Mazda’s CX-3 is a brand new offering in the burgeoning subcompact crossover SUV category. Snazzy exterior design, affordable pricing, good fuel economy and lively driving dynamics make it a standout in its class.
Stylewise, the CX-3 isn’t just a Mini-Me of the bigger CX-5, as evidenced by its lower stance, pronounced character lines, bold fender flares and more.
The CX-3 is available in three different trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Pricing, including a $900 destination charge, starts at $20,860. It has seating for five passengers, but at full capacity the three in the back seat should be young children who get along very well together and have shorter than average legs.
The rear cargo area is fairly small. (The car is a subcompact, right? Is anyone expecting a huge cargo area?) Rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down for a lot more cargo space if needed.
All models are equipped with a four-cylinder engine generating an acceptable 146 horsepower and the same number in lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift ability and a Sport driving mode. Its 0-to-60 mph elapsed time has been measured at 8.5 seconds.
All models are also available with standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy ratings are 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for FWD, and 27/32 mpg for AWD.
My tester was the top-of-the-line Grand Touring AWD. No surprise that it’s loaded with standard features, but something really impressive about the CX-3 is that even the base Sport model is lavishly equipped.
The passenger cabin reflects keen attention to detail in construction, considerable noise-reduction efforts, and close to zero in the way of obvious cost-cutting maneuvers. Driver and front passenger seats are sturdy and comfortable.
The tester’s base price is increased by a rear bumper guard and door sill trim plates ($200 total for both items), and sumptuous Soul Red paint ($300). With the Grand Touring’s standard-equipment bounty, the three optional items and the destination charge, it still comes in at $2,360 below $30,000.
Mazda has made a name for itself as a maker of cars with excellent driving dynamics, which is car-reviewer parlance for “fun to drive.” The MX-5 (Miata) is legendary. The CX-5 SUV generally has been singled out in its class for having superior driving characteristics. The new CX-3 can be seen as a combination of the two: a sporty, spirited small car with the practical flexibilities of an SUV.
2016 MAZDA CX-3 AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $27,140
Price as driven: $27,640
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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