Mazda North American Operations has released information on its upcoming crossover, the CX-3. It’s shorter and lower than Mazda’s best-selling CX-5 and delivers uncompromised versatility with available predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, a punchy 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine and Mazda’s full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features optionally available, including lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, rear camera, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).
Yet, CX-3 is more than the sum of its parts. It is a vehicle tailored to deliver a rich, inviting experience not just for its driver, but also for its passengers, with rear seats set slightly inboard to ease conversation between front and rear passengers. It is a vehicle with interior details and materials that look and feel as elegant as they are forward-thinking, from the dark red seat stitching to the soft touch materials.
The subcompact crossover segment is growing quickly, but CX-3 stands alone with its attention to detail and purpose-led ergonomics. Standard inside CX-3 is a push-button starter and Mazda Connect infotainment offering Bluetooth phone pairing, audio streaming, USB ports for phone charging and entertainment connectivity and Commander control knob, as well as a seven-inch color touchscreen interface – all means of keeping connected in a quick-paced environment.
CX-3 exudes a sense of confidence and maturity with bold looks and beautiful proportions. Upfront, a pronounced grill borders in a signature wing. This element lends a sense of flow to the body and looks as though it were formed from a single piece of metal, and the body’s overall proportions are not fettered by conventional classifications of vehicle type.
Achieving CX-3’s design involved an uncompromising approach to refining the proportions that form the foundation of its beauty and painstaking efforts to eliminate every unnecessary element. For the interior, a concerted effort to achieve the appropriate ambience and fine textures of the materials lends itself to a high-quality, sophisticated cabin. The interior offers a high-quality and sophisticated feel that complements the exterior design. Attention was paid to every detail, including the cohesiveness of designs and quality of materials.
The surrounding character line and relatively high beltline, along with the deeply sculpted three-dimensional form of the door trim, create a comforting atmosphere for front-seat passengers. All information displays and control systems are positioned in toward the driver based on “Mazda’s Head-up Cockpit” concept. The aforementioned 2.0 litre powertrain offering produces 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is not yet certified, but Mazda engineers anticipate it to achieve fuel economy at the top of its class.
With dimensions of 168.3 in. overall length, 69.6 in. width and 60.7 in. height (when equipped with the shark fin antenna and 16-inch wheels; 60.9 inches with 18-inch wheels and shark fin antenna), CX-3’s size makes it easy to handle, even when driving in town or parking. Its long 101.2-in. wheelbase establishes flowing proportions while securing adequate space for comfortable seating.
It’s expected to cost about US$20,000 when it debuts in the United States. We’ll just have to see what the price will be when it hits our shores.
