Tag: cx3

The Mazda CX-3 has been launched in Thailand with prices kicking off at 835,000 baht – or at RM102k, give or take, with the current exchange rate. Taking into account our previous story, where the Malaysian-spec CX-3 is expected to retail from RM130k, that is still a considerable difference.

Thai customers will be presented with a choice of five trims in total with two engine options – a 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine and a turbocharged 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D four-cylinder diesel mill. The former puts out a total of 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and 204 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm while the diesel unit manages 105 PS at 4,000 rpm and 270 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 2,500 rpm.

A six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox choice offered on the Thai-spec Mazda CX-3 – an engine/gearbox combination that’s slated to be introduced for the Malaysian market, as well. As mentioned earlier, five trims are available – the base 2.0 E is priced at 835k baht while the 2.0 C and 2.0 S retail for 910k and 975k baht, respectively. The top petrol trim, the 2.0 SP, goes for 1.045 million baht.

Sitting at the very top of the entire range is the aforementioned diesel model. Dubbed the 1.5 XDL, it goes for 1.155 million baht. As for standard equipment, the 2.0 E and C models are equipped with 16-inch wheels wrapped in 215/60 tyres while the rest of the range get 18-inch wheels shod with 215/50 rubber.

The base 2.0 E and C are also equipped with halogen headlights while the 2.0 S, SP and 1.5 XDL get LED units with daytime running lights (DRLs). As for the interior kit, all models feature push-start button but the base 2.0 E misses out on the keyless entry system. Elsewhere, all models are also equipped with the seven-inch touchscreen and Commander Control interface save for the entry-level variant.

Safety wise, the Thai-spec models appear well-equipped with DSC, EBD, traction control, Hill Launch Assist and an Emergency Signal System. The flagship diesel model one-ups the rest by adding on Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring, a Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart City Brake Support.

Also, the Mazda CX-3 is now assembled at the AutoAlliance (AAT) Plant in Rayong, Thailand – making said country the first nation to assemble the CX-3 outside of Japan. So while we wait for the local launch to take place, why not check out our review of Mazda’s HR-V rival here.

Mazda Sales (Thailand) has vowed to cap retail prices for large passenger cars and pickup trucks that are subject to a new excise tax next year.

President Hidesuke Takesue said the Japanese car maker would opt to control production costs and manage volume carefully , as the excise tax rates would be based on ex-factory prices, not retail.

Mazda is also committed to subsidising the difference in amounts incurred by the excise tax.

From 2016 on, vehicles sold in Thailand will be subject to a new excise tax based on carbon dioxide emissions, E85-gasohol compatibility and fuel efficiency rather than just engine size as before.

The excise tax on eco-cars with CO2 emissions below 100 grammes per kilometre will be cut to 12-14% from 17%, but the 10% rate for hybrid vehicles will remain.

The company estimates prices for its Mazda3, CX-5 sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and BT-50 Pro pickup truck will increase by 3-5% early next year once the new tax regime takes effect.

“There are many factors in setting car prices, based not only on excise tax but also an import duty for some auto parts, local tax and value-added tax, so the company will take all factors into account before announcing retail prices,” Mr Takesue said.

For the Mazda2 eco-car, the retail price will drop by roughly 20,000 baht next year with the new excise tax.

Mazda posted sales of 29,641 vehicles in the January-October period, up 2.2% year-on-year.

The company also gained a higher market share during the period, to 4.8% from 3.89%.

Mazda2 eco-cars had a 49.6% share of total sales for the period, followed by the BT-50 (21.4%), the Mazda3 (19.6%), the CX-5 (9.3%) and other models.

Mr Takesue expects sales to grow by 10.7% this year to 38,000 vehicles after falling 35.1% in 2014 to 34,326.

In related news, the company yesterday introduced the CX-3 SkyActiv, which it started making last month at AutoAlliance (Thailand), a joint venture with Ford Motor Co.

The Hiroshima-based parent firm has invested 800 million baht in production of the model to serve the local market and exports.

The Mazda CX-3 is available in both 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D (diesel) and two-litre SkyActiv-G (petrol) engines, with prices ranging from 835,000 to 1.155 million baht (to remain unchanged next year).

The Mazda CX-3 is the fourth model on the SkyActiv platform in the Thai market after the CX-5 SUV, the Mazda3 and the Mazda2.