Mazda CX-3

Mazda has taken a step-up in its built quality with the arrival of the CX-3. Earlier issues like panel gaps and hard plastic in the Mazda2 seem to be taken care of here. The subcompact crossover gets sofer plastic, though still not 100 percent satisfactory as the lower half of the dashboard feels a tad rough but again, that’s a spot one will hardly ever run through his/her hands. The driver’s arena gets a  3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with the following controls - cruise control, telephone, and audio controls. The instrument cluster is designed as a 3-piece unit and provides the driver with all the necessary information. At the centre is present the tachometer and the range-topping trim gets a head-up display right in the driver’s line of sight. Synced to it are the blind spot indicator and traffic warning system - it provides real-time updates from the GPS-enabled navigation system. Besides, the MZD Connect system is slightly inclined towards the drive thanks to its floating centre stacked arrangement. One doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road to operate it. The rotary control is located right between the driver and co-driver space on the centre tunnel and is easy to operate. The MZD Connect system with a 7-inch infotainment system offers a crisp resolution but misses out on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. There are six speakers present all around the car that offers decent sound quality. Further, enhancing the driver’s convenience is the keyless entry and start, automatic wipers, automatic air-con system, shift paddles, and electrically powered sunroof. Also, the driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable with memory function.

Talking first about the CX-3 dimensions, the subcompact crossover measures 4,275 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width, and 1,550 mm in height. The wheelbase reads 2,570 mm. 

Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy works wonder for all the brand’s car and so is the case with the CX-3. It is a car with sharp Japanese looks that’s hard to miss. At the front, is a stylish grille with double chrome slats, a full-LED headlight cluster along with the daytime running lights cut a familiar sight. The turn indicators sit lower down next to the fog lights, giving the front lower fascia some kind of presence of its own. At the side, it gets proper 18-inch alloy wheels shod in 215/50 tyres. Giving the crossover a beefy look is the black plastic cladding running all around. Also, the C-pillar stance giving the impression of a floating roof. The rear flaunts a stylish design like the rest of the car, the wrap-around light units at the back are LED and are inspired by the CX-5.

Mazda CX-3 is a superb car to drive and it delivers amazing pleasure to the one behind the wheels. Part of its superb driving dynamics is MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam set up for the rear. The CX-3 handles corners very well and now with the added power of G-Vectoring, it stays planted with engine braking brought into the equation. The steering wheel is very communicative and helps understand what the front wheels are up to. That being said, we miss the all-wheel-drive option here, it is on offer in the Philippines.

Ride quality is a tad stiff, due to the superb handling prowess. Also, we believe that the inclusion of the auto brake hold would have been a nice touch to the deal as it eliminates the need to slot the gear in neutral and pull the handbrake. 

The CX-3 like the Mazda 2 is powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection SkyActiv petrol engine that makes a maximum power of 154 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 204 Nm at 2,800 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the wheels. If in a hurry or to get the right trill on can switch on to the Sport mode. The crossover covers 0 to 100 kmph distance in 8.8 seconds while the top speed is 194 kmph. In terms of fuel economy, it returns 13 kmpl in the city and 17 kmpl on the highway. The stop-start function is standard and helps with the fuel economy numbers as well.

The Mazda CX-3 features a well-packed safety kit that includes six airbags, ABS, EBD with brake assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Dynamic Stability Control, and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors. 

The CX-3 is a car for those who love to drive but want an elevated driving position and some amount of practicality dialed in. Priced at RM 138,337, it isn’t the most affordable crossover but packs in a lot more in terms of equipment.