more tech, packages, trim levels and safety equipment can make a car too expensive, sometimes beyond what the buying market is willing to pay for it. The Mazda CX-3, first launched in 2015, was a good example of this: a talented and well-packaged car, but simply too expensive given what competitors were offering at lower prices.

Also read: Now cheaper than HR-V, 2022 Mazda CX-3 1.5L is yours for RM 108k, CBU Thailand

So, what if you could remove all the expensive stuff and retain the important bits between the four wheels? That’s exactly the case with the new entry-level 2023 Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core: paired down, simplified, and most importantly - cheaper, but does it make the cut?

Overview

The 2023 Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core was officially introduced as part of a 2022 update, which is now imported from Thailand, instead of Japan, where all previous model years were from.

The rather quiet 2022 update to the range now means there are a total of 3 CX-3 variants on offer, at the following prices:

• CX-3 1.5L Core: RM 107,920
• CX-3 2.0L Core: RM 118,359
• CX-3 2.0L Mid: RM 131,559

Also read: 2022 Mazda CX-3 updated in Malaysia with new 1.5L and 2.0L variants, now priced from RM 108k

The following is a snapshot of the Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core:

Now, of course, the CX-3 is by no means a new model, first launched in 2015, the CX-3 has gone through several updates, most notably in 2017 when the model received Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) feature and in 2018 when the facelift model was launched.

Despite Bermaz adding and subtracting variants over the years, it was always offered with the 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G powertrain, though there were earlier plans in 2017 to introduce the 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D diesel four-cylinder, which never materialised.

With that said CX-3 1.5L Core variant for the first time allows the CX-3’s pricetag to dip below the RM 110k mark, some RM 5k lower than the starting price of the Honda HR-V (with a 1.5L NA no less) which is long considered to be its closest rival.

But whilst the CX-3 may not have to contend directly against the HR-V, which has moved up the price bracket, it does have to see off newer competition from the likes of Proton X50, Hyundai Kona and Peugeot 2008. Besides the X50, the CX-3 1.5L Core is the cheapest of this lot.

Exterior

Courtesy of its compact proportions and fluidic Kodo design, the CX-3 remains a good-looking SUV even after 8 years.

Nothing much has changed since its facelift in 2018, which included a revised grille with double horizontal slats, redesigned foglamp garnish and updated rear taillights featuring a new light signature.

The CX-3 1.5L Core model is further dressed down, getting 16-inch allow wheels instead of the 2.0L High’s 18-inch items, and receives bulb-type daytime running lights (DRLs) and taillights. However, besides the wheels which are a giveaway, you’d really have to squint your eyes to tell the CX-3 1.5L Core apart from the 2.0L High.

In fact, I would argue that losing out on (2.0L High’s) chrome slats give it a sportier look at the front. Plus, given the same twin chrome tailpipe exits and bumper design as the 2.0L, it is pretty much the same from the back too.

Thus, despite losing some trim equipment, the beautiful Polymetal Grey paint - which in my opinion, surpasses even the paint finish of BMWs, and puts it on par with the likes of Lexus in terms of depth and clarity - the CX-3 has quality where it matters the most.

Interior

On the inside, the significant differences between the CX-3 1.5L Core and 2.0L High variants are fabric seats (instead of leatherette), manual AC controls, conventional wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay instead of wireless, manually adjusted seats; and the 360-degree camera.

However, it still gets the same 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, 6-speaker audio setup and Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and Sport mode selector switch.

Thus, whilst there are notable differences, they’re niceties one can happily live without, for the reduction in price.

Besides this, essential touchpoints; such as the leather-clad steering wheel, centre console, dashboard and door panels are the same as they are in the 2.0L High. So, whilst it’s cut-price, it still offers a premium experience once you get inside.

Now of course, rear seat space has never been a strong point of the CX-3, a predicament made even worse because it was compared to the first-gen Honda HR-V, which was way bigger; let alone the new HR-V.

However, the CX-3 1.5L Core will transport four in decent comfort, and five (as we tried) in a pinch over shorter distances. Seating comfort is superb both at the front and back, though taller adults might feel a tad snug at the rear.

