The CX-3 slots into the Mazda lineup just beneath the CX-5, and the small crossover offers all of the flair and athleticism one can expect from today's Mazda lineup.
The CX-3 shares its competent underpinnings with the MAZDA2. Its crisp handling is courtesy a rear torsion beam axle and front strut suspension. As in other Mazdas, SKYACTIV technology unites the CX-3's major components--engine, transmission, body and chassis.
Three trims are offered: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All are powered by a 146-horsepower, 16-valve, all-aluminum 2.0L inline 4-cylinder, which drives the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring manual shift and Sport modes. CX-3s return 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive is optional on all trims, with fuel economy numbers just slightly less, at 27 and 32 mpg, respectively.
CX-3 Sport trims are nicely equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry and push-button start, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth voice-activated controls, a MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen display, cloth seating and 60/40 split rear seatbacks. At speeds below 19 mph, Smart City Brake Support automatically applies the brakes during an emergency.
Step up to the CX-3 Touring, and heated mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps can be found, as well as heated leatherette seats, auto on/off headlights, automatic climate control, a center armrest and a leather-clad steering wheel and shift knob. Standard advanced safety features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Finally, the CX-3 Grand Touring features 18-inch wheels, an adaptive front lighting system with LED headlights, running lights and fog lights, LED taillights, a power moonroof, paddle shifters, a color head up display, leather seating, automatic climate control, navigation and a Bose 7-speaker audio system with HD radio.
The Sport can be ordered with the Premium Package, which adds Grand Touring items such as the power moonroof and Bose audio system. Meanwhile the Grand Touring offers the I-Activsense Package, with advanced safety features like radar cruise control and proximity warning, lane departure warning, smart braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers and more.
Efficient
Crisp Handling
Feature-rich
Unique Styling
Ample Power
Available All-wheel Drive
The Mazda CX-3 carries over into 2018 mostly unchanged, though the chassis and steering have been revised to improve handling, comfort and cabin noise. New standard features across the lineup include Smart City Brake Support. New available features include a power driver's seat with memory, a heated steering wheel and a full-color active driving display.
Mazda always offers a lot of car for the money, and the CX-3 small crossover expertly follows suit. Perhaps the most attractive model in a crowded segment, the CX-3 benefits from the lovely lines that define the rest of Mazda's "Kodo" design language. SKYACTIV technology ensures a powerful, efficient and dynamic ride, while a long list of standard features adds a touch of opulence to the CX-3. Competitors such as the Buick Encore, Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman seem pedestrian by comparison.
