An eagle-eyed reader spotted that aside from the Mazda3 hatchback missing from Mazda Philippines’s vehicle line-up (it’s actually called a Sportback now), the CX-3 was also MIA. Well, we reached out to Steven Tan, the President of Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda in the country to get the scoop on the brand’s sub-compact crossover.
According to Mr. Tan, the CX-3 is still alive and well for the Philippine market. However, for the 2020 model year, they’ve reduced the number of variants from three to one. Previously, the CX-3 was available in Pro 2WD, Sport 2WD, and Activ AWD; now, it’s only available in the base Pro 2WD trim.
For those keeping track, the Philippine market 2020 CX-3 is actually the very same one that made its global debut way back in March of 2018. Aesthetically, the changes are quite subtle, limited only to the new horizontal grille slats—similar to what you see in the CX-9 and the rear lamps which get a new cylindrical-like detail. Being the Pro 2WD model, it (sadly) gets only halogen headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels. LED fog lights are standard, though.
Like the exterior, the CX-3’s interior sees only minor tweaks for 2020. For the first time ever, the Mazda’s smallest crossover gets a front arm rest that doubles as lidded storage and a rear center armrest with cup holders. The mechanical parking brake has also been swapped for an electric parking brake with auto brake hold. Now because this is the Pro 2WD, luxury features are slim pickings. The seats are covered in fabric and the air conditioning’s manual. However, you do get a leather steering wheel, a 7-inch MZD Connect infotainment (no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), and push-start/stop for the engine.
Mechanically though, the 2020 CX-3 does see a power bump compared to its predecessor. Its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine is now rated at 150 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque. The transmission remains a 6-speed automatic, but now come with paddle shifters.
It continues to ride on the very same suspension setup as before, but enhancements have been made to improve the shock and bump absorption. The steering system has also been retuned for better accuracy. Finally, thicker door panels, rear-door glass, headliner, and upgraded door seams additionally help provide a quieter and more refined cabin.
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 comes in four colors: Ceramic, Eternal Blue, Machine Gray, and Soul Red Crystal at a price of P 1,300,000 (that’s a P 20,000 price bump compared to before).
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