For the Driver in you

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HERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A SUCCESSFUL SMALL

CROSSOVER: Do what the others are doing, perhaps improving an aspect or two, or you can take an entirely different approach and chart your own path. There’s no question which direction Mazda is taking with its CX-3. Like how they’ve weaved their magic with the Mazda3 and the Mazda2, the CX-3 focuses on the brand’s two key strengths: great to drive and looking good doing so.

Mazda doesn’t shy away from saying that the CX-3 is based off the Mazda2, and yet there’s more here than meets the eye. Understanding that raising the chassis would alter the center of gravity and consequently the driving dynamics, engineers have gifted the CX-3 with firmer bushings, retuned springs/dampers, and a seven-percent slower steering ratio.

On top of that sits a body that’s appealing to the eye—taut and undeniably Mazda. Instead of going cutesy or oddball as others in this segment have, the CX-3 relies on the KODO design language. The trademark design cues: long hood, cab-rearward design, small overhangs, and tight rear proportions are all here. But because it’s dimensionally bigger than the Mazda2 hatchback, designers have a bigger canvas to apply the intricate creases and surfaces to make the CX-3 look even more handsome.

Stepping inside the CX-3 opens up to a cabin that doesn’t digress from Mazda’s tried and tested formula. The dashboard is low and flat with just the seven-inch infotainment screen in the middle, breaking the expanse of the soft-touch upper panel. The well-organized instrument cluster, though easy-to-read, is starting to look dated with its monochromatic digital display. Apart from that small hiccup, the other ingredients in the CX-3’s ergonomic formula are spot on. The steering wheel offers great adjustment, the pedals are aligned perfectly to the driver’s feet, the seats are supportive, and the controls are all clearly marked and easy to use. Even the exterior visibility is great—a surprise given the small greenhouse.

Imagining that the CX-3 and Mazda2 have the same interior space given the same platform and wheelbase is partly right. Thanks to higher hip points, the CX-3 gains more legroom (20mm up front and 30mm at the back) compared to its hatchback twin. These numbers don’t sound much—and they aren’t, but it does make sitting in the rear seat considerably more comfortable. It’s the same story for those looking for voluminous luggage space. It can carry a weekend’s worth of luggage, but it’s nowhere near the expected storage and versatility expected of a crossover. Apart from that, large cup holders and door pockets, a decently sized center console and glove box all offer the oddment storage needed.

So while functionality isn’t the CX-3’s strong suit, it does present a more premiumfeeling interior. The materials used are well above for the segment with nicely grained plastics and textured metallic accents. The Alcantara/leather combination seats, and red soft-touch kneepads and door trims do a lot to impart a sporty vibe while breaking the monotony of the all-black interior.

Further digressing from the Mazda2 formula, the CX-3 doesn’t use the hatchback’s 1.5-liter unit, but instead opts for the triedand2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder

engine. Also found in the Mazda3 and CX-5, it curiously loses 9hp and 8Nm in this particular application. On the road though, this difference is negligible. Like its Skyactiv siblings, the CX-3’s drivetrain works in unison to deliver a truly engaging driving experience. Getting it to go fast requires more coaxing from the throttle, but once the rev happy engine hits its sweet spot, it comes alive.

The six-speed automatic is responsive in both urban or highway settings, though paddle shifters would have been welcome when tackling hilly turns. In this multicountry, 1,400-kilometer drive, it does 13.69 km/L—pretty good considering the convoy’s breakneck pace.

Like its Skyactiv kin, this is one fun car to toss around. It starts with a steering that’s high in on-center feel, making it great for highway cruising and corner carving. Into corners, it responds with progression, transferring weight from side to side, fore and aft beautifully. There’s also minimal body roll. The ride is decisively on the firm side, but it’s still pretty good considering it’s riding on low profile 215/50R18 tires. All this comes as a big surprise given the CX-3 rides on a “cruder” torsion beam axle at its rear end. A small caveat with this crossover is the low ride height. With a ground clearance of 155mm, it can scrape its belly even over poorly designed driveways.

Mazda Philippines has yet to announce the final specifications and timetable for the CX-3’s launch, but this drive in the Thai-assembled unit serves only to heighten anticipation. The time is right for someone to come up with a small crossover that’s cleverly packaged, good looking, and fun to drive.