TEST-Mazda CX-3 Activ AWD
IT’S HARD to believe that just three years ago, the subcompact sport utility vehicle segment didn’t even exist yet. Then a little over two years ago, Ford unleashed the EcoSport. Starting at an astoundingly low-priced P775,000, the EcoSport created a whole new genre—the sub-1-million crossover category.
I call it the true crossover segment, as they’re more closely related to their subcompact sedan or hatchback siblings (the Fiesta in the case of the EcoSport) and they’re all front- wheel drive only. So much for going off-road..
But that price- leading EcoSport spawned a whole host of similar FWD- only subcompacts in the Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and Ssangyong Tivoli. All but the HR-V start below one million (although only the smallest-of-them-all EcoSport starts below P800,000).
And now Mazda joins the fray with the CX-3. Size-wise, it fi ts perfectly in this class (its length is 4,275mm). Pricewise and trim-wise, however, it seems to focus more on the Honda HR-V and, in the case of the top- of- the- line Activ 4WD variant, which obviously has all-wheel drive and an almost-breathtaking P1,480,000 price tag, even seems to be aiming for the big leagues which include the Toyota RAV 4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson.
I know what you’re thinking: it’s knocking on the doors of entry- level Toyota Fortuners, Mitsubishi Montero Sports, and Ford Everests—big 7-seater dieselpowered true SUV’s.
Well the CX- 3 flagship’s price might be uncomfortably close to those behemoths’, but Mazda believes a CX- 3 buyer will not be distracted by those leviathans. It’s more for people who want a cute and sexy small sport ute that’s as easy as— or even easier— to drive than a Toyota Vios ( which is six inches longer than a CX- 3) but has the typical crossover virtues of high visibility, generous ground clearance, and confidence- inspiring water-wading depth. Add to that high- end features like leather- and- suede interior, LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRL’s), dual exhausts, big 18- inch alloy wheels with sport tires, a heads- up display, a Bose sound system ( with MP3/ Aux/ USB connectivity) with a 7- inch touchscreen mounted at the top center of the dashboard exactly as how BMW places it, and you’ve got one very appealing crossover with exclusivity and even luxury thrown into the mix.
And I haven’t even said t hat the CX- 3 has arguably one of the best- looking exterior designs on the road— bar none.
Smooth, fuel- efficient power comes from Mazda’s 148ps/ 192Nm Skyactiv- G petrol 2.0- liter inline- 4 with i- STOP. This spirited powerplant is mated to a 6- speed Skyactiv automatic with manumatic mode.
Typical lively Mazda handling surprisingly comes from a very traditional and basi c MacPherson strut front and torsionbeam rear suspension. It’s Mazda’s tuning that makes the difference. Responsive handling ( and handsome l ooks) come f rom the generously sized 215/ 50R18 tires and alloy wheels. Impressively, the entertaining handling does not come at the cost of a harsh or choppy ride, despite the sporty suspension tuning and the shortish 2,570mm wheelbase, which is less than an inch longer than a Toyota Vios’. Dynamic Stability Control ( DSC) is standard.
Braking is solid, thanks to four- wheel discs with ABS and EBD.
Neither does that wheelbase (and the mechanical hardware required to deliver drive torque to the rear wheels) exact a penalty in interior space. It may not be classleading but the CX- 3 does have more than enough space for four—five at a pinch. The rear cargo area is also enough to swallow a couple of bikes or weekend gear for four (but not at the same time).
It’s becoming a veritable asphalt jungle out there for small crossovers. And Mazda knows just how to be the king of that jungle with the CX- 3. Good- looking, fun to drive, compact yet versatile, reasonably spacious, extremely well-equipped—what’s not to like? Oh, the price. But if you can afford it…