Launched in 2015 as a 2016 model, the CX-3 is Mazda's first foray into the subcompact crossover SUV segment and judging from the vehicle's reception so far the Japanese automaker has a winner on its hands. The CX-3 looks good, is fun to drive, fuel-efficient and well-equipped. Based on the same platform as the Mazda2 small hatchback, the CX-3 is not as spacious as some competitors, but it offers optional all-wheel drive and the brand's latest SkyActiv fuel-saving technologies. It's clearly worth considering if you're looking for a sporty, stylish and economical small crossover.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Fun To Drive
- Stylish Looks
- High-Quality Interior
- Excellent Fuel Economy
Recommended Versions
- Mazda Cx-3 2.0 (U.s.)
- Mazda Cx-3 1.5 Diesel (Europe)
- Mazda Cx-3 1.5 Diesel (Europe)
Cons
Weak Points
- Suspension Is Too Firm
- Below-Average Cargo Capacity
- Quite Expensive
- Only One Engine Choice (U.s.)
Stay Away From
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- There Have Been No Recalls For The Mazda Cx-3 So Far
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
Mazda only offers one engine in the United States, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit rated at 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. There's a single transmission choice as well, a six-speed auto. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Mazda offers an all-wheel-drive system as an option on all trims. The engine delivers quicker than average acceleration for the segment (0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds) and surprisingly low fuel consumption. It doesn't sound great over 4,000 rpm, but it gets the job done. European markets also get a lower-powered 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 120 PS (118 hp), as well as a 1.5-liter diesel with 105 PS (104 hp).
Handling
The small Japanese crossover is probably the most fun to drive model in the mainstream subcompact crossover segment. The sports-tuned suspension, accurate steering and quick response from the engine and transmission convey confidence to the driver. It may look like a Mazda2 on stilts to some, but the truth is it handles just as good. The suspension is rather firm, though, so you might want to take it for a test drive before making a decision about buying one.
Safety
The Mazda CX-3 hasn't been assessed for safety in North America, but across the pond, Euro NCAP has tested it. The small crossover received a four-star overall rating, with the protection offered to adult occupants rated at 85%, child occupants 79%, pedestrians 84%, and safety assist 64%. The CX-3 didn't get the top rating because of the weak protection offered to rear passengers' chests in frontal impacts and poor protection for their necks in case of a rear impact.
Interior
Comfort
Getting a decent balance between good handling characteristics and ride comfort means you need to avoid the 18-inch alloys and go for the smallest available wheels (16-inch). The ride will still be firm for some tastes, but more acceptable for all tastes. The CX-3's front seats deliver excellent comfort for the segment, but rear passenger comfort depends on who is sitting in front – things can get cramped in the back if tall people occupy the front seats. Rear visibility suffers because of the thick C-pillars, and some reviewers complained of the amount of engine noise that enters the cabin.
Quality
The Mazda CX-3's cabin is one of the finest in the segment, thanks to quality materials and modern layout. The dashboard has a minimalist look, with few buttons and switches and clean surfaces. Soft-touch plastics and leather trim can be found on higher trims, but there are some cheap-feeling plastics as well – on the top of the door panels, for example. Overall, the interior feels well screwed together and classy. The black gauges with white lettering and the rotary dials convey a premium look and feel to the cabin.
Practicality
While roomier than a Mazda2, the CX-3 lags behind most competitors when it comes to interior space and practicality. With the exception of the Nissan Juke, most rivals offer more cargo capacity and room for passengers. While headroom and legroom are plenty up front, rear headroom and legroom are similar to an average-sized subcompact. The trunk's volume is modest: 12.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 44.5 cu ft with the rear seat backs folded down. For comparison purposes, the 2016 Honda HR-V offers 24.3 cu ft and 58.8 cu ft, respectively.
Infotainment
The 2016 CX-3 features Mazda's latest infotainment system that pairs a 7-inch touchscreen interface (standard on all models) with an intuitive rotary control knob placed on the center tunnel. The graphics are crisp, and the user experience is pleasant, although some simple tasks such as switching between satellite radio stations require too many steps to accomplish. Still, it's one of the best infotainment systems available in the segment. If you don't want to access the car's basic functions through the infotainment system, there are also dedicated buttons for audio, navigation, and climate control. By the way, navigation is standard on the range-topping Grand Touring model.
Budget
Efficiency
The CX-3 scores high when it comes to fuel economy too. With the 2.0-liter gasoline engine and front-wheel drive, the small crossover returns 31 mpg combined (29 mpg city/35 mpg highway) – that's about as good as it gets in this segment. The optional all-wheel drive system lowers fuel efficiency to 29 mpg combined (27 mpg city/32 mpg highway). In Europe, the CX-3 gets even more fuel-sipping variants. The economy champion is the 105 PS diesel model with front-wheel drive, which returns 4.0 l/100 km (equivalent to 58.8 mpg US), according to the European test cycle.
Equipment
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is on sale in the United States in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Sport models come equipped as standard with all the necessary creature comforts. These include automatic headlights, push-button ignition, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a six-speaker audio system, voice controls, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, among other things. However, you'll only get 16-inch steel wheels with the Sport. All-wheel drive is available as an option on each trim level.
Acquisition
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 Sport starts at $19,960 (excluding a $880 destination charge), which makes it more expensive than one of its top competitors, the 2016 Honda HR-V ($19,215 plus $900 destination). However, the CX-3 is better equipped than the HR-V and features a standard six-speed automatic transmission compared to Honda's six-speed manual. The CX-3 is more dynamic and stylish, the HR-V more practical and rational. That being said, chances are you won't be disappointed if you choose the Mazda.