That aside though, the interior of the CX-3 1.5L Core is superb. Guided by Mazda's trademark 'Jinba Ittai' philosophy - ergonomics, driving position and build quality are superb, and about as good as they get in this segment.

Plus, call me old school, but I absolutely adore the analogue AC controls - which work great and are a breath of fresh air compared to other laggy control screens.

Also read: Mazda explains why German RWD cars can't match the CX-60's FR platform's comfortable driving position

Refinement levels – Par for the class

In our commonplace cabin noise test, the CX-3 1.5L Core scored decent numbers, the cabin place is hospitable even at highway speeds, and overall refinement remains on par for the asking price, and what this segment generally offers.

Tyre and road noise are nicely subdued and as good if not slightly better than the 2.0L High variant given its fatter eco tyres. Thus, despite its lower price tag, it’s impressive that Mazda did not skimp on noise insulation in the CX-3 1.5L Core variant.

Driving Experience

Having driven the 154 PS / 206 Nm CX-3 2.0L, my initial expectations were that the 114 PS / 149 Nm CX-3 1.5L Core would be slightly asthmatic at best, but it wasn't.

Whilst it won't set your pants on fire, the CX-3 1.5L Core manages the daily runabouts with aplomb. On crowded city streets, the CX-3 1.5L Core is nippy and urgent, allowing it to nip into a roundabout or to quickly overtake a slower-moving car.

Thus whilst it isn't very powerful, the 1.5L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder is hardworking and makes a rather characterful sound when you rev it out.

Giving it the beans in our 0-100 km/h test, the CX-3 1.5L Core returned a best time of 12.3 seconds for the century sprint. Again, not the sprightliest of launches but those times are comparable to other 1.5-litre vehicles such as the Honda City and (AC100) Toyota Vios.

Of course, the small engine is helped immensely by the SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic. Offering quick and perceptive gearchanges - the transmission does well to move up or down a cog when you need to accelerate; or settle into a cruise on the highway.

The CX-3 1.5L Core is the happiest cruising between 80 km/h - 110 km/h, it will keep accelerating if you need it to but somewhat runs out of puff at around 150 km/h.

However, where the CX-3 1.5L Core truly shines is in its overall driving experience.

Despite its age, the chassis tuning of the CX-3 1.5L Core still delivers a sense of fluidity, body control and roadholding on the road that makes it a genuinely fun SUV to drive on a daily basis.

Steering weightage and quickness are sublime, and the brakes and throttle pedal are superbly modulated allowing you to easily get acquainted with driving the CX-3 1.5L Core.

Also given the fatter sidewalls, the CX-3 1.5L Core reduces the natural fidgetiness experienced on small road bumps that's present in the 2.0L High variant with larger tyres.

Though we cannot take anything from its closest rivals, the competent Proton X50 and Peugeot 2008, the CX-3 offers a more intuitive overall driving experience and edges them in terms of comfort and ergonomics from behind the wheel.

Fuel efficiency – Small, stout and efficient powerplant

During the fuel efficiency test, the CX-3 1.5L Core consumed 10.21 litres over a total distance of 132.6 km, returning an average economy of 7.7 litres/100 km.

With drive time divided 50/50 between highway and city roads, the CX-3 offers commendable fuel economy given it has a relatively small engine that has to work hard from time to time.

Conclusion

Even after all these years, the Mazda CX-3 remains a charming, capable and chic small SUV that still ticks many boxes where it matters. 

In my opinion, it makes perfect sense as a first/second car purchase, especially for senior drivers that want a stylish SUV, but also the simplicity of just getting in your car and driving.

Also read: Review: 2023 Mazda CX-30 (CKD) - More than just a pretty face?

Whilst yes, there are no ADAS features and you'd have to make do with lesser power, at its price tag, it actually makes more sense than buying the kitted out 2.0L High variant which is priced alongside newer and larger models such as the Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Thus if you can stretch for its RM 108k pricetag (just a bit more than an X50) you get a fully-imported B-Segment SUV that's comfortable, beautifully engineered and great to drive on a daily basis.