2016 Mazda CX-3 ( 2016 mazda cx-3 )

 

 2016 mazda cx-3

First power overview

The subcompact-crossover segment is erupting like an past due volcano—witness the new Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X, and Honda HR-V joining different wee hatchbacks on stilts, consisting of the Buick Encore, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, Mini Countryman, and Nissan Juke. Now, having spent several hours at the back of the wheel of Mazda’s new CX-3, we think it just can be the maximum compelling of the bunch. Of route, best a evaluation test can prove out that preliminary affect—live tuned—however there’s no doubt the Mazda is pretty good.
Classy Chassis

although in the beginning look the CX-three looks as if a bigger CX-5 that’s contracted inside the warm sun, Mazda’s Kodo design language lends a extra muscular stance and a top rate charisma to the mini-ute. Formidable man or woman lines mixed with minimal overhangs, a reported snout, and a crimped greenhouse provide a taut and compact look, that's even more fetching in person. Base recreation fashions get by with 16-inch metallic wheels and midlevel visiting variations have aluminum wheels of the same diameter, but the Grand travelling’s 18-inch pieces offer the maximum attractive aesthetics.

The CX-three foretells an awful lot of what to anticipate from the imminent 2016 Mazda 2 (the two vehicles share an architecture), with a inflexible-yet-light unibody shape serving as a strong foundation. Sixty-three percentage of the structure is composed of high-electricity steels, and there’s additionally ample insulation from the street. Struts are used up front and a torsion-beam axle is living out back. As with maximum modern-day Mazdas, the CX-3’s body, chassis, transmission, and engine employ the brand’s Skyactiv engineering philosophy, that's intended to harmonize all elements of the automobile to perform with most performance. In brief, it really works.
Momentum is prime

on the highways and curvy mountain roads of our force close to Phoenix, Arizona, this concord interprets to an intimate and rewarding driving revel in, not not like that of our long-time period 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback. In truth, in spite of the marginally raised seating function and the “predictive” all-wheel-power system similar to the state-of-the-art CX-5’s (an expected $1250 alternative on all trims), the CX-three looks like a regular hatchback vehicle, which can also really be off-putting for shoppers seeking a excessive-riding feel. The journey is pleasantly compliant for commutes, the amount of comments from the electrical energy steering could make some BMWs blush, and the general comportment is balanced and responsive.

The Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, unluckily, isn’t as captivating. Even as it’s mated to a six-pace automatic with a well tuned game mode and non-compulsory paddle shifters (GT models only), the engine struggles to motivate the CX-three with any verve. Tuned for this utility, output is rated at 146 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 146 lb-feet of torque at 2800 revs—barely more than the HR-V’s 1.8-liter but considerably less than the turbocharged Juke’s 188 ponies.

Granted, part of our power was at higher mountain elevations, which sapped the certainly aspirated 2.Zero-liter of a few power. However this isn't a brief vehicle; we estimate the sprint to 60 mph will take as a minimum 8 seconds. The two.Zero also can sound as a substitute coarse when prodded. Mazda expects the CX-3 to be a category chief in gas financial system, however, with initial estimates of 29 mpg inside the town and 35 on the toll road for the front-drivers and 27/32 mpg with all-wheel pressure.
A Pint-size Palace

The spotlight of the CX-three, however, is its interior, which is splendidly upscale for an entry-level vehicle and supremely relaxed—as a minimum for the front-seat occupants. Here, too, the CX-three mimics the Mazda 2 with a narrow, flowing aesthetic accented by three circular vents and a smart slat-kind vent hidden inside the chrome piece that slashes throughout the dash. Irrespective of trim, the substances are appropriate. There are tasteful pink and metal accents, contrasting stitching on the seats and dash, and suedelike seat inserts on GT models.

Strong ergonomics make for easy use, which include the rotary HVAC knobs and a simple, relevant controller at the console, which facilitates navigate the seven-inch display perched excessive on the sprint (the display screen is likewise touch-activated). Anyone with seat time within the present day Mazda three will feel right at domestic within the supportive driving force’s seat of the CX-3. The GT’s setup, with its relevant tachometer and digital speedometer, is our favourite, with lesser fashions putting the two essential gauges in separate readouts that aren’t as smooth to view.

