In the Malaysian SUV market, many buyers compare the Proton X70 and Mazda CX-3 when selecting a car. These two cars are quite close in terms of price and positioning, so today we will conduct a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to help you save time on research.
The OTR price of the Proton X70 in Malaysia is RM 106,800 - 122,300, with a total of 3 versions, including 1.5L Standard 2WD (RM 106,800), 1.5L Executive 2WD (RM 115,800), 1.5L Premium 2WD (RM 122,300), etc.
The OTR price of the Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia is RM 126,159 - 139,159, with a total of 2 versions, including 2023 2.0L High (RM 139,159), 2023 2.0L Plus (RM 126,159), etc.
Looking at the price, the Proton X70's starting price is indeed RM 19,359 cheaper than the Mazda CX-3. If your budget is limited, Proton's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. However, it is also worth noting that the few thousand Ringgit saved might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific needs.

Proton X70 comes with a 1.5L Turbo, 140 hp power. Official fuel consumption is 7.0 L/100km.
Mazda CX-3 comes with a 1.5L Turbo, 140 hp power. Official fuel consumption is 7.0 L/100km.
Both cars use the same powertrain system, so the driving experience is basically the same. Fuel consumption is also about the same, so there is no need to worry too much about this point.

The safety rating of the Proton X70 is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), active safety systems include ADAS (ACC, AEB, LKA, LDA, BSM, RCTA).
The safety rating of the Mazda CX-3 is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), active safety systems include i-Activsense.
Both cars have the same safety rating. In this class, safety features are considered quite comprehensive. New cars generally have good safety nowadays, so there is no need to worry too much about this point.

Proton X70 warranty 5 years/150,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.
Mazda CX-3 warranty 5 years/150,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.
Both cars have the same warranty conditions, so no need to worry too much about this aspect. Actual maintenance costs depend on the brand's service network and parts prices. It is recommended to ask real owners in car enthusiast groups for their experience.
Overall, both Proton X70 and Mazda CX-3 are very good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends mainly on your personal needs and budget. We recommend doing your research, compare quotes from several dealerships, and then go for a test drive to make the final decision. Buying a car is a big matter, spending a bit of time on research will never be a mistake.