NICE TWEAKS MAKE OUTSTANDING CX-3 EVEN MORE LIKABLE
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 has been tweaked to keep it in touch with the rest of the subcompact crossover crowd. Leading the list of improvements is the fact blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, even on the base model, with its manual transmission and $20,795 price tag. The other changes may not be as significant, but each adds to the CX3’s overall appeal.
Inside, the rework moves the top-trim CX-3 GT up in all aspects, including a new electronic parking brake — freeing up a lot of space in the centre console — nicer soft-touch materials, leather seating and an infotainment system that includes a seven-speaker Bose sound system, a rear-view camera and GPS navigation. The small headup display now includes turn-byturn directions when a destination is entered.
Likewise, the heated leather front seats, with 10-way power adjustment and memory for the driver, have been reworked to make them more accommodating. This, plus the power moonroof, heated steering wheel and automatic climate control mean there are no options. Absent is the ability to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; this needs to be addressed.
Another big step forward for the CX-3 GT is the inclusion of other key safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function, forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, a lane-departure warning system, traffic sign recognition, rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights with automatic high beams. That’s more kit than some far more expensive rigs, and it serves to separate Mazda from many of its competitors. While some of the competition may include some or all of the aforementioned kit as standard, typically the availability of blind-spot monitoring is prohibitive if it’s even available at all. The CX-3 rear seat is really designed for two adults, as the tunnel and domed squab make the middle position an emergency only proposition. As with most other small CUVs, rear-seat leg room is tight — especially with a taller rider up front — but it is usable. Likewise, the GT has decent cargo space; with the seats up, there’s 408 litres and with the lot folded flat, that grows to 1,484 L. The floor is also commendably flat, although the lift-over height is pushing it.
Under the hood, the CX-3 gets a tweaked version of Mazda’s Skyactiv 2.0-L four-cylinder that pushes 148 horsepower, up two from last year, and 146 poundfeet of torque at 2,800 r.p.m. The early entry of the torque brings an enthusiastic launch, a rewarding mid-range punch, and a run from rest to 100 km/ h in 9.2 seconds. The rework also means better fuel economy; in this case, the tester averaged 7.9 L/100 km.
The engine works with a sixspeed automatic with paddle shifters and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system. There is a Sport mode, which does perk up the response nicely, but it has a tendency to hold each gear too long, particularly when puttering about town. Consequently, it means toggling between Sport and Normal according to the driving situation. The all-wheeldrive system, standard on the GT, is primarily front-based with a small amount of torque going rearward, which eases the transition when more power is needed at the back end. The system is smart and monitors a number of sensors 200 times a second to ensure the right decision is made at the right time.
For example, it looks at wiper usage to determine if the road is wet and outside temperature to look for an icy road. It then adjusts the amount of torque flowing rearward in a seamless and unobtrusive manner. Its ability adds enormously to the manner in which the CX-3 drives. On the automatic-equipped GX and GS models, the $2,000 premium for AWD is money well spent.
What would a Mazda be if it didn’t handle well? Fortunately, the CX-3 GT feels light and alive on its upsized P215/50R18 tires. The re-tuned suspension is taut, but it does not make things feel harsh when the road gets rough. As such, there’s minimal body roll, understeer is benign, and the response to steering input is crisp. The CX-3 is so nimble, it is difficult not to think of the MX-5
The individual changes to the 2019 CX-3 might, at first blush, seem small, with the exception of making blind-spot monitoring standard equipment, but the sum of the improvements does make for a much more likable, and certainly safer ride.
Driving.ca