Mazda math 2 = CX-3
It is a source of amazement to many drivers as to how much ‘stuff’ a car manufacturer can jam into the smallest of vehicle bodies.
An excellent demonstration of against anything else. this comes from Mazda with SKYACTIV enhancement is as its smallest crossover – the good an explanation for that as CX-3 – a vehicle you might think anything else. is an extension of the popular At entng else – and it happens Mazda3 hatchback. to be try level, the CX-3 loses
That would be logical, but some of the really trick kit, but surprisingly incorrect. The CX-3 it’s comprehensive just the is based on the same platform same. We suspect the “onefloor as Mazda’s supermini Mazda2. up’’ GSX will be the model
In comparison with the most would opt for anyway. Mazda2 donor, the CX-3 looks From the GSX model on up, longer and taller yet feels more CX-3 features Mazda’s latest compact inside, mostly because safety tech in the form of the it is bursting with bits ‘n bobs to full-on I-ACTIVSENSE safety the extent that you think you’re package as found in the newly in a much larger vehicle. released CX-8.
Like pretty much every What is I-ACTIVSENSE? new Mazda, the CX-3 is It reads like a ‘Me Too’ list of Skyactiv-enhanced in the safety features, but in Mazda’s across-the-range, two litre case, all the tech works petrol engine and six-speed exactly as advertised, with no automatic transmission match, halfway measures. it’s driving dynamics, body and It’s taken a while for Mazda chassis design. to get this kit together, but
Every component which that’s because every system comes under the SKYACTIV has been trialled to the umbrella, has been designed point of exhaustion, and it with the synergy between the all works, unlike some other driver and the vehicle in mind. manufacturers whose systems
This sounds like marketing are not so robust. spin, but there is no denying The safety package includes: there is – up till now anyway – an blind spot monitoring and rear unexplainable difference in the cross traffic alert, along with drive of a SKYACTIV Mazda Mazda’s proprietary Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support and Forward Obstruction Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function and Traffic
Sign Recognition systems.
Underlying this is of course, dynamic stability control, ABS brakes, front and rear parking sensors, traction control, hill launch assist, front, side and curtain airbags, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake control and in the case of the AWD model, I-ACTIV® all wheel drive.
To drive, the CX-3 is quiet, smooth and – while being understandably weightier in handling than the Mazda2 – adds an element of durability the lightweight hatch lacks.
There were times when the range standard two-litre engine delivered with reluctance, but that was at the extreme edge of the envelope.
Day-to-day driving will see the 1998cc four-potter truck around all day long without complaint.
Long distance open road touring is fine too, though the standard Toyo Proxes tyres aren’t fond of coarse chip from an audible standpoint.
The generally appealing design may not quite be timeless, but you’ll be more than happy with it over a standard lease term and in all honesty, probably longer than that. Some have credited the CX-3 as being one of Mazda’s best visually appealing vehicles, which is saying a lot.
Overall, the Mazda CX-3 is a great option for those looking to downsize from the big crossover without specification penalty and it’s a brilliant step up from a hatchback pool car.