Bermaz’s Mazda 3 drives to new high – H1 2026 sales up 756%, waiting period shortened as Malaysia wins more allocation from Japan

Sales of the Mazda 3 in Malaysia jumped a shocking 756% year-on-year, from 308 units in first half of 2025 to 2,632 units in the same 6-month period this year.

70% of Mazda 3’s sales are contributed by the 1.5G variant, was re-introduced in November 2025 in High Plus specification and at a significantly reduced price. The model now sells for of RM 120,620, down from RM 149,320.

Sharp-eyed readers may notice that the RM 120,620 price for the 1.5G High Plus is higher than what they remember. They are correct.

Effective 1-July 2026, Bermaz has revised the price up by RM 1,000, from RM 119,620 to RM 120,620. It’s a fair adjustment, considering that there waiting period for the Mazda 3 had stretched up to 6 months, and even with the slightly higher price, the Mazda 3 1.5G High Plus’ value proposition remains unchanged.

No other car in its class matches the Japan-made Mazda 3’s expensive interior – especially that digital multi-function display on the instrumental panel that’s meticulously designed to be indistinguishable from an analogue dial, plus controls with spot-on ergonomics.

The complex curves on the Mazda 3’s body, curves that allows it to manipulate light reflection as the car moves, is extremely expensive to stamp and can only be done by Mazda.

The Mazda 3’s paintwork quality is equalled only by a Lexus.

Bermaz has also secured significantly more allocations of the Mazda 3 from Japan. Customer waiting period has been reduced from 6 months to almost nil.

Sales of the Mazda 3 have averaged around 680 units per month (in the last 3 months), but Bermaz say Mazda has increased its shipment to Malaysia to around 600 units per month.

First launched in Malaysia in July 2019, the Mazda 3 is a late bloomer in Malaysia, achieving success in ways that even the local distributor Bermaz Motor had not expected.

It remains one of the last good cars that has the right mix of analogue driving experience and modern digital technology, with decent comfort and convenience features that allow you drive it daily.

The Mazda 3 is a driver-centric car, with no unnecessarily large screens or intrusive bing-bong ADAS that annoy more than assist, and most importantly, it is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today, even after 7 years. This proves that it’s a design that represents timeless beauty and emotion.

Prices of 2026 Mazda 3:

• 1.5G Liftback High Plus: RM 120,620
• 1.5G Sedan High Plus: RM 120,620
• 2.0G Liftback High Plus: RM 166,059
• 2.0G Sedan High Plus: RM 166,059
• 2.0G Liftback Ignite Edition: RM 175,059

Apart from the engine, the only difference between the 1.5G High Plus and 2.0G High Plus variants is the sunroof.

All Mazda 3 variants get the following features:

• LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and Signature illumination
• Full suite of i-ActiveSense driving assistance, including ACC with Stop&Go, AEB, and rear cross-traffic alert
• 7 airbags
• 8-speaker audio system
• 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2 memory positions
• Leather upholstery (Black for sedan, Burgundy for hatchback)
• 7-inch digital multi-info display instrument panel
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Like all models sold by Bermaz, the Mazda 3 comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and 5-year/100,000 km free maintenance, inclusive of parts and labour.