Mazda CX3 made its appearance in Vietnam in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross almost dominated the compact SUV segment, leaving Mazda’s model in a quiet state. Currently, there are not many 2021 CX3 models available in the used car market.
Mazda CX3 is considered the crossover version of the compact hatchback Mazda 2. Therefore, it is not surprising that the CX3 model has limited space in the second row. This is not a major concern for female customers, who are petite and the main target group for this model. Mazda CX3 still has its appeal due to its stylish exterior, a common advantage of Mazda models.
Using the same design language as other Mazda models, the CX3’s cabin does not have a breakthrough in design and layout. This might make Mazda fans feel familiar when stepping into the car, but it may seem monotonous for those who prefer something new. On the other hand, the physical buttons are intuitively arranged, making it easy for novice drivers to operate.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter SkyActiv engine with 110 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter engine is a popular choice in the current compact SUV segment, with moderate fuel consumption and low maintenance costs. In the Mazda CX3, the car features a Sport mode with paddle shifters, allowing the driver to easily control the car with excitement.
Although the engine specifications are not too impressive, in Sport mode, the CX3 operates with a slight noise, and the engine’s sound can be heard clearly in the cabin, creating an exciting driving experience.
The 2021 CX3 model does not have active safety systems, but this is not a major concern for the main target group, which is mainly females.
At the time of launch, the Luxury version of the Mazda CX3 was priced at 669 million VND, but now the car is priced at only 545 million VND, which is a good price compared to competitors like the Kia Seltos (608 million VND for the 1.4 Luxury version). On the other hand, the Korean model attracts customers with its spacious interior and more features and amenities.
