After Malaysia, Mazda CX-3 to Launch in Philippines

MANILA: Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact SUV that is getting ready to settle down in the Philippines auto sector. Yes, it's true, a new crossover is about to come, so all the future prospective buyers can wait a little bit longer because this new Mazda kid is small in stature and ranks high on performance.

It's been two years, since Mazda CX 3 made its first global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and since then we have seen this car in many other auto shows. The car was recently seen knocking the Thailand and Malaysian auto doors, where it made itself officially available from 10th November and 8th December 2015 respectively. Now the Mazda ship is known to turn towards Philippines and is expected to reach our shores till mid-2016. Thus, making ours the third ASEAN country to get Mazda's new gem.

Like the Malaysian-spec, the Philippines model too will come all the way from Hiroshima, Japan, i.e. Mazda's main manufacturing plant. The car is also produced in Thailand but there is no confirmation whether we'll get the one produced in the Thai market. The chances of a Made in Thailand Mazda CX-3 further gets scarce as the plant is unable to meet 40% local requirement.

Coming to the specification part, Mazda CX-3, like Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-5, is powered with a 2.0-litre mill. However, it's the sedan (Mazda 3) that comes out to be most powerful of all with 162 hp of power and 210 Nm of torque. Second on chart ranks CX-3 engine that effortlessly generates 154 hp @ 6000 rpm along with 204 Nm @ 2800 rpm. Leaving the CX-5 with lowest figures of 154 hp and 198 Nm.

Mazda's new crossover is a perfect alternative to Honda HR-V, and will also give a stiff competition to the recently up for sale Nissan Juke. As for pricing, Mazda officials says that CX-3 price will be a bit more than that of currently available Ford Ecosport. In the Malaysian market, Mazda CX-3 price starts from PhP 1,420,612, making it an expensive buy.

Read More: Nissan Ph Adds eleven more dealerships across the country