Driven by its spirit of original thinking, the CX-3’s progressive shapes exude fun and do it with dignity, mirroring the active lifestyle and enlightened, independent outlook of the typical buyer. So, while sharing many KODO – Soul of Motion traits with other Mazdas, from the sculpted, flowing lines to the compact rear-leaning cabin, the CX-3’s bold face, large wheels, side mouldings and high beltline also unmistakably express its go-anywhere SUV character.
Interior
Like all new Mazdas, the CX-3 is driver oriented and driving focused. Behind the wheel, it offers class-beating adjustability to make the experience a pleasure for people of all sizes. The seat has 260mm of movement range front-to-back and 40mm vertically, while the steering wheel tilts 45mm and adjusts 50mm telescopically. Together with the symmetrical pedals, optimally positioned gauges and controls, and top-class front shoulder and legroom, this also helps prevent fatigue on long trips.
The SUV’s high eye point provides drivers with an excellent view of the road and the ability to see the top 20% of a 100cm child (or similarly sized objects) in front of the CX-3. The layout and abundance of glass also delivers good rearward visibility, even diagonally – helpful when changing lanes or reversing out of parking spaces.
The Mazda CX-3’s 350 litre boot expands to 1,260 litres with the 6:4 split rear seatbacks folded. One highlight is its flexibility, featuring a two-way cargo board positionable at two different levels according to needs. The higher location flattens the large load surface with the rear seats folded, offering enough room underneath to store items such as a folding camping table or sporting equipment like tennis gear or a skateboard. The lower position, meanwhile, creates enough room for two 67cm suitcases with the rear seats occupied. Either way, the high liftgate opening and small bottom lip simplifies loading and unloading.
Connectivity, Functionality & Equipment
Cabin functionality in the CX-3 is built around Mazda’s new-generation human-machine interface. It has all vital controls like the pedals, gearshift, steering wheel and rotary commander ergonomically positioned to feel like extensions of the driver’s body.
The Active Driving Display, among the first head-up displays in its segment, plays a crucial role, providing real-time driving data in the driver’s forward field of view. Speed, directions and active safety warnings from the CX-3’s i-ACTIVSENSE active safety systems are among the three items of real-time information displayed at any given time, prioritised according to importance. That and other driving data can also be viewed on the instrument cluster, which features a large central analogue tachometer with a digital speedometer and other gauges.
The 7-inch touchscreen display located on the dash above the centre stack is the hub of the infotainment zone – and the gateway to CX-3’s MZD Connect smartphone connectivity system. Controllable with minimal effort using the rotary commander on the centre console (or voice command for many functions), the setup is designed to keep the driver’s eyes on the road while enjoying online content via the BOSE® premium sound system, for example.
SKYACTIV Power Delivery
At the heart of the CX-3 beats a petrol SKYACTIV-G 2.0 with power transferred to the front or all four wheels via six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic. This engine is unconventionally efficient, featuring extreme compression, lightweight designs and standard i-stop idle-stop system. It’s all been done in pursuit of optimum internal combustion and the best possible balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
The direct-injection SKYACTIV-G 2.0 is offered with 154bhp at 6,000rpm, and 204Nm of torque delivered at 2,800rpm. Featuring 14:1 compression, the highest available in a mass-produced passenger car and this naturally aspirated “right-sized” engine feels remarkably quick right from a standstill. Unlike the downsized petrol units so popular these days, there’s no turbo lag. What’s more, it is designed for optimum real-world fuel economy; there is also the i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system.
This all new Mazda SUV is on sale in all Mazda showrooms right now. Mazda is confident that this latest addition to its family will go on to be a core model, bringing the brand into the hearts of a new generation of discerning car buyers. Even more so with Bermaz’s stress free ownership “3+3 Years Free Warranty and Maintenance” Programme, of which CX-3owners will be able to enjoy.
The Mazda CX-3 comes with sun roof and 18 inch sports rim. It will be available in 5 colour choices; Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Jet Black, Meteor Gray, and Deep Crystal Blue. Selling price is RM131,218.50 OTR without insurance.
