Verdict
The MG S5 is the stronger case on paper: its 168 hp, 250 Nm rear motor, 49 kWh battery and 340 km range arrive in a body 201 mm longer with a 160 mm longer wheelbase, while its 453-litre boot beats the Mazda CX-3’s 350 litres. It also adds seven airbags and autonomous braking. The CX-3 counters with a power driver’s seat with memory, head-up display and a space-saver spare. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging, the S5’s 120 kW DC charging and RM3,452 lower entry cost make it the pick; the Mazda suits those who prefer petrol.
Pick the Mazda CX-3 if you want a petrol SUV with a power memory driver’s seat, head-up display and a space-saver spare tyre.
Pick the MG S5 if you can charge an EV and want more power, a 340 km claimed range, a larger boot and more active safety kit for less money.
Key differences
- Power and torque: Mazda CX-3 has 114 hp and 149 Nm; MG S5 has 168 hp and 250 Nm.
- Energy storage: Mazda CX-3 has a 48-litre petrol tank; MG S5 has a 49 kWh battery and 340 km EV range.
- Size: Mazda CX-3 is 4,275 mm long on a 2,570 mm wheelbase; MG S5 is 4,476 mm long on a 2,730 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-3 has 350 litres; MG S5 has 453 litres.
- Airbags: Mazda CX-3 has 2 airbags; MG S5 has 7 airbags.
- Manufacturer warranty: Mazda CX-3 gets 5 years/100,000 km; MG S5 gets 7 years/150,000 km.
CX-3
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.
- Head-up display and Commander-control infotainment knob.
- Space-saver spare tyre.
- Only 114 hp and 149 Nm, against the MG S5’s 168 hp and 250 Nm.
- 350-litre boot is 103 litres smaller than the MG S5’s.
- Two airbags and no autonomous braking, versus seven airbags and autonomous braking in the MG S5.
S5
- 168 hp, 250 Nm rear motor and 340 km claimed EV range.
- 453-litre boot, 2,730 mm wheelbase and multi-link rear suspension.
- Seven airbags, autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control.
- Fabric manual front seats, where the CX-3 has a power driver’s seat with memory.
- Tyre repair kit instead of the CX-3’s space-saver spare tyre.
- No rear wiper, while the CX-3 has a 10-inch rear wiper.
What the CX-3 has over the S5
What the S5 has over the CX-3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The S5's wheelbase is 160 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The S5 is 84 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the S5: 453 litres against 350.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM107,920 | RM104,468✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,100/mo | RM1,065/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,085 | RM2,964✓ |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | — | RM1,281 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | — | RM6.40 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | — | RM21,823 |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | — | 7.0 hours |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | — | 30 min |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 114 hp at 6,000 rpm | — |
| Torque | 149 Nm at 4,000 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 168 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 250 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 49 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 340 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 7 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 120 kW |
| V2L | — | 2.5 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Sport mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.0 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,275 mm | 4,476 mm |
| Width | 1,765 mm | 1,849 mm |
| Height | 1,535 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,730 mm |
| Weight | 1,301 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 48 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 350 litres | 453 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Bridgestone Turanza T005 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | 22 inch | 24 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | 18 inch | 16 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | 10 inch | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloys | 17" Black Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control | — |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory function | Fabric; Six-way Manual Driver Seat, Four-way Manual Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 1 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 8.0" Touchscreen MZD Connect Infotainment System with Commander Control Knob, Bluetooth, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Manual |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 7 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | Battery pack 8-yr/180,000 km; motor control unit 8-yr/160,000 km |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used CX-3 & S5 for sale
Our reviews & guides
Mazda CX-3
CX-3 vs S5 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-3 or MG S5 better?
The MG S5 is the better-equipped and more spacious choice, with more power, a 453-litre boot, seven airbags and autonomous braking. Choose the Mazda CX-3 instead only if petrol operation, a power memory seat, head-up display and a spare tyre matter more.
What is the price difference?
The MG S5 costs RM3,452 less: RM104,468 versus RM107,920 for the Mazda CX-3.
Can the MG S5 power external electrical equipment?
Yes. The MG S5 has 2.5 kW vehicle-to-load capability, while the Mazda CX-3 has no V2L function.
How long does charging take?
The S5's 49.0 kWh battery takes about 7.0 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 30 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 120 kW peak.
Which one is locally assembled?
The S5 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the CX-3 is fully imported (CBU) from Japan. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.
Which has the better warranty?
The S5 carries a 7-year manufacturer warranty against 5 years for the CX-3. CX-3: 5-year/100,000 km Free Service. S5: Battery pack 8-yr/180,000 km; motor control unit 8-yr/160,000 km.