The Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by Japanese automaker Mazda from 2015 to 2022. It was designed to be a more stylish and premium alternative to traditional hatchbacks.
Design and Features:
The CX-3 has a distinctive KODO design language, with a sharp and angular exterior that features a bold front grille, swept-back headlights, and a sloping roofline.
The interior is characterized by premium materials, including leather upholstery, aluminum trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The infotainment system features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and a range of connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance:
The CX-3 is powered by a range of engines, including a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder and a 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine.
The most powerful variant produces 146 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Safety Features:
The CX-3 has a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States.
It also earns Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a suite of airbags.
Interior Space and Comfort:
The CX-3 has a compact size, with a length of 155.5 inches, but it still offers decent interior space and comfort.
Rear seat legroom is limited to just 31.4 inches, making it less suitable for taller passengers or those requiring more cargo space.
Cargo capacity ranges from 12 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Fuel Economy:
The CX-3 achieves respectable fuel economy figures, including up to 32 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive model.
The all-wheel drive variant has slightly lower ratings of 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway.
Trim Levels:
The CX-3 is available in a range of trim levels, including Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring (GT).
Each trim level adds more features, such as LED headlights, automatic emergency braking, and a moonroof.
Competitors:
The Mazda CX-3 competes with other subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona, and Nissan Kicks.
It's also worth noting that the CX-3 has been replaced by the larger and more feature-rich Mazda CX-30 in some markets.