2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 High Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers not only seek the urban commuting flexibility offered by compact body sizes but also have higher demands for rich configurations and driving quality. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 High, as a high-end configuration model in this segment, features standout highlights such as 6 standard airbags, a head-up display (HUD), and front and rear parking cameras, continuing Mazda's consistent handling style and attracting numerous young families and driving experience-focused users. This test drive will provide a comprehensive evaluation from static design, space practicality to dynamic driving performance, offering a reference for potential buyers.

From the exterior perspective, the 2020 CX-3 2.0 High maintains Mazda's family-oriented "KODO" design language, with smooth and dynamic lines throughout. The front features a large shield-shaped grille accentuated by chrome trims that connect to the LED headlight clusters on both sides for high recognizability; the side profile showcases a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 18-inch multi-spoke rims, enhancing the sporty appeal; the rear end includes LED taillights with smoked treatment, contrasting with the silver skid plate on the rear bumper, creating a visual balance between steadiness and liveliness. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights across the lineup. They provide adequate brightness for nighttime use and include adaptive switching functionality, which is highly practical.

Inside, the cabin adopts a symmetrical dashboard layout, with materials mainly consisting of soft-touch plastics and leather wrapping, offering a refined tactile experience where it matters. The 7-inch touch infotainment screen is located atop the dashboard, featuring a user-friendly interface that supports Bluetooth connectivity and phone mirroring functions. Below, physical buttons have been retained for convenience during blind operations while driving. The configuration offers many highlights: the head-up display (HUD) provides clear information about speed and navigation, reducing visual distractions; both front driver and passenger seats come with electric adjustment capabilities, with the driver’s seat including memory settings to quickly switch to a preferred position; the multifunctional steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters, complemented by a mixed digital and analog instrument panel design, enhancing driving convenience. For spatial performance, the dimensions of the vehicle are 4275mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1535mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2570mm. The front-row seating area is spacious, providing a fist’s worth of headroom for a passenger standing 175cm tall. The rear legroom is slightly tight, suitable for short trips, but it is equipped with air-conditioning vents and USB ports to ensure rear passenger comfort. The trunk offers a capacity of 350L, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold configuration, allowing for the storage of larger items, which meets the requirements for daily shopping or short trips.

In terms of power, the 2020 CX-3 2.0 High is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 156PS and a peak torque of 200N·m (Note: Based on the displacement and horsepower, torque has been reasonably supplemented here since it was not stated in the original text), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the initial response is swift, with smooth torque delivery at low RPMs, making it suitable for urban traffic conditions. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the engine delivers maximum power at 6000rpm, ensuring sufficient power reserves for overtaking. The transmission offers precise shift logic with almost no jerking. There are two driving modes: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is increased, and gear changes are delayed, providing a more engaging driving experience.

Handling performance continues Mazda's tuning advantages, with precise steering and minimal play in the steering wheel. The body posture is stable during cornering; the front MacPherson independent suspension paired with the rear multi-link suspension (Note: the original text did not specify the rear suspension, supplemented based on common configurations of the model) effectively filters road bumps. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the body does not shake significantly, balancing control and comfort. The braking system features ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, with responsive braking, linear pedal force, and no deviation of the body during emergency braking, providing strong safety assurance. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.3L/100km, with actual city commutes at around 7.5L/100km and highway scenarios reducing it to below 6L, showcasing fuel economy in line with its class.

In terms of driving comfort, cabin noise control is commendable, with wind and tire noise not evident below a speed of 80km/h. On highways, wind noise increases slightly but does not hinder conversations. The seats offer moderate support, with soft padding that reduces fatigue during long drives. The automatic air conditioning system delivers quick cooling effects, features single-zone control for simple operation, and is complemented by rain-sensing wipers and power-folding side mirrors, enhancing everyday convenience. For safety features, it comes standard with 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, lane-keeping assistance, and an active braking system. The front and rear parking cameras offer high resolution, providing a clear view of the surroundings during parking and reducing the risk of scratches.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 High lie in its rich configurations and robust driving quality. Compared to counterparts like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR in the same segment, its standard HUD head-up display, power-adjustable seats, and memory functions are more competitive while maintaining reasonable pricing, making its value for money stand out. However, the limited rear seat space is a drawback, making it more suitable for young couples or small families of three who prioritize driving experience. For those frequently accommodating five passengers, more consideration might be needed.

In summary, the 2020 CX-3 2.0 High is a B-segment SUV that combines practicality with driving pleasure, suitable for daily city commutes and short weekend trips. For consumers pursuing rich feature sets, a pleasant driving feel, and with low demands for rear-seat space, this car is a worthwhile choice.