Since its debut around 5 years ago, Mazda has kept the CX-3 fresh. Now there is another major intervention - especially in the drive program.
For months, the Mazda CX-3 was hard to find in Germany. After the end of the production break in Japan, the mini SUV is now back freshly polished. However, from this model year onwards, there is only one drive option - which is, however, significantly more economical than last. The prices for the five-door with the 89 kW / 121 hp petrol engine start at 20.851 euros.
The 2,0-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine known from its predecessor always drives the front wheels, four-wheel drive is no longer available with Mazda's smallest crossover. The diesel and the more powerful petrol engine with 110 kW / 150 PS have also been withdrawn from the range. The only option for the customer when it comes to the drive: manual or automatic (from 25.092 euros). At the same time, the equipment lines were swept away: Instead of the previous four variants, there is now only one well-equipped base and the well-stocked “Selection” version, which is available from 23.532 euros. There is also a special model with special design elements.
With the simpler installation of the CX-3, Mazda reduces complexity in production and logistics and thus ultimately costs. The evaporation of the engine range also contributes to this. Of the previous trio, only the most popular drive remains. Thanks to the new cylinder deactivation for the manual switch and numerous smaller internal engine measures, consumption has been reduced by around one liter compared to the previous version to 5,3 liters in the best case (NEDC). The previous basic and now solo gasoline engine does not mean having to do without, as it offers sufficient performance for most needs. At least if you diligently use the manual six-speed gearbox to keep it in the mood and with power. However, this is more of a pleasure than a burden, as the mechanics clacking extremely smoothly through alleys and translations, as is usual with the Japanese. This somewhat more committed driving style with the manual switch goes so well with the binding steering and the crisp chassis, which is more sporty than comfortable, that you can confidently do without the automatic box.
There are also some minor innovations in the interior, the most important of which are the padded front seats. On the other hand, there are no changes in the rear, where it is still a bit tight and comparatively dark - one of the few weaknesses of the Mazda. Another is the confusing body, which can now be compensated for by an optional 360-degree camera that helps with maneuvering. Also new: If you want to mirror your Apple mobile phone on the small on-board display, you no longer need a USB cable. There is also upgraded standard equipment, which now includes automatic air conditioning, a dimming interior mirror and the infotainment system with smartphone connection. In return, the entry-level price has increased by more than 2.000 euros compared to the previous basic model.
The repositioning and the mini-lifting should make the small crossover fit for 2021. Because production in the Japanese plant was idle in the first half of the year, there are currently fewer than a thousand new CX-3 registrations in the statistics of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). In the coming year there should be four times as many. With their reduced standard consumption, they then also pay into the CO2 fleet account of the Japanese. Should the limit value still not be reached, Mazda could possibly top it up again with the CX-3 - and electrify the gasoline engine, as has recently been done in the compact Mazda3 model.
Mazda CX-3 - Specifications:
Five-door, five-seat SUV in the small car class, length: 4,28 meters, width: 1,77 meters, height: 1,54 meters, wheelbase: 2,57 meters, trunk volume: 350 - 1.260 liters
2,0-liter petrol engine, 89 kW / 121 PS, maximum torque: 206 Nm at 2.800 rpm, front-wheel drive, manual six-speed transmission (six-speed automatic), Vmax: 192 (187) km / h, 0-100 km / h: 9,1 (9,9) s, average consumption: 5,3 (6,0) l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 121 (136) g / km, efficiency class C (D), price: from 20.851 euros (25.092 Euro).
Short description - Mazda CX-3:
Why: economical gasoline engine, brisk driving behavior, dynamic design
Why not: narrow rear, confusing body
What else: Nissan Juke, VW T-Cross, Opel Mokka
