Mazda3 finally gets facelift – Only 2.0-liter engine, sedan and hatchback, priced from RM156k

FINALLY, after four years in the market, the Mazda3 has received a facelift and update. It’s not to say that it necessarily needed a facelift because the Mazda3 still looks beautiful and fresh, but it might need an update in terms of specifications and features.

The updated Mazda3 for 2023 is offered in four variants for the Malaysian market as follows:

Mazda3 2.0 High Sedan – RM156,059
Mazda3 2.0 High Plus Sedan – RM166,059
Mazda3 2.0 High Plus Liftback – RM166,059
Mazda3 2.0 Ignite Edition Liftback – RM175,059

As you can see above, all variants now come with only a 2.0-liter engine for the sedan and Liftback (hatchback), meaning the 1.5-liter engine has been dropped. The 2.0 SkyActiv-G engine is featured in all models, with an output of 162hp and 213Nm torque.

This engine is paired with a 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive gearbox with manual mode. Fuel efficiency figures are up to 6.2L/100km for the sedan model, while it is 6.3L/100km for the hatchback.

For exterior features, all variants receive LED headlights, but LED DRLs are only available for the top three variants, with the High sedan model featuring LED fog lights. Other features are similar, such as LED fog lamps, auto-folding side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and front and rear parking sensors.

The High Sedan comes with 16-inch wheels with 205/60 tires, while the three higher variants are equipped with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/45 tires.

Interior features for all models include leather seats with 10-way adjustment for the driver, electronic parking brake, 7-inch instrument display, color head-up display (HUD), and dual-zone air conditioning.

The infotainment system consists of a 10.25-inch central display, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, eight speakers, and two USB Type-C ports. A reverse camera is also standard, but the top variant, Mazda3 2.0 Ignite Edition hatchback, gets an additional 360-degree camera.

For safety systems, all variants come with standard features such as ABS, EBD, Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Launch Assist, and ISOFIX. However, only the top three variants are equipped with advanced assistance systems such as adaptive headlights, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning System, Lane-Keep Assist System, Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

All 2023 Mazda3 variants are fully imported, which is why their prices are higher compared to models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. What is your opinion, is it worthwhile to choose the Mazda3?

For us, this model always looks and feels more premium than its competitors, and although it looks ‘fresh’ in the market, it is indeed deserving of an update in features.