2025 Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus launched in Malaysia – similar kit to 2.0L High Plus but RM46k less; fr RM120k

Bermaz Motor has officially launched a new variant of the Mazda 3 called the 1.5L High Plus, which is offered in both sedan and hatchback (also referred to as the Liftback) body styles. This marks the return of a variant with a 1.5 litre engine, which was dropped when the Mazda 3 got updated back in October 2023.

Fully imported (CBU) from Japan like the other variants, the 1.5L High Plus retails for RM119,620 on-the-road without insurance. That makes it RM36,439 cheaper than the 2.0L High (RM156,059), which was the most affordable 2.0L variant of the Mazda 3 – this variant is now gone from the line-up. The gap to the 2.0L High Plus, which goes for RM166,059, is even larger at RM46,439. To widen the comparison scope even further, the previous 1.5L Mid was RM149,320 prior to its removal.

As the variant name suggests, the Mazda 3 1.5L High Plus offers more kit than the defunct 1.5L Mid. Looking at the spec sheets, the new offering is very similar to the existing 2.0L High Plus, with standard features being 18-inch alloy wheels (with 215/45 Bridgestone Turanza T005A tyres), LED headlamps with signature lighting, rain-sensing wipers as well as keyless entry and start. One difference is that the 1.5L High Plus doesn’t get the 2.0L High Plus’ powered sunroof.

Moving inside, you’ll find 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, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, eight-speakers and a wireless charging pad.

An ADAS suite is standard for the 1.5L High Plus, with available functions being 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).

Like the 2.0L High Plus, the 1.5L High Plus doesn’t come with front cross traffic alert, which isn’t present on any Mazda 3 variant aside from the hatchback-only 2.0L Ignite Edition. Seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee) continue to be the default across the Mazda 3 range. Front and rear parking sensors, along with a reverse camera are standard to help with parking.

In terms of the powertrain, the Skyactiv-G 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine is carried over from the 1.5L Mid. It continues to serve up 118 hp and 153 Nm of torque, which is less than the 2.0 litre mill rated at 162 hp and 213 Nm.

A Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine to send drive to the front wheels. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) is also here to maintain handling stability by varying engine torque in response to steering inputs, while also uses the brake to add direct yaw moment control.

2025 Mazda 3 spec sheet; click to enlarge

Colour options are unchanged from before and include Deep Crystal Blue, Snowflake White Pearl, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Platinum Quartz, Jet Black and Polymetal Gray. Like most Mazda passenger vehicles, a five-year/100,000-km warranty and free maintenance (includes labour, parts and lubricants) package comes with each purchase. Bermaz Motor also throws in Activ-e window film for the asking price.

If you want the Mazda 3 in 2.0L High Plus guise but can make do without a sunroof and larger-displacement engine, the 1.5L High Plus seems to be a good deal. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.