Expect the CKD model by the third or fourth quarter of 2014 (which I presume would be RM10,000 cheaper at the very least). The CBU Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactive sedan gets a high compression 2.0liter 4 cylinder engine to get a whole lot of efficiency (and power). 162hp and 210Nm torque via a 6 speed automatic gearbox. It only weighs 1295kg too! Impressive figures and this could now be the performance C segment car to get here in Malaysia..... IF and WHEN they assemble it locally. Only then.
Why did I just say that? Well, at almost RM140,000 you could just go and buy the entry level CKD Honda Accord 2.0VTI (something like the one in the pic above). Of course, throwing around an Accord through high speed corners may be unbecoming but the Accord is a whole lot of car for the price. It is very well built and it also handles very well but compared to the Mazda 3 CBU weighs 200kg heavier and at least 20hp down in power and 20Nm down in torque. But you get a D segment instead of a C segment car. Think of the image boost it may be able to give you at the office car park. Of course, The Mazda 3 is actually quite large for a C segment car these days. And it is good looking too. I somehow think the lines flow better here than in the larger Mazda 6.
No, I am not suggesting merely for the sake of image and style. The thing about the Malaysian market is that prices are so screwed up that an imported Mazda 3 costs as much as a Mazda 6 competitor that is locally assembled. Sometimes it would be wiser to just buy the bigger car - which incidentally has a longer warranty too (5 years unlimited mileage warranty).
And if you are patient, RM10,000 in savings could be had if you just wait for the CKD version of the Mazda 3. So whilst the Mazda 3 looks promising on paper, in terms of price, I'd wait awhile for the CKD version.
6 comments:
Given the ever closer price gap between C and D segment cars nowadays eg Corolla Altis 2.0V with 7 airbags and the Honda Accord 2.0Vti with bare 2 airbags (both cost about the same), do you think we should get the C segment with better safety spec or the entry level D segment?
I would just jump straight to the entry level D segment. Note that even with the entry level Honda Accord you get a whole lot of kit you actually need, not just gimmicks. The 2014 Honda Accord is a very nice drive and your social standing immediately goes up a few notches straightaway. If you bought an Altis within a few years you'd be thinking of going up another rung. Why bother when you can skip one level straightaway? This is where you want to be in the first place. It's like an Audi fan buying a VW and then still thinks of that Audi...or you buy a high end Tissot over an entry level Omega watch. The entry level Omega may be more satisfying in the long run.
I have 2 car choices in mind; one is the Mazda 3 which is a good drive but its a bit cramped at the back & at rm139k is costly for a C segment car.
The other is kia optima k5.. Its a gorgeous car with a lot of fun toys/features..its a D segment at almost rm150k. Of course its resale value is a minus point. Right now .. Leaning towards k5.
Any advice.
Thnx
Who actually wrote this...if ckd is only 10k cheaper might as well u just get the cbu n dont need to wait..if its ckd we expect they bring in the 1.5 and price at 90k below bcos i dont think many msian afford a c segment at 139k..those who afford would hv sumthing else in mind
I wrote this. And if you checked the prices of the current CKD Mazda 3 you'd notice that the top specced locally assembled metallic coloured Mazda 3 2.0 costs RM128,553.80 without insurance. This usually makes the car a good RM130,000 with insurance for those without NCB. So, it IS only RM10,000 cheaper over a locally assembled one.
Hi,
I'd advice you go get the newly launched Honda Accord 2.0VTI for RM139,000. The K5 is good but headroom is lacking because of the sunroof and somehow feels slightly less in terms of perceived quality and build. And if you want Korean, the i40 (which I have just tested) whilst pricier, is a fabulous car to drive.
Post a Comment