The compact second row of seats is excellent left to smaller parents and kids. A stadium-seating layout gives correct visibility from the back, but leg and shoulder room are restrained and the front seatbacks encroach upon comfort. Basic visibility is right no matter the slim windows and high beltline, but percent mild due to the fact more than one deliver-on luggage might also almost fill the rear shipment compartment.
Loaded With goods

simple CX-3 recreation models must begin round $20,000 with front-wheel power and will characteristic a healthful dose of standard gear, inclusive of cloth seats with a break up-folding rear bench, push-button begin, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a rearview digital camera, and Mazda join infotainment with the significant control knob. Touring fashions add nicer substances and accents during, a middle armrest, an upgraded audio device with six speakers, superior Keyless entry, and heated outside mirrors, as well as alternatives for fake leather upholstery, a top rate Bose stereo, satellite tv for pc radio, a electricity sunroof, and heated the front seats.

Grand visiting CX-3s are the overachievers, with even greater top class trim and a multi-toned interior coloration palette, plus wellknown 18-inch wheels, full LED lighting, leather-based upholstery, navigation, computerized climate manipulate, heated front seats, a pop-up head-up display, Bose audio, and greater. Whilst an elective SD card can also activate the navigation feature in lesser models, most effective the GT is to be had with Mazda’s i-Activsense package, which incorporates radar cruise manipulate; lane-departure warning; automated smart braking; and automatic headlights, high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.

Although Mazda has yet to affirm actual pricing, it’s totally possible that a loaded CX-3 GT might also push $30,000 while the lineup is going on sale this fall, considering the ultimate CX-5 we tested stickered for 34 grand. That’s a whole lot of cash for any such diminutive automobile. But, with its fantastic road manners and interest to element, the CX-three feels like it simply may be well worth it.

2016 Mazda CX-3 First Drive and Review ( 2016 mazda cx-3 )

 2016 mazda cx-3 

By using Benjamin searching

there may be nothing greater powerful than an concept whose time has come, and judging via the slew of product launches over the course of the beyond three hundred and sixty five days, it might appear that the modern-day dominant groupthink amongst automakers is the subcompact crossover software vehicle. The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the ultra-modern such animal to be unleashed on American audiences, joining competition inclusive of the Nissan Juke, the Chevrolet Trax, the Jeep Renegade, and the FIAT 500X as part of the ultra-modern try and apprehend just what, exactly, shoppers need while they are saying they want a practical day by day driving force.

I spent some fine time with the 2016 CX-three in southern California, and it quick have become clean to me that Mazda invested sizeable effort and time into creating an inexpensive little human beings mover with a wonderful persona all its personal. This is no cobbled-collectively mish-mash of present structures wrapped in a milquetoast sheet steel: the CX-three is aware of exactly who it wishes inside the driving force's seat, and it's no longer afraid to clink the velvet rope closed in front of the occasional interloper who is not on the visitor listing.
The 2016 Mazda CX-three took a incredibly unusual route to American beaches, starting off along the Mazda 2 hatchback on the drafting board in which it was co-advanced, side-by way of-side, with the following-generation subcompact hatchback that could or won't finally pass on sale here. This hatch heritage informs the CX-3's fairly modest floor clearance compared to its large CX-5 sibling, a touch (at the side of its untinted rear windows) that the vehicle is assessed no longer as a mild truck however definitely an vehicle by means of the federal authorities.

It is an exciting play by Mazda and one that, in spite of the danger that the CX-3 poses to income of the compact Mazda3 hatchback, may want to indicate a brand new regular amongst automakers looking to bolster their entry-degree offerings with a model that humans would truly be willing to buy. Tiny crossovers are warm right now, but subcompact hatches now not a lot: the Mazda CX-three might also obviate the need for a new Mazda2 altogether.
Some other factor within the 2016 Mazda CX-3's choose: it is one of the fine-looking lovable utes you may purchase. This is due in massive element to the ability with which Mazda designers have managed to contain the brand's modern-day 'Kodo' layout language, leveraging visual hints like subtly extending the the front fascia to offer the impact of a long hood at the same time as retaining the rear overhang quick and sporty. There are masses of curves to capture the eye on the new CX-three, which manages to avoid searching like a jacked-up Mazda3 clone and as an alternative offers its very own specific visible identification - a feat as a way to serve it nicely while vying for attention along similarly style-ahead rivals like the Juke and the Renegade.
Each and every 2016 Mazda CX-three comes with a 2.Zero-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder unit matched with a six-pace automatic gearbox. On the way to shoehorn the motor among the CX-three's front fenders, Mazda needed to remodel the automobile's exhaust manifold, which mixed with a tune intended to run on ordinary gas (in place of top rate) has seen general output drop from the a hundred and fifty five horsepower located within the identically-engined CX-five (and MX-5 Miata) to a greater modest 146 ponies (with torque matching at 146 lb-toes). The plus facet, of course, is robust fuel economic system: Mazda is advertising and marketing 29-mpg in metropolis riding and 35-mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive models, with simplest a moderate drop whilst equipped with optional all-wheel drive.

