Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus debuts in Malaysia at RM121k

Mazda Malaysia has expanded its Mazda 3 lineup with a new, more affordable 1.5-litre High Plus variant. According to the official Mazda Malaysia website, the 1.5L High Plus is priced at RM120,620 on-the-road without insurance, which is RM1,000 more than its launch price. This fully-imported model is available as both a sedan and a hatchback, which Mazda calls a 'Liftback', at no extra cost for either body style.

The introduction of this variant creates a significant price gap within the High Plus trim. The 1.5L model is RM45,439 cheaper than its 2.0L High Plus counterpart, which retains a price of RM166,059. A previous 2.0 High Sedan variant, priced at RM156,059, has been removed from the lineup.

Powertrain and Performance

The primary compromise for the lower price is engine output. The 1.5L High Plus is equipped with a Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine producing 118 horsepower and 153 Newton-metres of torque. This is notably less than the 2.0-litre engine found in other variants, which delivers 162 hp and 213 Nm. Both engines are paired with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, and both feature i-Stop idle start-stop and G-Vectoring Control Plus as standard.

Standard Equipment and Features

Beyond the engine, the equipment list between the 1.5L and 2.0L High Plus models is nearly identical. The sole other omission on the 1.5L car is a powered sunroof. Standard features shared across both variants are extensive.

They include 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R18 tyres, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry. Inside, the cabin features a seven-inch instrument cluster display, dual-zone climate control, and a coloured head-up display projected onto the windshield. The driver gets a 10-way powered seat with memory function, and the interior is trimmed in leather.

Infotainment is handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, supported by an eight-speaker audio system. Safety is bolstered by seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and standard systems like ABS and stability control.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The Mazda 3's advanced driver assistance suite is also fully standard on the 1.5L High Plus. This package includes steering-responsive headlamps, auto high beam, and blind spot monitoring. It also features rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and a driver attention alert system.

Front and rear autonomous emergency braking, branded as Smart Brake Support, is included. The car is also equipped with Mazda Radar Cruise Control that supports stop-and-go functionality, along with Cruising & Traffic Support.

Warranty and Colour Options

Every Mazda 3 purchase includes a five-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty and a complimentary maintenance package covering labour, parts, and lubricants. Activ-e window tint film is also provided. The 1.5L High Plus is available in five paint colours: Soul Red Crystal, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray, Jet Black, and Machine Gray. Three additional shades-Ceramic Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue, and Snowflake White Pearl-are exclusive to the more expensive 2.0-litre variants.

The following table compares the key specifications and pricing of the available Mazda 3 High Plus variants in Malaysia: