2025 Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus open for booking in Malaysia – RM120k est; ADAS, wireless Apple CarPlay

Bermaz Motor has begun accepting bookings for the Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus, which will be offered in both sedan and hatchback (or Liftback) body styles, both estimated at RM119,620 on-the-road without insurance. This marks the return of a 1.5L option, which was dropped when the Mazda 3 got updated back in October 2023.

As the name suggests, the 1.5L High Plus is a step above the previous 1.5L Mid, although we’re not getting a full spec sheet for now. Referring to postings by local dealers, deliveries of the new variant are expected to commence in September. It is claimed to come with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED signature lighting, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers as well as keyless entry and start (with walk-away auto lock).

Inside, there is a seven-inch instrument cluster display, paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), a powered driver’s seat (with memory function), leather seat upholstery, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay (and presumably wired Android Auto) support, eight-speakers and a wireless charging pad. Other mentionable features include a reverse camera, seven airbags and G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus).

A full ADAS suite is also welcomed – the previous 1.5 Mid had none – and includes features such as steering-responsive headlamps (AFS), auto high beam (HBC), blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, front and rear autonomous emergency braking (Smart Brake Support), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS).

Under the bonnet, the 1.5L High Plus carries over the 1.5L Mid’s Skyactiv-G 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 118 hp and 153 Nm of torque. Also familiar is the Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the front wheels.

The October 2023 update brought with it a number of notable improvements to non-Ignite Edition variants, including USB-C ports instead of USB-A, the aforementioned 10.25-inch infotainment display, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay support, (MRCC) with stop and go function as well as CTS.

If the spec sheet local dealers are advertising is true, the 1.5L High Plus seems to be a good deal if you’re in the market for a Mazda 3 – fully-imported (CBU) from Japan – and want the High Plus’ features, but can make do without the 2.0 litre NA four-pot petrol engine with 162 hp and 213 Nm.

The most affordable 2.0L variant of the Mazda 3 currently available is the 2.0L High, which is only offered as a sedan priced at RM156,059. As such, the 1.5L High Plus is RM36,439 cheaper and gets more kit than the 2.0L High, with the only (if you care) downside being the smaller-displacement engine.

The 1.5L High Plus looks to be comparable, in terms of equipment, to the 2.0L High Plus, which is also available in two body styles. The latter retails for RM166,059, which is RM46,439 more than the 1.5L High Plus, but again, it gets the 2.0 litre engine. Also worth pointing out the estimated price is less than the 1.5 Mid, which was launched way back in July 2019 at RM139,620.

As with most Mazda models, the 1.5L High Plus comes with a five-year, 100,000-km warranty and free maintenance package. Also included is Activ-e window tint, and buyers will get to choose from seven colours: Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal. Polymetal Grey, Deep Crystal Blue, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black and Platinum Quartz.

We’ll have more information when the 1.5L High Plus is officially launched. For now, you can register your interest and share your thoughts on whether the new variant is worth it in the comments below.