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Mazda’s 2016 CX-3 Grand Touring: for adventurous lifestyles

Published 7:59 am Monday, December 7, 2015

Is it just me, or are vehicle names and descriptions getting longer?

Mazda’s 2016 CX-3 Grand Touring is a subcompact crossover vehicle with all-wheel drive. It’s designed to deliver all the fun and technology of Mazda’s larger CX-5, CX-7 and CX-9 nameplates but at a price point that will draw buyers from all backgrounds.

It’s smaller than the more well-known Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and Subaru Forester models, to name a few; but should appeal to consumers with creative, adventurous lifestyles.

CX-3 is shorter and lower than its best-selling CX-5 cousin and delivers uncompromised versatility with available predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, a punchy 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine and Mazda’s full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features including lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, smart brake support, rear camera, and Mazda radar cruise control.

“The 2016 CX-3 is the next evolution of our mission to meld style, driving enjoyment and efficiency into a vehicle that demonstrates drivers don’t need to compromise to get what they want,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations.

What is lost because of its size, is gained in the CX-3’s handling and control. It handles like a passenger car, is stable rounding corners and provides a quiet cabin that made conversations easy. And parking was a breeze whether straight in, horizontal or backing up. The CX-3 provides a wide field of vision that inspires driver confidence. And a wiper on the back window was handy on an I-5 with reduced visibility — thanks to another November rainstorm.

The exterior benefits from a long hood, short overhangs, large wheels and a slim cabin, presenting proportions that lend themselves to a sense of strength. It’s a design that looks as though it’s in motion, even when it’s not.

CX-3 fits four adults, and my wife, mother- and father-in-law proved that on a recent all-day road trip that covered close to 240 miles. The interior is tight, but everyone survived. The rear seats are set slightly inboard to ease conversation between front and rear passengers and that proved helpful.

Standard interior features include a push-button start and Mazda Connect infotainment system that offers Bluetooth phone pairing, audio streaming, USB ports for phone charging and entertainment connectivity, as well as a seven-inch, color touch-screen.

My tester, being a top-of-the-line model, also featured a Bose, seven-speaker audio system, navigation, heated exterior windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, cargo cover, mirror-mounted turn signal lamps and center armrest.

MAZDA’S 2016 CX-3 GRAND TOURING

BASE PRICE: $26,240

AS TESTED: $29,540

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.