Mazda CX-5 facelift, Mazda 3 CKD arriving in March, Mazda 6 CKD to start with facelifted

Along with the upcoming Mazda CX-3, local distributor Bermaz has its 2015 calendar full of a slew of other new products in the pipeline, according to the same investor’s report by CIMB.

First up is the facelifted Mazda CX-5, which made its debut in Los Angeles along with the CX-3 in November. Mazda’s refreshed C-segment crossover is set to make reach our shores as early as March or April, two years after the current car (which made up 49.1% of Mazda’s sales in Malaysia in the first half of the 2014/15 financial year) went on sale here in February 2013.

Exterior changes include new head- and tail lights, grille inserts, fog lights and wheels, while the cabin receives upgraded switchgear, upholstery and trim, an electronic parking brake, redesigned seat structures and the MZD Connect infotainment system. The engine, suspension and drivetrain have all been tweaked for reduced noise, a flatter ride and improved fuel economy.

Possibly joining the CX-5 will be the locally-assembled Mazda 3, which is also slated to be introduced in March (it was originally estimated to arrive in the third quarter of 2014), with Bermaz already test assembling eight units at Inokom’s Kulim plant.

With increased localisation and incentives from the Industrial Adjustment Fund, the CKD 3 is expected to cost considerably less than before – under RM110k for the mid-spec 2.0 litre model and under RM120k for the high-spec variant, compared to RM138,935 OTR for the current CBU car. Bermaz is said to be dropping plans for the sub-RM90k 1.5 litre model, in order to avoid cannibalising sales of the upcoming Mazda 2.

Last but not least is the CKD Mazda 6 which is finally set to make its market introduction in the third quarter of this year. CIMB notes that Bermaz will kick off local assembly with the facelifted model also unveiled in LA, which gets some exterior updates, a thoroughly-revised interior and improved NVH levels.

Prices will reportedly drop by between RM10k-RM20k over current CBU models, which are currently priced at RM159,455 and RM189,728 OTR for the 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre sedans respectively.

- Source: paultan.