Mazda CX-3: Opinions, Technical Data Sheet, Advantages

The Mazda CX-3 It is the company’s firstborn in this class that continues the theme of compact crossovers with a great combination of almost sporty character and everyday practicality. This car resembles a sophisticated “socialite” that literally every car enthusiast will love.

The car debuted at the end of 2014 and underwent a small update at the end of 2016, a new steering wheel and a GVC (G – Vectoring Control) system appeared among other things. So, based on this update in this article, we will give you our experts’ opinions on the Mazda CX-3.

Characteristics

It drives in such a way that even now you can stick the nameplates “Sport”, “GT,” and other “Turbo” on this car: A very dynamic and charged character. In this, the Mazda CX-3 is similar to the Suzuki Vitara S, only with changes to the interior and at a higher technological level.

On the one hand, the driving style. Hidden under the hood is a powerful 2-liter gasoline engine (150 hp). But here, unlike the Mazda 3, not the slightest flaws or comments: a phenomenally linear relationship between the pressure of the accelerator pedal and the dynamics of acceleration.

Plus, power and traction are literally always available: starting from one place, fast, without pauses; acceleration at the slightest movement of the right leg. And when the engine revs at high revs the hum is a tangible squeeze in the back of the seats under the dry metal “soundtrack” of a truly dual exhaust.

I understand well!

This car is not intended to record endurance races; the car does not give “a million or more horses.” But the willingness to react in a split second when stepping on the accelerator in a real daily commute means a lot, creating that very dynamic character.

The Mazda CX-3 crossover can be called “feminine,” but if so, this is Killer! The cute predatory appearance is supported by a similar driving character: dynamic acceleration is provided by a powerful engine and a 6-speed “automatic” box, which perfectly understand each other: smooth and imperceptible shifts, quick “kick-down”.

And if you really want to completely raise the stakes, that is, he “SPORT” modeis where the automatic transmission tightens with the gear change, allowing the engine to spin at 6 thousand rpm.

The driving experience does not disappoint

The crossover has a sharp steering wheel, minimal roll, and quick responses to steering wheel turns. Again, these are not superpowers; It’s just that the whole car was designed like this from the beginning: a small body, the wheels are placed in the corners, a small height and clearance (160 mm).

That’s the whole secret. But, believe us, such dynamic and “lively” behavior on the road is still to be looked for in the class of compact crossovers. And, most likely, you will not find a better Mazda CX-3: a phenomenally “agile” car that does not simply follow the movement of your hand and the turn of the steering wheel.

At the same time, excellent arch stability (although on good asphalt) and neutral character in curves. Comfort is often a victim of this nature. And… Do you expect me to write “everything is great here”? Unfortunately not.

The test car was shod with 18 discs and tires with a 50 profile, and they picked up almost all of the “trifles” of the road: shallow holes, joints, potholes, influx of asphalt. And then there is the traditional problem of small cars with a short wheelbase: the rear, when unloaded, shakes noticeably when passing bumps.

At the same time, when driving at a moderate speed on numerous potholes of various sizes, the suspension does not “break”, it has a reserve of energy consumption for medium and large irregularities. The traditional advice with higher profile tires is relevant this time: there is a chance that the Mazda CX-3 will feel more comfortable in the little things.

Interior expectations

The salon does not shine with spaciousness, but it looks dynamic and is made with high quality: soft inserts, pleasant accents of a restrained dark red color and a comfortable seat. You will like the steering wheel and instruments, traditionally for the modern Mazda.

In general, the interior of the Mazda CX-3 is filled with many nice details: a hidden center deflector or round propeller deflectors with rotating washers in the center and a carbon look; you could have done without it.

On the other hand, three large climate knobs will seem simple to some, but they will remind you of the Mazda MX-5, as well as the character of the car as a whole: this is not a sports car for power figures, acceleration, or top speed; but It is a nice and dynamic vehicle for the daily joy of the driver.

The biggest comment of the family is the spaciousness of the cabin and the volume of the trunk. The Mazda CX-3 crossover belongs to the B-SUV segment and is one of its smallest representatives.

If in the front there is the feeling of “I got into the car, as if I were wearing racing gloves” and there is enough space, in the back there is the feeling of “this is not a B-SUV crossover, It’s just a B class hatchback”:

• Knee room.
• Interior width.
• Overhead headroom.

