Holding A Showroom Pen? Freeze Your SUV Deposit Until You See Mazda's Booth At KLIMS 2026

Mazda CX-60 was first previewed locally at KLIMS 2024.

Think you’ve finalized your short-list for your next premium family upgrade? You might want to put that deposit money back in your pocket for just a few more days.

With the gates of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2026) ready to swing open from June 12-21 at MITEC, Bermaz Motor has officially confirmed a double-barreled assault that is going to make a lot of current SUV buyers trace back their steps.

Third-gen Mazda CX-5 shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

Instead of just rolling out minor cosmetic facelifts, Mazda is bringing a completely reimagined, larger third-generation Mazda CX-5 preview alongside a pure mechanical powerhouse: the range-topping Mazda CX-60 3.3G AWD.

Here is why you should hold off on locking down your new vehicle booking until you see these two Japanese heavyweights in the flesh.

1. The CX-5 Finally Fixed Its Biggest Flaw: Space

If you passed on the previous-generation CX-5, it was almost certainly because of the tight rear legroom. Mazda listened. The all-new, third-generation Mazda CX-5 has gone through a massive growth spurt.

Measuring 4,690 mm long (+140 mm) and 1,860 mm wide (+20 mm), the critical metric is the extended 2,815 mm wheelbase, which stretches out an extra 115 mm compared to the old model. This completely changes the rear cabin architecture, giving families the genuine breathing room they've been asking for.

Visual identifiers are completely fresh too, the iconic circular rear emblem is gone, replaced by clean, modern "MAZDA" block lettering spaced out across the tailgate, while a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen completely dominates the newly minimalist interior dashboard.

2. A Bizarre, Genius Two-Generation Showroom Trick

Here is an interesting plot twist for your car-shopping budget: when the third-generation CX-5 previews at KLIMS 2026, it will kick off initially as a fully imported (CBU) model from Japan with a premium 2.5L engine.

But if that CBU price tag feels a bit rich, you don’t have to walk out of the showroom. Bermaz will continue to sell the locally assembled (CKD) second-generation 2.0L model right alongside it. Having two entirely different generations of the same nameplate sharing space gives you a direct, real-world choice between entry-level local value and top-tier Japanese refinement.

3. The CX-60 Brings a 3.3L Straight-Six Rebellion

While the MITEC show floor is dominated by a quiet, uniform wave of full electrification and tiny, boosted engines, Mazda is staging a magnificent mechanical rebellion. Enter the newly finalized, inline-six powered Mazda CX-60 3.3G AWD High Plus.

This isn't a subtle trim update; it is a full-scale performance flagship built on a premium, front-engine longitudinal, rear-biased all-wheel-drive architecture. Under the hood sits a massive 3.3-litre turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt M Hybrid Boost mild hybrid system, sending a brutal 284 PS and 450 Nm of torque through an internally developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

4. Premium Luxury Without the European Price Tax

The standard CX-60 2.5L 2WD baseline sits comfortingly at RM200,510.40. This new 3.3L straight-six monster bumps the price to RM252,872.80 on-the-road without insurance, according to figures published by Paul Tan.

Yes, that is a premium of exactly RM52,362.40. But look closely at what that cash actually buys you:

• A butter-smooth turbocharged inline-six powertrain layout.
• Advanced i-Activ AWD with a dedicated Off-road driving mode and Hill Descent Control.
• Ultra-premium Tan or Pure White Nappa leather upholstery options.
• Upgraded 10-way power front passenger adjustments alongside high-end front seat ventilation.
• Exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels finished in deep black metallic or machined black styling.

When compared against premium German or European compact luxury SUVs that easily clear the RM320k line for identical straight-six driving dynamics, Mazda’s new flagship is an absolute steal.

If you are currently shopping with a budget between RM150k and RM260k, signing a booking form before visiting the Mazda booth at MITEC this June 12-21 is an absolute gamble. Wait, sit in the upgraded cabins, and feel the materials first.