A source from Bermaz, Mazda's official distributor in Malaysia, has revealed that the locally-assembled (CKD) Mazda3 is heading towards a March launch, with the hatchback variant being added to the line-up too.

According to an earlier report, Bermaz has already test-assembled eight units of the Mazda3 at the Kulim, Kedah plant; as a result of local assembly, the C-segmenter is expected to cost under RM 100,000 (US$ 27,900) for the mid-spec variant and under RM 120,000 for the high-spec, considerably undercutting the RM 139,000 asked for the current CBU sedan, which is in mid-spec trim.

The 2.0 litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine and six-speed auto are expected to be carried over (rumoured plans for the sub-RM 90,000 1.5-litre variant are said to be shelved, so as not to eat into Mazda2 sales).

It remains to be seen if features like the central rev counter-digital speedo instrument layout, head-up display, dual-zone air-con and cruise control feature on the high-spec variant, of if the mid-spec variant will lose anything in CKD translation.

Differentiating the hatchback from the sedan, apart from the obvious body style, is a black rear diffuser-like element, out of which poke twin tailpipes. The hatch is 120 mm shorter than the sedan, but shares the same cabin dimensions. The boot holds 308 litres compared to the sedan's 408.

In Japan and Australia, the hatch and sedan are priced the same, spec-for-spec - like how it is with Mazda2 hatch and sedan currently in Malaysian market. It remains to be seen if the same thing happens with the CKD Mazda3.