In addition, the trunk in the standard position has a volume of only 287-350 liters. (depending on the presence of the BOSE audio system and all-wheel drive). Fortunately, there is a double floor; and by folding the rear seats you can get a trunk with a volume of 1,197-1,260 liters.

Is there any innovation in it?

On the “iron” basis, the Mazda CX-3 crossover is a “hodgepodge” of many Japanese models: the wheelbase (2,570 mm) is identical to that of the Mazda 2, but the creators note that components are also used here from Mazda3, and the all-wheel drive is clearly borrowed from the Mazda CX-5 crossover.

At the same time, the model has a monocoque body with a large proportion of high-strength steels. (63% by equivalent mass); traditional set of SKYACTIV-G series motor and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic machine; Lightweight parts (-20%) of the all-wheel drive system, which reduces inertia, improves acceleration and reduces fuel consumption.

SKYACTIV-G series engines are already well known from other cars of the brand (Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-5) for their high compression ratio of 14:1 to improve overall efficiency (more power, less flow).

In addition to a “4-2-1” type exhaust manifold for better ventilation of the combustion chambers and an increase in power, as well as a timing system S-VT double variable valves for a wide range of operation.

Also, the body, engine, and automatic transmission of the Mazda CX-3 crossover were created according to the precepts of SKYACTIV: the joint use of ideas that were known separately. The original i-ELOOP system with an additional capacitor deserves a special mention.

The Mazda CX-3 crossover is a rare case when it uses not only the stop / start system, but the patented i-ELOOP system – this is the function of accumulating electricity during recovery (braking) in a special capacitor, which You can then recharge the vehicle’s standard battery or on-board power consumers without using a generator.

• This is rarely seen in mass “popular” brands; For example, you can remember Citroen with the e-HDi microhybrid. For such advanced microhybrid systems or so-called.

What is the second interesting high-tech component of the Mazda CX-3?

It is the i-ACTIVSENSE active safety technology package. This is really a complex that combines many different technologies:

• LDWS function to control the movement lane.
• Monitor the “blind spots” of the rearview mirrors (BSM).
• SCBS system for emergency braking in the city that operates at a speed of 4–30 km / h.
• Rear view camera and cross traffic alert function.

Many of these technologies have already been seen in reviews of other cars from the brand, but the Mazda CX-3 compact crossover has something special to offer: its adaptive cruise control with SBS for safe braking (it works at speeds of 15-145 km/h).

This technology is based on a radar in the front of the car, which constantly scans the space in front of it. That is to say, “go” The cars ahead can maintain a certain distance and speed. In the event of a possible collision, the system will warn about the need to brake and can even brake itself.

How do Mazda’s adaptive cruise and automatic braking work in real life?

Like all new technologies, adaptive cruise and automatic braking are very practical and easy to use, you just have to turn on the cruise and select the desired distance with the button, with this the car will reduce speed and accelerate by itself; if necessary, it will slow down sharply.

Other interesting systems of the Mazda CX-3 include a camera on the top of the windshield to monitor the lane of movement and read traffic signs, a head-up display on a separate retractable glass, monitoring the blind spots of the rearview mirrors.

In addition, adaptive LED headlights and the possibility of Enabling and disabling various functions through the MZD Connect multimedia system menu that also brings together:

• Audio system.
• Telephonic conection.
• Rear view camera.
• Navigation.

How is it controlled? Using a touch screen and a separate block of selector keys installed behind the automatic transmission lever, near the parking brake. By the way, during this spring’s facelift, the Mazda CX-3 received a new MZD Connect control unit and an electric parking brake with a button.

Fuel consumption ratio

The fuel consumption ratio for the Mazda CX-3 may vary depending on the type of driving, we will show you below:

In the city:

• The test car consumed an average of 9 to 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
• With dynamic driving, consumption increased to 10.5-11 liters.
• On weekends, without traffic jams, with easy driving, it can bring a consumption of about 7.5 liters of fuel.

On the road:

• At a speed of 80-90 km / h, the car consumes 5.5-6 liters per 100 km.
• With an increase in speed to 110-120 km / h, fuel consumption increases to 7.5-8 liters per 100 km of run.

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