A small SUV does not have to be a jacked small car. If done correctly, technical genes are combined with chic design. Mazda does a lot in the CX-3.
Mazda started with the CX-3 late into the boom segment of the small SUV. Maybe that's why the Japanese could avoid the mistake of simply putting a small car a few inches higher and missing a few plastic planks. Instead, the 4,28 meter long crossover looks harmonious and unified.
Also with the CX-3 the technology comes from a small car model, the Mazda2. Because this only barely surpasses the four-meter boundary, its crossover offshoot also offers significant added value. Where it pinches in the back especially in the two, you may expect the rear of the CX-3 quite adult. In series one, it is even airy for a model of this class. Because Mazda also focused on improving the quality of the interior of the car when lifting in summer 2018 and the shape and ergonomics have remained at the already high level, you feel almost like a big SUV here. This is also helped by the good, tight seats, which remain comfortable even on long journeys.
The trunk is only average with 350 liters. But because there is a practical underfloor compartment and the load volume increases to 1.260 liters by folding down the rear seats, the CX-3 should master most everyday transport situations. The fact that mini-SUVs are particularly practical cars is in most cases a misunderstanding anyway; normal compact cars often offer more space, station wagons anyway. The advantages of the raised body also include the raised seating position of the CX.3, the associated back-friendly entry and exit as well as the good view of the traffic (if this is not immediately restricted by the fact that everyone else is now also driving SUVs) .
However, where the Mazda can really prove its strengths is in the dynamics. On the one hand the optical, which results not least from the comparatively long muzzle, the concise radiator grille and the narrowed headlights. Add to that high shoulders, a sloping roof and the sloping tailgate, which make the little crossover look fast without emitting aggressiveness. The car also looks particularly chic in the typical Mazda red, which, however, is not for individualists, as felt 99 percent of customers choose this tone.
The optical dynamics can also be found in driving behavior. The precise and smooth steering, the agile chassis and last but not least the crisp six-speed manual transmission make the crossover look almost as agile as its little brother Mazda2. The fact that you notice the good 14 centimeters higher body when cornering, but also the tuning engineers can not avoid. At least at the expense of driving comfort, which still quite decent despite fundamentally tight suspension. Buyers with sensitive backs but before the contract signing quite a sample should drive. If the result fits, only the right motor has to be selected. In the test car, the stronger of the two 2,0-liter Saugbenziner does his work, which comes on 110 kW / 150 PS and 207 Nm. Even without turbo, the four-cylinder engine looks anything but Durchzugschwach, the comparatively generous performance, the fast-revving engine also gives off quickly compensates for the smaller weakness at low speeds. Consumption also persuades, even tends to remain under the 7,0 liters from the technical data sheet. However, the engine is forcibly married to a four-wheel drive, which drives up the base price to 25.290 Euro. However, apart from snow-covered areas, one can confidently forego traction-promoting technology. Even as a towing vehicle, the CX-3 with its towing capacity of a maximum of 1,2 tons has limited ability.
Price wise, the crossover Mazda anyway not a real bargain. The list already starts with the class-typical 18.000 Euro, but only applies to the model with the most necessary equipment. With 2.300 Euro surcharge for the higher trim line should therefore be expected. Who chooses the diesel with 85 kW / 115 PS, paid at least 22.290 Euro, but then has the reasonable equipment on board. If you want to upgrade your desired variants, but you have to bring money or flexibility, almost all the extras are available only in relatively expensive packages, which usually also contain unneeded.
Mazda CX-3 - Specifications:
Five-door, five-seat mini SUV with front or four-wheel drive, length: 4,28 meters, width: 1,77 meters, height: 1,54 meters, wheelbase: 2,57 meters, trunk volume: 350 to 1.260 liters
150 2,0 kW / 110 horsepower, maximum torque: 150 Nm at 207 rpm, 2.800-0 km / h: 100 s, Vmax: 8,8 km / h, average consumption WLTP: 200 l / 7,4 km, CO100 output: 2 g / km, emission standard: Euro 166d-temp, efficiency class E, price: from 6 Euro
Short description - Mazda CX-3:
Why: because he looks and drives well
Why not: because the desired equipment goes neatly into the money
What else: Opel Mokka X, VW T-Roc, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross