Small compact SUV vehicles are becoming as common as an All Black win, so when there is a model that is worth making some noise about you tend to sit up and listen.  Mazda’s latest model in their SUV guise is the smallest CX-3.  Blessed with good looks and great technology, the Mazda CX-3 is a pleasure to drive.

The Mazda CX-3 has an outline that portrays energy and fun.  Its curvy outline has a low profile that looks sporty and exciting, giving the new Mazda CX-3 added attraction – particularly with its smaller dimensions.  The swooping roofline sweeps tastefully over the C-pillar, blending in nicely with the rounded haunches of the new CX-3.  One thing very evident in the KODO blueprint of the CX-3 design is the beautiful balance from nose to rear.  The CX-3 is elegant and streamlined, and Mazda has done a very good job of making the new CX-3 one of the best looking small SUVs on the market.  Striking designs have been part of Mazda vehicles ever since the introduction of their KODO creativity.  KODO captures energy in motion, like an animal pouncing.  I especially like the tidy nose on the Mazda CX-3.  It looks sharp and arrow-like in its appearance.  This sleekness is a welcome detail and gives an athletic appearance to the CX-3 – something that is lacking in many small SUV designs. Each new Mazda CX-3 comes with pleasant exterior detailing, body coloured power mirrors and a rear spoiler.  sTouring and Akari models also boast LED headlights and LED tail-lamps.  There are also seven eye-catching colours to choose from.

Slip yourself into the Mazda CX-3 interior and enjoy a very nicely crafted cabin that is fresh and impressively attractive.  Something that is coming to the fore with new Mazda vehicles is that the cabin is a place that is special and unique, a place that is separate from the mundane.  This new look and new way of designing vehicles is drawing buyer’s attention Mazda’s way.   The Mazda CX-3 has a cabin that is fresh and equipped with lots of modern class and space.  Beautiful trim and materials look good and feel great, and the CX-3 makes good use of metallic highlighting for extra elegance and sophistication.  Features inside the CX-3 include: MZD Connect (connects you to your contacts, music, social networks and more through an in-dash central touch screen.), steering wheel-mounted controls, advanced keyless push-button engine start, an audio system with six speakers (upgradable too), an overhead sunglass storage box, and satellite navigation is available from the Mazda CX-3 Maxx model upwards.  Safety features like the Active Driving Display helps you focus on what’s ahead by minimising road distraction, and this is standard on the sTouring and Akari models.  Mazda CX-3 models come with the rear seats being split 60/40 to allow for large or oddly shaped items to fit inside. There is a very useful two-way floor that lets you carry other bits-and-pieces inside as well.  Four CX-3 models are available: Neo, Maxx, sTouring and Akari.

Two engines are available to power your drive in the classy new Mazda CX-3. On the one hand, the 109 kW and 192 Nm, 2.0-litre petrol has enough power to drive smartly past slower traffic with ease.  Fuel efficiency for the 2.0-litre averages out a little over 6 litres/100 km. Then there is the diesel option in the form of the 1.5-litre, 77 kW and 270 Nm turbo-diesel. Smaller in engine size but with plenty of punch, the diesel option is a pleasant drive with exceptional fuel economy. In FWD form, the 1.5-litre can average under 5 litres/100 km.  In both cases, both engines are linked to a gearbox that harnesses exceptional power from the powerplant. A six-speed auto or six-speed manual are the options, and they are charming to use.

The feel of the new Mazda CX-3 is one of agility and response.  As with any new Mazda product, the smooth engine delivers power when you need it, and quiet cruising at motorway speeds.  Excellent road-holding and grip make the CX-3 a pleasure to drive.  With the option of FWD or AWD, the CX-3 is ready to meet your needs wherever the road goes – or doesn’t!   The Mazda CX-3 offers a smart on-demand AWD system that actively distributes torque to each wheel via electronic control.  The i-ACTIV AWD sources information from 27 different sensors to predict changes in driving conditions, including road surface, weather and driver intentions.

With i-stop, Mazda’s CX-3 has the ability to switch the engine off at the lights when you come to a stop.  Then at the prod of the accelerator, the engine instantly starts up ready for accelerating away. It doesn’t take long to get used to the new technology and the lower fuel bills!

Each of the Mazda CX-3 models comes with the very strong body structure.  Safety equipment includes SRS airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).  Other cool safety technology is that of the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which triggers the hazard lights to warn following drivers if you have to brake suddenly from speed.  Hill Launch Assist (HLA) momentarily keeps the brakes on when on a slope, allowing you to apply the power and take off smoothly.  If only they had this feature on cars when we had to sit our license back in the day!  A reversing camera is standard on the CX-3 Maxx through to the Akari.  These models also have radars which scan behind on the open road making lane changing a whole lot easier.  The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) operates at 70km/h and above.  A safety pack is available that offers additional features like Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (ABSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).

All-in-all, the new Mazda CX-3 is a top vehicle that sits right up there with the best on the market.  Add to that one of the best looking designs, and you have yourself a very classy small SUV.

The current Mazda CX-3 model series includes the:

Mazda CX-3 Neo

Mazda CX-3 Maxx

Mazda CX-3 sTouring

Mazda CX-3 Akari

For any more information on the Mazda CX-3, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Mazda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!