The alarm bells are already ringing for the Robins after just two games of the new season.
They were undone 3-0 at home by Ipswich on the opening day and fared little better in the Welsh capital, with manager Keith Millen no doubt growing increasingly concerned by the soft nature in which his side are shipping goals.
Unmarked skipper Mark Hudson headed Cardiff ahead, Craig Conway added a sweet second before fellow summer signing Robert Earnshaw tapped-in from close range to make it three-nil after just 36 minutes - his first goal back in Bluebirds colours since departing in 2004.
The clash was certainly a much quieter affair after the break and Nicky Maynard, who continues to be linked with a move away from Ashton Gate, got off the mark for the season with a late consolation.
Bristol City last lost their first two matches of a league season 15 years ago while Cardiff, a short hop over Severn Bridge, are celebrating back-to-back opening league victories for the first time in nine years.
The Bluebirds enjoyed a great start to life under Malky Mackay as they triumphed 1-0 at promotion favourites West Ham on the opening day, and the Scot kept faith with the same starting XI from Upton Park.
His plans, did however, suffer an early blow as midfielder Aron Gunnarsson was forced off due to injury, replaced by fellow new-boy Joe Mason.
But if the substitution forced an unwanted reshuffle then it was not apparent to the 22,639 present as Cardiff continued where they left off against the Hammers - as did the visitors.
Conway sent a cross in from the left and Hudson, unmarked six yards out, was left with a simple downward header.
The hosts went straight on the offensive and Kenny Miller, Earnshaw and Anthony Gerrard all went close before Conway followed up his assist with a quickfire goal of his own, stroking a superb 20-yard effort across David James and into the bottom corner.
Bristol City's only consolation could be taken from last year's corresponding fixture in which they were two-nil ahead before eventually losing 3-2.
But they threw away their chance of getting back into the game when Brett Pitman somehow fired an open goal against the crossbar from close range when it appeared easier to score.
And they were made to pay when Earnshaw was presented with an easy tap-in for Cardiff's third after James had saved from Don Cowie.
The visitors emerged for the second half desperate to regain some pride and they did stem the tide although a comeback was never on the cards.
Cardiff continued to probe, without troubling James, but appeared to have taken their foot off the gas somewhat.
And it was left for Maynard to have the final say in the 82nd minute with a well-taken finish from the right side of the penalty area.
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