KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — The latest-generation Mazda3 SkyActiv, launched last year as a fully-imported vehicle, is on transition to becoming a locally-assembled model. Following the footsteps of its predecessor, the new Mazda3 is set to roll out from the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, where the CX-5 is also being built.

To put the record straight, the very first Mazda to be assembled at the Inokom plant was the previous model Mazda 3 — the CX-5 followed much later, first rolling out in mid 2014.

The new completely knocked-down (CKD) Mazda3 is mechanically identical to its Japan-built siblings, being powered by the 162hp/210Nm 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol direct injection engine mated with a SkyActiv 6-speed automatic transmission.

In line with the fuel-saving objectives of Mazda’s SkyActiv technology, the engine is equipped with i-Stop idle start/stop as standard, although the i-Eloop regenerative braking system previously available in the CBU car has been dropped.

The pleasant surprise that will go down well with would-be Mazda 3 buyers, and probably create a new wave of interest amongst car buyers in the same segment which covers the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis, with Mazda 3 CKD prices starting from as low as an estimated RM103,000 for the base Mid-trim sedan to the highest all-the-bells-and-whistles variant at an estimated RM125,000.

The base Mid-trim variant already offers push-button Start, 16-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, and Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment. To top it off, it also comes with Mazda’s MZD Connect Infotainment system which includes a 7-inch Touchscreen, USB, Bluetooth and Reverse Camera.

The Mazda 3’s very attractive range price is clearly going to allow the model to take a hefty swipe at the incumbents in the segment; in fact, it may also spark some interest form buyers who would otherwise have been looking at the likes of the Kia K3 Cerato and the Hyundai Elantra – in one fell swoop, Mazda is looking at picking the ‘low-lying fruits’ whilst eyeing the top of the tree too.

To add more flavour and choices for the Malaysian motoring public, Mazda shall be adding a five-door hatchback variant to the range, positioning itself as the middle-child of the line-up at an estimated price of RM119,000.

Additional equipment of this variant comes in the form of single-zone auto climate control, satellite navigation, paddle shifters, self-leveling auto bi-xenon headlamps, Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS), LED tail lamps, daytime running lights, and keyless entry.

The High Spec sedan sits at the top of the pile, which, at RM125,000 still represents excellent value for money simply because its equipment list far exceeds even the more expensive CBU model, now discontinued, but was previously offered at RM139,000.

New goodies on board include auto cruise, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto wipers, heads-up display, High Beam Control System (HBC), Smart City Brake System (SCBS), Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM), and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

Already an excellent car to start with, the Mazda3 looks set to be a sure winner thanks to its almost unbeatable combination of price and sheer value-for-money offered in all three variants. Rivals will certainly be forced into a rethink of their approach in this segment to counter this remarkably competitive vehicle. To further sweeten the deal, Bermaz takes the initial maintenance costs off you by bundling in a 3-year/60,000km free service package.