2018 Mazda CX-3 SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is offered in 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That's the only power unit available from the Sport trim and up. The engine produces 146 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. The power is distributed via its standard six-speed automatic transmission gearbox, which we observed had a smooth transition in between gears. The drivetrain available for the CX-3 are the standard front-wheel drive and the optional all-wheel drive. The power of the CX-3 is enough to push it from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. That is actually decent compared to its competition like the 2018 Honda HR-V. The acceleration of the vehicle below 4,000 rpm feels smooth but it’s a different story above that because that's where it starts to get buzzy. The combined fuel economy of the CX-3 has been rated at 29 mpg.

Technology

The tech of the CX-3 begins with auto-off headlights, push-button ignition, cruise control, Bluetooth for smartphone and audio, rearview cam, six-speaker audio system with CD player and AM/FM, USB port, auxiliary jack, Internet radio, voice controls, rotary knob at center console and seven-inch touchscreen display for the Sport trim. The Touring trim adds keyless entry and ignition, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, paddle shifters and heating for the front row seats. The Grand Touring gets all the goodies found on the lower trims but puts in the adaptive LED headlamps, foglights and taillights, upgraded instruments, head-up display, navigation system, auto climate control, seven-speaker Bose audio system with HD and satellite radio. Optional in this trim is the i-Activesense that include auto high-beam headlight functions, automatic wipers, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation with auto braking.

Safety

The speed of the vehicle can be limited automatically when its cruise control is active. Furthermore, it is packed with a lot of driving assistance packages like the blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera, airbags located on the front and sides, automatic lighting controls and the optional iActivesense. We tested the brakes of the crossover, which performed good compared to its rivals. We pumped the gas to 60 mph and managed to make a sudden halt at 121 ft. The collision mitigation system further adds safety to the auto during untoward events on the road.

Appearance

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is based on its maker's -Kodo: Soul of Motion- design language. Basically, the aim of this is to make their vehicles to be a representation of a living creature with a relationship comparable to a horse and its rider. Mazda has successfully infused its design philosophy with the CX-3 giving it a very agile look through its carefully-crafted proportions. The product has that sporty hatchback look but with the aggressiveness of an SUV. It combines elegance and sportiness it is appearance. The CX-3 measures 101.2 inches in wheelbase, 168.3 inches in length, 69.6 inches in width, 60.7 inches in height and 6.1 inches in ground clearance. The exterior of the CX-3 is highlighted by -shark fin- antenna on the roof, DRLs, halogen headlamps, black accents, chrome highlights in the fascia, rear spoiler mounted on the roof and 16-inch wheels wrapped in P215/60 R16 tires as standard fit.

Comfort

The Sport model, the lowest trim of the CX-3, features a monotone cloth upholstery in the interior. During the ride, we felt that the springs in the cushions and the covers feel a bit firm, nonetheless, the seats provided adequate comfort. We particularly liked how the seats held us in place even in quick, sharp turns. If you are sensitive to noise, you will love the quiet interior of the CX-3 even at high speeds. The air conditioning does its job well too. The second row seats can only fit two adults comfortably. Sure, you can squeeze in a third person, but it will eventually feel a bit cramped for the rear passengers, especially during long journeys.

Cargo

The crossover sure is gorgeous, but it has sacrificed some of its functionality over some of its beauty. With the second row of seats down, it could only accommodate 44.5 cu ft of cargo. Leaving them up will only leave you 12 cu ft of space for your luggage. Add the Bose stereo and you will be left with just 10 cu ft. Most compact sedans even have more boot space than that. Then, the high ground clearance of the compact SUV might have its advantages, but that makes loading heavy stuff quite burdensome.