The reality that the Mazda CX-3 weighs in at beneath 3,000 lbs honestly enables maintain the crossover from feeling canine slow, and top-spec CX-three models include shift paddles at the steerage wheel to allow you to out-suppose the fairly wise six-pace autobox in greater lively driving. All versions of the Mazda include a recreation placing for the transmission that translates an array of sensor facts to maintain the car in the most desirable equipment for the given scenario, and when engaged it provides a dramatically unique man or woman for the vehicle.

With best one subcompact crossover capable of delivering some thing that would be labeled 'active' immediately-line speed - the turbocharged Nissan Juke - there may be no disgrace inside the CX-three's adequate acceleration. If you're surely in a hurry, but, you'll discover you foot to the floor within the Mazda greater frequently than you'll in a bigger, higher-endowed utility vehicle.
Where the 2016 Mazda CX-3 does shine is whilst you abandon the directly and narrow for the form of curvy roads that might make a transport motive force recommend the use of a helicopter to drop off your new fridge. Mazda does a long way greater than just pay lip carrier to the idea that each of its vehicles need to provide drivers the maximum attractive riding revel in viable at their charge factor, and on this recognize the CX-3 is almost without peer. Along the Juke, the Mazda CX-three's chassis, steerage, and braking are head and shoulders above the rest of the p.C., including the pedestrian Honda HR-V and the more rugged Jeep Renegade.

Mazda claims that at least some of the credit score for the small crossover's agility is due to its available all-wheel drive device, which the organisation has pushed 'one era' past the same design used with the CX-5. After riding the front-wheel and all-wheel power fashions returned-to-lower back on winding canyon roads, I had a difficult time discerning any exceptional differences between the two from a dealing with perspective, even though it was clear that the the front-puller proven greater torque steer when accelerating tough with the wheels cocked.
It is not frequently that you will pay attention a advertising representative rule out a whole institution of ability buyers, but Mazda has confident me that the 2016 CX-three isn't always sincerely intended to snag circle of relatives consumers (which it would decide upon to test out the CX-five). As an alternative, the CX-3 is aimed at younger couples or singles who have outgrown what a small sedan has to offer them, and who're intrigued through the mixture of styling, all-wheel pressure, and dealing with provided by using the subcompact crossover.

I will think about another cause why families may want to persuade clear of the Mazda CX-3: they actually may not healthy. Up front there's enough room for driver and passenger, but the 2d row is claustrophobic for any grownup penned up in there for more than 10 minutes at a time. Shipment area is similarly limited, showing as 12.Four cubic ft with a complete load of riders, a determine that tops out at 44.Five cubes total with the rear seatback folded flat. That's worlds at the back of the HR-V, which offers nearly 60 cubic ft overall thanks to its Magic Seat function, and it's also less than what you may discover in some compact hatchbacks just like the Volkswagen golf.
As elegant because the 2016 Mazda CX-three is at the outside, its cabin's charms are not pretty as attractive. There is definitely a pleasant simplicity within the CX-three's dashboard format, despite the fact that that is spoiled really with the aid of a primitive head-up display display screen that rises from atop the cover in the front of the driving force on Grand travelling fashions to show car speed and protection info within the form of LED font that reminded me of an 80s Casio watch - a in shape for the in addition at the back of-the-times readouts for RPM, gasoline, etc, on the gauge cluster. The lcd touchscreen infotainment system this is popular with the car offers a seven-inch show, and a rotary dial at the center console turns into the default factor of interaction whilst underway, as touch functionality disappears in case you're no longer at a complete stop (due to the fact apparently passengers don't exist in Mazda's fight towards distracted using).

