User-friendly styling and oh-so fun to drive
If the overall shape of a vehicle influences you more than how much of your stuff it can hold, then you might be an ideal candidate for the 2019 Mazda CX-3.
The automaker’s slick little runabout originally surfaced for the 2016 model year and wowed many converts who loved the styling. The car looked similar to a junior CX-5 utility vehicle, but with a much sportier shape. The prominent trapezoidal grille and flared fenders with darkened side cladding exuded the kind of ruggedness you don’t often see in this class.
The 2019 CX-3 — available now — has undergone a number of minor style and content changes.
The expressive nose has been tweaked and the taillights and wheels are new. The cabin has been quieted with more sound insulation, and the front seats have been reshaped. The most noticeable change inside is an electronic-parking-brake toggle that replaces the previous hand brake. It means a more spacious floor console and redesigned armrest.
The rest of the interior is a model of user-friendliness, although there is no sweep dial to indicate speed. Instead, a digital readout is set within the large central rev counter. It’s flanked by fuel-level, trip-odometer and transmission-gear readouts.
A seven-inch screen for the infotainment, communications and optional navigation screen is mounted atop the dashboard. Below are three large dials for operating the heat/cool/ventilation system.
The cabin provides adequate room for frontseaters, but the same can’t be said for those in back. Although there’s a fold-down centre armrest, it doesn’t make up for a serious shortage of legroom. The rear bench makes an ideal size for two or three kids, though. When the rear seat is folded (nearly flat), there’s room for some luggage or perhaps a couple of sets of golf clubs, but not much else.
Others in the CX-3’s group, notably the Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax, can tote considerably more stuff, but they don’t deliver the same driving fun. That’s where the CX-3 really shines. Likely the closest competitor in this arena is the Toyota C-HR.
All CX-3 models receive the SkyActiv treatment, which provides a sport-style suspension — retuned for 2019 — and steering. There’s also a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that puts out 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The 2018 model made 146/144.
The 2.0 isn’t particularly spry and it is quite noisy at highway speeds. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.3 l/100 km in the city and 6.9 on the highway with the automatic.
The optional all-wheel-drive system adds Mazda’s proprietary G-Vectoring Control. It temporarily reduces engine torque as the vehicle enters a corner. That, in turn, Mazda says, increases g-forces over the front axle prior to braking. The result is added tire contact with the road and greater stability when turning.
At a starting price of $22,800, with destination charges, you might think the base CX-3 GX is a stripped-down economy car, but it’s not. That fee gets you blind-spot monitoring with rear crosstraffic alert, push-button start and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The midgrade GS adds climate control, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats with faux leather covers (upgraded from cloth) and 18-inch wheels.
The all-wheel-drive GT comes with leather seats, navigation, power moonroof, head-up information display and a Bose-brand stereo.
GT buyers also receive a range of dynamic safety technology (part of Mazda’s i-ActivSense package) such as emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Let’s cut right to it: The CX-3 is not the most practical vehicle in its class. For that, it needs much more room. You’ll have to decide if the styling and sportiness can offset that, and the only way to know for sure is to take it for a drive. Judging by the CX-3’s popularity, you won’t need a long drive.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive subcompact utility vehicle Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4 (148) Transmission: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic (opt.) Market position: Small utilities such as the CX-3 are winning over large numbers of buyers who might otherwise have purchased a similar-sized sedan. They also tend to spend more for them by adding AWD and other extra-cost items. Points: Exceptional styling that's improved upon for 2019. • Interior revisions are both attractive and a bit more practical. • Standard four-cylinder engine could use more power, but is typical for this class. • Reasonably well-equipped base model is ahead of most competitors. •The most enjoyable to drive in the segment. Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.); lane departure warning (opt.); pedestrian detection (opt.); adaptive headlights (opt.). Fuel economy: L/100 km (city/hwy) 8.3/6.9 (FWD, AT) Base price (incl. destination): $22,800