Driving Matters: 2018 Mazda CX-3 Compact SUV Crossover
The Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV is the fifth model in Mazda’s line-up of new-generation vehicles that feature the full range of SKYACTIV Technology and KODO—Soul of Motion design. The CX-3 offers all the essentials people look for in a vehicle; a design of overwhelming quality and style, packaging developed solely with the customer’s ease-of-use in mind, and the responsive driving feel that Mazda strives for in every model.
In the CX-3, the essence of KODO—the expression of life within a vehicle—has been evolved to produce a sharper form with an enhanced sense of speed. In the interior, meticulous attention to detail regarding the materials used has created a cabin environment of impressive sophistication and quality. In terms of driving performance, the CX-3 adopts the full suite of SKYACTIV technologies, carefully crafted to match human sensibilities. This realizes driving pleasure with faithful response as well as excellent environmental and safety performance.
Available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, the CX-3 is equipped with the automaker’s SKYACTIV-G 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission. Providing drivers with a direct feel similar to that of a manual transmission, the automatic transmission also achieves excellent fuel economy while delivering smooth and powerful acceleration.
The available AWD system employs an active torque control coupling to achieve excellent drivability and vehicle stability. It employs a front wheel slip warning detection system, which employs sensor signals to accurately monitor the driver’s intentions and constantly changing driving conditions. In addition, the CX-3 uses a newly developed power take-off and rear differential that is compact and light in weight.
The CX-3 features the SKYACTIV-CHASSIS, which delivers reassuring confidence and greatly enhanced levels of comfort thanks to thoroughly revised suspension and steering functions. The chassis employs a lightweight torsion beam rear suspension system that features highly efficient packaging and dampers in the front and rear that optimize friction characteristics to deliver linear handling characteristics and ride comfort with a feeling of high quality. The steering system allows light and agile handling in the city, but feels stable on winding country roads and the highway.
The CX-3 also adopts Mazda’s SKYACTIV-BODY, which achieves high levels of performance in three seemingly contradictory areas: collision safety, weight reduction, and rigidity. Realizing an even simpler layout of Mazda’s SKYACTIV-BODY architecture, it combines effective positioning of high-tensile steel and optimized cross section shapes to produce a lightweight body that features high rigidity and a sense of positive damping characteristics.
Inside the passenger cabin, the interior gives a high-quality and sophisticated feel coordinated with the exterior design. Keen attention was paid to every detail, including the cohesiveness of the spatial designs and the quality of materials used.
The surrounding character line and relatively high beltline, along with the deeply sculpted three-dimensional form of the door trim, create a comforting sense of snugness and openness for the front seat space.
All information displays and control systems are positioned in accordance with a driver-oriented design based on Mazda’s Heads-up Cockpit concept. The soft material that covers the meter hood features a stitch-like finish on its front edge, producing an atmosphere of maturity.
Each individual part has been refined to provide the interior with a polished, high-quality feel. Examples includes the dark red accent color used on the door trim armrests and floor console kneepads, and the sharp form of the inner door handle bezels which look as if they were sculpted from solid metal. Fine piping carefully added where the different coordinated seat materials meet, such as the Parchment leather and off-black Lux Suede offering, produces a sophisticated environment.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 168.3; width: 69.6; height: 60.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 146 hp at 6,000 rpm and 146 lbs-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic.
EPA Fuel Economy: 29 city/34 highway (FWD); 27 city/32 highway (AWD)
Cargo capacity: 44.5 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags with roll over protection, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, smart city brake support, traction control, dynamic stability control, Bluetooth hands free phone system, push button engine start, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, side-impact door beams, rear view camera, hill launch assist, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, engine immobilizer, and power automatic door locks. Touring adds advanced keyless entry, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Grand Touring adds LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, navigation system, and adaptive front lighting system.
Optional safety features include radar cruise control with close proximity warning, smart brake support system with collision warning, lane departure warning, high beam control, distance recognition support system, automatic headlights, rain sensing windshield wipers, Mazda mobile start system, rear parking sensors, remote engine start, first aid kit, and roadside assistance kit.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 3-year/36,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Mazda CX-3 starts from $20,110 for the Sport upto $26,415 for the Grand Touring all-wheel drive. Destination charges add $940.