Apart from this combined bag of tech features, it is whilst the CX-3 attempts to reach above its low-priced roots that one techniques the point of diminishing returns. There is virtually now not that an awful lot distinction among the vinyl leatherette and the pricier, authentic leather-based provided with the crossover, and whilst details like red stitching on the dash are quality, they do not do an awful lot to hide that the Mazda is slanted in the direction of affordability. As a end result, until you are useless set on LED headlights, navigation, and a slightly louder stereo gadget, i'd suggest keeping off the Grand touring version and alternatively maximizing price on the crossover's greater less costly fee factors.
Except, of route, you want to take full benefit of the 2016 Mazda CX-three's complete suite of advanced protection capabilities, numerous of which are most effective to be had on Grand journeying trim. I am truely impressed that an less expensive, tiny crossover like this one is capable of offer a blind spot tracking gadget, period, that is why i will forgive it being sold completely with mid-tier-and-above fashions. In case you need the rest of the package and caboodle, but, you may should step as much as the Grand visiting and then pay more again for the 'GT i-ACTIVESENSE' package, which provides a lane departure caution device, adaptive cruise manage, and a low-pace automatic braking system to save you ahead collisions. Automated high beam manipulate is also included with this package deal, which indicates simply how some distance technology has penetrated the decrease reaches of the marketplace - and what sort of more difficult it'll be for luxury businesses to hold charging a hefty premium for features that could now be had for tens of heaps less from organizations like Mazda.
Except, of course, you want to take full gain of the 2016 Mazda CX-three's full suite of superior safety capabilities, several of which are best available on Grand travelling trim. I'm without a doubt impressed that an cheaper, tiny crossover like this one is capable of provide a blind spot monitoring machine, duration, that's why i'm able to forgive it being bought exclusively with mid-tier-and-above fashions. In case you need the relaxation of the kit and caboodle, however, you will have to step up to the Grand visiting after which pay more again for the 'GT i-ACTIVESENSE' package, which adds a lane departure caution device, adaptive cruise control, and a low-pace computerized braking machine to save you ahead collisions. Automated high beam control is likewise blanketed with this package deal, which indicates simply how a long way technology has penetrated the lower reaches of the marketplace - and what kind of tougher it's going to be for luxury businesses to preserve charging a hefty premium for features which can now be had for tens of lots much less from businesses like Mazda.
The 2016 Mazda CX-three starts at an MSRP of $19,960, and there may be a close to-$10,000 hole among the access-degree sport trim and the $28,one hundred sixty Grand visiting with all-wheel drive that sits perched on the pinnacle of the road-up. The touring, within the middle, will set you returned $21,960, and like the sport it capabilities a $1,250 up-charge in case your want all-wheel pressure. These numbers are inside a few bucks, up and down, of every of its predominant competitors, even though for the closing in cheaper crossovers the bottom Renegade still leads the % with its sub-$18k window sticker.

Mazda's pricing of the CX-3, as aggressive as it is able to be, nonetheless runs afoul its large CX-five showroom-mate, which begins 10 percent higher at $21,795. Mazda had higher be proper about the integrated audience for the subcompact offering; in any other case, good judgment would appear to dictate that it makes more experience to pay comparable cash for the also-fun, and plenty-larger-inside CX-five and revel in a level of practicality that the CX-3 virtually can't supply. The upscale Grand visiting version might be the most important check of Mazda's assertion that there exists a group of customers searching for a totally small crossover that represents their tastes and wishes with out deliberating what might be to be had from a bigger, greater succesful competitor.
Professionals:

    one of the maximum attractive vehicles in its segment
    wonderful managing for its elegance
    low-cost pricing
    to be had advanced safety device on Grand visiting trim
    proper gasoline mileage

Cons:

    Grand travelling fee nips at the heels of extra capable crossovers
    Base CX-3 and base CX-5 characteristic comparable window stickers
    safety capabilities should be made to be had to mid-tier travelling customers
    Acceleration is good enough, however not a whole lot greater
    Head-up show can not be deactivated