Stylish, compact, and still boasting pizazz, the long-serving Mazda CX-3 is the brand’s entry point into its CX SUVs range. The CX-3 is not the newest model in its class but you will be surprised to know that despite its age and stiff competition from newer and cheaper CKD rivals, the Mazda CX-3 continues to draw customers onto showroom floors.

Every month, there are on average more than 100 Malaysians buying a new Mazda CX-3.

Now you might think, that 100 units per month isn’t a lot compared to other SUV models, but the consistency of sales, even 8 years after being first introduced bears recognition.

Also read: 3 variants offered, here's a breakdown of the prices and specs of the 2024 Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia

For the 2024 model year, Bermaz Auto has recently announced a raft of updates for its little CX-3, making 6 airbags and Mazda’s signature i-ActiveSense suite of safety features standard across the range.

To recap, the new 2024 Mazda CX-3 is fully imported (CBU) from Thailand and offers three variants across two powertrain configurations. Prices are as follows:

• CX-3 1.5L Plus – RM 115,720
• CX-3 2.0L Plus – RM 126,159
• CX-3 2.0L High – RM 139,159

The entry 1.5L Core variant has now been replaced with a higher specification 1.5L Plus.

While newer and cheaper CKD models from Mazda’s rivals have to resort to heavy discounting to stay competitive, the Mazda CX-3 continues to draw buyers in without requiring much promotion. This is quite unusual as common sense dictates that the older a model gets, the more discounts are needed to sustain sales.

To understand why the Mazda CX-3 is bucking the trend, we spoke to some Mazda dealers to find out what is it about the CX-3 that we (and maybe perhaps you, a potential buyer) are missing.

Why does the Mazda CX-3 still sell consistently despite higher prices?

Even though the Mazda CX-3 competes in the crowded B-Segment SUV and is priced quite closely to the larger Mazda CX-30, the CX-3 draws a vastly different buyer.

Also read: Despite preceding newer rivals, the 2023 Mazda CX-3 still packs few luxuries competitors cannot edge

Most CX-3 buyers are single, young executive-type buyers who appreciate the CX-3 for its compact size, snazzy style and overall driving experience. So, whilst they still appreciate practicality, it isn’t the most important aspect of their purchase. Additionally, at RM 116k, the CX-3 1.5 Plus variant is still RM 16k cheaper than the entry-level CX-30 (2.0G) which is a substantial savings for most buyers.

Why are sales not slowing despite the Mazda CX-3’s age?

First introduced in 2015, the CX-3 is by no means a new model, but despite its age, several key factors still impress buyers, especially if you touch, feel and crucially, drive a Mazda CX-3.

Firstly, the CX-3 offers a beautifully designed interior that is built to last. Interior touchpoints are tactile and premium, ergonomics are top-notch and overall refinement is superb. With the introduction of the 2024 CX-3 Plus; wireless Apple CarPlay and paddle shifters are now standard improving the overall driving experience.

Moving outside, the first aspect that grabs your attention with a Mazda CX-3 is its luscious paint job – that offers a paint depth that surpasses that of many German cars, in particular the Platinum Quartz and Aero Gray hues.

Of course, all the above doesn’t yet take into account the way the CX-3 drives. Highlighting Mazda’s trademark Jinba Ittai driving experience, it doesn’t take long for one to feel just how composed and surefooted the Mazda CX-3 feels on any given road.

Also read: Review: 2023 Mazda CX-3 1.5L Core - Cheaper than the base Honda HR-V 1.5S but is this the daily car you want?

Mazda’s philosophy for driving is less about setting fast lap times but emphasizing smoothness in vehicle control, and unity between car and driver.

Is it really that expensive compared to its rivals?

The CX-3 still offers a competitive value proposition when you consider the features and overall ownership experience when compared to its rivals.

Despite being an imported model, it's still competitively priced. Take the entry CX-3 1.5L Plus variant (from RM 115,720) for example, you get 6 airbags and i-ActiveSense as standard, features that are not available in the locally-assembled HR-V 1.5S (from RM 115,900).

The Mazda CX-3 is not the most common choice, but perhaps therein lies its appeal. You don’t need to agree with our opinion on the CX-3, but if you want a high-seating position car and you appreciate the craftsmanship and high-quality materials, you will do yourself a great favour by experiencing the CX-3 for yourself at the nearest Mazda dealer.