- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
109kW, 192Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 6.1L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Mazda CX-3 sTouring new car review
Remember when SUVs were big, bulky and good at driving over anything but bitumen? Those days are gone, and the Mazda CX-3 is the perfect example of how far the high riding wagon genre has progressed.
Based on the architecture of the Mazda2 city hatchback, the CX-3 provides an SUV alternative to both the 2 and the larger Mazda3 small cars – as well as the myriad small SUVs either here or coming soon. It's aimed at the city but with images of adventure.
It's one of a number of small SUVs barging in on an ever-crowded segment; in 2015 there's also the Honda HR-V and Renault Captur and upcoming Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade.
What do you get?
There's a vast model range with the CX-3 spanning a price range beginning at about 20 grand and going all the way to double that. Within that is the choice of petrol and diesel engines, manual and auto transmission, two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive as well as four trim levels – Neo, Maxx, sTouring and Akari. All in the single compact SUV body.
For this test we've grabbed the front-drive sTouring auto with a petrol engine; it's one of the hot sellers and a car that costs $28,990 (plus on-road and dealer costs). A four-wheel drive system adds $2000, while the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine adds another $2400 (it's only available as a 4WD).
It comes with a reversing camera (something fitted to all but the base Neo), satellite-navigation, cruise control, Bluetooth, fake leather trim and rain-sensing wipers. There are also 18-inch wheels and LED lights for the tail lights and daytime running lights at the front.
There's also an optional safety pack ($1030), which includes blind spot warning and auto braking below 30km/h, potentially avoiding a low speed nose-to-tail crash.
What's inside?
If attention to detail counts then the CX-3 scores plenty of points. From the carbon fibre-inspired plastics on the steering wheel, door trims and centre console to the elegant metal finishes and functional presentation. It's a classy cabin and one that doesn't feel built to a price, right down to the leather-look trim (called Maztex) that very clearly isn't from an animal but nonetheless looks good (albeit without the leather tactility), all in keeping with the modern, fresh flavour.
There's the occasional oversight; while the MZD Connect screen looks the business on top of the dash and is easy to navigate, some functions – such as channel surfing – require too many twists and pushes of the knob. Speaking of which, that main controller – positioned between the front seats – doesn't always fall easily to hand.
Getting comfortable in the driver's seat is easy, and the head-up control, while tending towards gimmicky, is a decent way to watch your speed without looking to the main instrument cluster.
Back seat space, though, comes at a premium. Head room is marginal while leg room is very tight, and there's a degree of flexibility required by taller people to squeeze in. The rising windowline also reduces vision for little ones.
The boot, too, is compact and relatively shallow, but there are split-folding seats for added functionality.
Under the bonnet
The 2.0-litre petrol-fed engine is a familiar piece of kit, also used in the Mazda3 and CX-5. In the CX-3 it's slightly down on power, but the 109kW outdoes most rivals.
Combined with the compact, lightweight SUV body it makes for punchy acceleration. There's also decent muscle low in the rev range, ensuring the CX-3 makes light work of city traffic.
But it's when you rev it harder that you get the full appreciation of what is a characterful engine. Working with the intuitive six-speed auto it accelerates snappily. That auto tends to pick taller gears in the quest for fuel economy, but it has a Sport mode that drops it down a cog or two; it's a handy addition when you want smarter response, but doesn't make much sense when cruising gently.
With the latest SkyActiv technology – it's marketing hype for "fuel saving" – it's respectably frugal, using a claimed 6.1 litres per 100km.
We used closer to 9L/100km during our week with the car, which took in everything from peak hour and suburban run-arounds to some brief freeway stints.
On the road
Being based on the Mazda2, the CX-3 arrives with good genes. It translates to great on-road manners, with crisp steering and impressive agility. The 18-inch tyres grip well, too, topping off the competent dynamic package.
And while its natural domain is the cut and thrust of city traffic, the CX-3 doesn't shy away from a demanding mountain pass. And as well as being surefooted it's impressively fun.
But there's the occasional chink in the armour. Approaching freeway speeds, for example, highlights a mild mismatch between the front and rear suspension. Decent bumps will lead to more float in the front suspension while the rear is better tied-down.
Driving only the front wheels a slippery surface can tempt wheelspin, something the electronics quickly step in to contain. It's most noticeable when powering hard out of tight corners, or darting out of a side street.
There's also noticeable road noise, something that peaks on rougher bitumen surfaces typically found on country roads.
Verdict
In many ways the appeal of the CX-3 is its broad model range. It's one of the only ones in its class to offer a four-wheel drive system, for example, and has a vast array of choices once you factor in the two engines and four trim levels. But the design is also a natural hook.
Yet that would be overlooking the core goodness built into the CX-3. It's fun to drive and easy to manoeuvre.
Some additional work with refinement, particularly surrounding noise levels, would make it even better.
Mazda CX-3 S Touring pricing and specifications
Price: $28,990, plus on-road and dealer costs
Country of origin: Japan
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 109kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 192Nm at 2800rpm
Fuel use: 6.1L/100km
CO2 emissions: 146g/km
Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel-drive
Weight: 1226kg
Safety: 6 airbags; stability control
Pros: Perky engine; excellent value; great to drive; vast model range, including 4WD
Cons: Tight back seat; tyre and engine noise
The Competitors
Honda HR-V VTi-S
Price: $27,990
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 105kW/172Nm; CVT auto; front-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 6.9L/100km; 160g/km
Safety: 6 airbags; stability control
Pros: Spacious and flexible interior; comfortable ride; smooth automatic
Cons: Restricted rear headroom; fiddly audio system; engine needs to be revved
Our score: 4/5
Holden Trax LTZ
Price: $28,490
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 103kW/175Nm; 6-speed auto; front-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 76.L/100km; 179g/km
Safety: 6 airbags; stability control
Pros: Spacious; great storage; good grip and cornering manners;
Cons: Dated interior; underwhelming 1.8; thirsty
Our score: 3/5
Renault Captur Dynamique
Price: $27,990
Engine: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 88kW/190Nm; 6-speed auto; front-drive
Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 5.4L/100km; 125g/km
Safety: 4 airbags; stability control
Pros: Funky interior; refined and comfortable; composed dynamics; frugal
Cons: Sluggish performance; wants premium unleaded; no rear airbags
Our score: 3/5