SUBCOMPACT CUV IS SPORTY BUT NOT SUPER SPACIOUS
Small crossovers have replaced the small hatchback as the vehicle du jour for those wanting (relatively) cheap, cheerful, and functional transportation.
The mature models of subcompact soft-roaders include the Buick Encore, Chevy Trax, Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai, and the subject of this test, the Mazda CX-3.
The CX-3 is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and has a fairly impressive resume, claiming the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s Utility Vehicle of the Year and Green Utility Vehicle of the Year awards in 2016, along with its finalist status as a 2016 World Car Design of the Year.
And although trekking deep into the boonies is not its forte, a few years ago my wife and
I took one up and over B.C.’S Coast Mountains from Whistler to Kamloops via some pretty gnarly gravel roads, replete with countless sphincter-tightening switchbacks. It was a little breathless on the steeper grades, but the little beastie got the job done.
The CX-3 debuted in 2015 as a 2016 model. It saw a mild update for 2019, gaining a modest power bump and a new front grille design, in addition to restyled tail lights and wheels.
The CX-3 is clearly one of the more stylish rigs in its class, sculpted and less boxy than much of the competition.
The cabin received an electronic parking brake that increased storage space, and other improvements included redesigned seats for greater comfort and available full-leather seating surfaces, as well as improved control of noise, vibration and harshness. There are no significant changes for 2020. Whether it’s the GX, GS, or GT trim, all are powered by Mazda’s Skyactiv G 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a yeoman engine tuned for efficiency.
Rated at 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, it’s a growly unit under load and when cold but smoothes out at a constant speed. Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes about 8.5 seconds, which is competitive within its segment.
Then again, the CX-3 — as with almost every other Mazda model — places a premium on sporty handling. Front-wheel drive is standard on GX and GS, with Mazda’s predictive i-activ allwheel drive available and standard on GT. As well, G-vectoring Control maximizes tire performance by focusing on the vertical load on the rubber; the moment one starts turning the steering wheel, GVC controls engine torque to generate a deceleration G-force, shifting load to the front wheels. This increases front grip, which aids the CX-3’S turn-in response, the little Mazda loves to hug the curves. On the other hand, ride is definitely skewed to the firm side, a compromise that’s more acceptable if you place a premium on dynamic handling. Then again, few small crossovers are capable of delivering a cosseting ride.
The cabin, which when the CX-3 first came out, was a case of Mazda upping its game, is holding its own with respect to the competition, though it isn’t the bright, shiny thing it once was. Sure, the top-line GT model ($31,045) has comfy and supportive heated front seats trimmed in leather, as well as a heated steering wheel.
And there’s beaucoup frontseat headroom and legroom for taller occupants. But at six-foottwo, I used up all the front legroom the CX-3 offers — leaving little in the way of legroom for anyone in the back seats.
More to the point, the primary instrumentation and, to a lesser extent, the touch-screen graphics, aren’t as clear, crisp, or comprehensive as found on some of the CX-3’S rivals. There’s a headup display that provides traffic sign recognition along with other basic info. A seven-inch touch screen mounted at the top of the centre stack displays the navigation and audio functions, among others. However, the placement of the knob on the centre console — the one controlling the infotainment system — requires a glance down, taking your eyes off the road ahead for a moment.
I still like the CX-3 in GT form, just not as much as when it was new. While it’s more than capable of cruising along at highway speeds while being relatively fuel efficient, it functions best as interurban transport, primarily for two. In addition to a cramped back seat, it has smallish cargo capacity (with 408 litres behind the rear seats) and only a 45-litre fuel tank, meaning more frequent stops to gas up. Singles, doubleincome-no-kid couples, and empty nesters attracted to the CX-3’S good looks and sporting personality should enjoy the ride.