2016 Mazda CX-3 compact crossover offers a lot
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 makes its debut at an inauspicious time. Fuel prices are dropping and the compact crossover market is getting crowded. It’s going to have to work hard to cut through the clutter, as well as to convince potential buyers against the want for a midsize crossover.
The Mazda CX-3 has its work cut out, but it’s a very good compact crossover. I would recommend shopping the CX-3 against competition such as the Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Renegade, and Fiat 500X. But could I recommend it over vehicles like the Tucson and the Renegade? At this point, no, because the CX-3 is their equal in some but not all respects.
It’s important to state up front what the Mazda CX-3 is not. It is not a crossover version of the Mazda2 (a blessing in itself) nor is it a scaled down version of the CX-5. Mazda execs like to say it stands on its own.
The CX-3, with its long hood and short overhangs, is a stunning vehicle to behold. Dare I say it’s a beefed up station wagon? Nah, I wouldn’t totally want to kill sales, but it does seem more reminiscent more of a hatchback than a crossover. That’s a good thing, because Mazda knows hatchbacks.
So, what’s my chief beef with the CX-3? During the media introduction of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 crossover, one of the product executives kind of gloated over the fact that the vehicle doesn’t have a continuously variable transmission. He said that’s something to appreciate, “especially if you’ve driven one recently.’’
Well, he was off the mark. The six-speed transmission of the CX-3 is its biggest weakness, especially when the sport mode is selected. It holds shifts unreasonably long, to the point of distraction. I would engage the sport mode for its strong acceleration but have to repeatedly disengage it to achieve normal cruising RPMs. Otherwise, I was forced to listen as the noise of the buzzing engine filled the cabin. This transmission needs to be programmed so it can recognize cruising speeds.
RIDE IN COMFORT: The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has a nicely designed dashboard with a focus on driver usability.
Otherwise, everything is good with the CX-3. It has a comfortable passenger cabin. Its entry and exit are easy thanks to a good hip point (basically the height of where your hip hits when seated). Cars with low and high hip points can be uncomfortable. I also like what Mazda has done with the seats. They have sound absorbing urethane materials, which are just another step in the fight to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the passenger cabin.
Fuel economy is strong in the CX-3, which runs on regular fuel. The base, front-wheel-drive model is rated at 29 city and 35 highway for a combined 31 mpg. Fuel economy for the all-wheel-drive model drops down fairly significantly to 27 city and 32 highway for a combined 29 mpg. The good news is, gas is projected to go under $2 a gallon later this fall. That all-wheel-drive penalty won’t sting quite as much.
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It’s good to see the CX-3 available with all-wheel-drive. (That makes it competitive here in New England.) Mazda calls it a predictive system that anticipates bad driving conditions instead of reacting to them. The system, called i-ACTIV, monitors outside temperature, the ABS, and stability control, as well as other mechanical inputs, to predict where the driver needs the most grip.
The best thing about the CX-3 is it drives like a Mazda. Sure, it’s not going to eat up twisty roads like a Miata, but it is going to instill confidence. The canyon roads around Malibu, where the CX-3 was introduced to the media, could be driven with confidence.
Pricing starts at $19,960 before $880 dealer handling for the sport trim in front-wheel-drive. The touring level starts at $21,960 while the grand touring level has a price of $24,990. All-wheel-drive is a $1,250 option and is available on all trim levels. The top model with all the bells and whistles is $28,160 with AWD and i-ACTIVESENSE package that includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control System, Lane Departure Warning System, rain-sensing wipers, and auto on/off headlights.
2016 Mazda CX-3
THE BASICS
Price, base (with destination): $20,840. Fuel economy: 29 city/35 highway/31 combined. Drivetrain: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder SKYACTIV engine. Body: Compact crossover.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 146 @ 6,000 rpm. Torque: 146 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm. Overall length: 168.3 in. Wheelbase: 101.2 in. Height: 60.7 in. Width: 69.6 in. Curb weight: 2,809 lbs.
THE GOOD
This is a stunning compact crossover with a comfortable ride, nice interior, and good powertrain.
THE BAD
The CX-3 has a transmission that can be a distraction in sport mode with its commitment to holding shifts for a long time.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Overall, the CX-3 is a good compact crossover but sometimes good isn’t enough to win the race.
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