2017 CX-3: Mazda’s hot new subcompact crossover

Up front, a finely sculpted grille and LED lighting assemblies

Photos by Aida Sevilla Mendoza

The most lucrative segment in the automotive market these days is the affordable subcompact SUV/crossover.

In 2014, Ford Philippines, the first to recognize the unmet demand for this type of vehicle, introduced the EcoSport, which was originally developed by Ford in Brazil.

The EcoSport became Ford’s second-bestselling nameplate in the country after the Everest, prompting Chevrolet to launch the Trax in 2015. Early this year, Nissan began offering the Juke.

Now, Mazda has entered the fray by coming up with the Mazda CX-3, but with a big difference: it is the first subcompact SUV available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Revealed at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2016-model-year-production vehicle, the CX-3 is Mazda’s sixth model to showcase the Japanese manufacturer’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme and its SkyActiv principle combining creative weight reduction and fuel-efficient engine power.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts, offers three 2017 CX-3 variants: the 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive (FWD) Pro, the 2.0-liter FWD Sport, and the 2.0-liter AWD Activ.

All three variants are powered by the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G gasoline direct injection engine producing 146 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 192 Newton meters max torque at 2,800 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode.

The 2.0-liter SkyActiv gasoline direct injection engine packs 146 bhp/ 192 Nm max torque.

The CX-3 nameplate suggests that it is a high-riding version of the compact Mazda 3. In fact, the CX-3 is more closely related to the subcompact Mazda 2 hatchback with which it shares the same platform and suspension layout.

Stronger and firmer

Compared to that of the Mazda 2 hatchback, the suspension of the CX-3 has a higher roll-center height and a longer bump stroke.

In addition, stronger and firmer suspension bushings and tuned springs and dampers were specifically developed for the CX-3 along with optimized torsion beam characteristics and arm shapes to suit the FWD and AWD drivetrain options.

I got to test the i-Activ AWD drivetrain of the top-end AWD CX-3 (P1.48 million) when I traversed the undulating, crater-filled Sucat Road in Parañaque on my way to the Duty Free Fiesta Mall.

The black leather seats have red-accent stitching and suede inserts.

There were extensive diggings along Sucat to replace the ancient drainage system, but I was able to maintain control of the CX-3 due to its computer-assisted 4WD system that continuously calculates and instantaneously adjusts the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels to prevent the front tires from slipping.

The i-Activ AWD system of Mazda is by no means designed for serious, hard-core off-road adventures, but it sure will come in handy in any kind of road and weather situation.

Sporty handling

But what Mazda is really known for is its trademark sporty handling, and in that aspect, the 2017 CX-3 does not disappoint.

One of the best-looking and most fun-to-drive vehicles in its class, the Mazda CX-3 offers exemplary handling and cornering, thanks to its precise and perfectly weighted power-assisted steering, smooth and responsive six-speed A/T, sport-tuned suspension, and rigid yet lightweight body.

The driver-oriented cockpit is dominated by a seven-inch LCD display on top of the dash.
In the photo below, the rear edge of the roof is shaped like a spoiler over the tridimensional liftgate.

On the Skyway, the CX-3 was delightfully nimble, providing powerful linear acceleration and gratifying dynamics, especially with the Sport mode switched on.

The Sport mode uses lower transmission gears and increases engine torque, thereby delivering sharper, more responsive acceleration.

Disc brakes on all four wheels provide strong stopping power.

The CX-3’s low center of gravity and wide tread, together with solid body rigidity and the tuned suspension, minimize unwanted body motions and unpleasant vibration. This ensures smooth cruising on highways.

Due to the firm suspension that keeps the CX-3 planted, it is not exactly a car-like, comfy cruising. In exchange for sporty driving dynamics, the ride is rather stiff, albeit well-controlled.

In urban stop-and-go traffic, the CX-3 is also brisk and agile. The AWD CX-3 sprints from zero to 100 kph in 8.1 seconds.

The cargo area of 297 liters is extendable when the rear seatbacks are folded forward and down.

Due to the relatively low curb weight of the CX-3, Mazda Motor Corp. claims that it consumes 9.8 kilometers per liter in city driving and 13.6 km per liter on the highway, even with the AWD system.

Fuel economy is helped by the CX-3’s i-Stop Engine Idling System. Unlike the stop/start systems in other cars, the i-Stop Engine Idling System works smoothly and does not cause the vehicle to vibrate.

Head-turning design

The CX-3’s head-turning Soul of Motion exterior design made the finals of the 2016 World Car Design of the Year which, incidentally, was won by another Mazda vehicle, the MX-5 roadster.

The CX-3’s profile is defined by a long nose, large diameter wheels and tires emphasized by black front and rear wheel arch moldings, a sleek, compact cabin with speed-suggestive lines, a flowing look that makes the car appear bigger, and short overhangs.

Inside, as well as out, the design is inspired by the CX-5 with styling cues from the Mazda2. Taut, solid construction is obvious.

Premium interior ambience

The driver-oriented cockpit is dominated by the seven-inch LCD touchscreen monitor (that houses the MZD-Connect infotainment system), soft-touch panels and piano black accents.

In the AWD and Sport variants, the Active Driving Display on top of the meter cluster, a headup display, black leather seats with suede inserts and red contrast stitching, plus a seven-speaker Bose premium sound system render a premium interior ambience.

Comfort seats

The low-set front seats offer outstanding comfort with firm support for long trips and ample lateral bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

Forward visibility is excellent for the driver and front passenger, and improved for rear seat passengers by the higher rear- seat hip points, theater style.

Rearward visibility, on the other hand, is poor due to the swooping roofline. Thus,  the reverse parking camera in the AWD and Sport variants helps a lot.

However, rear legroom is not much better than the Mazda2, so much so that the back seat cannot comfortably accommodate two adults, much less three. It is in practicality that the CX-3 falls short.

At the same time, cargo space in the high-end variants is limited by the bass speaker enclosure of the Bose audio system.

With the rear seat up, cargo space measures only 297 liter, and with the rear seat stowed, 1,197 liter. There is simply not enough space for a growing family’s stuff.

Moreover, the load lip is high, making it difficult to load heavy items. Mazda tried to make up for these shortfalls by providing an adjustable floor that can store shallow items under a movable board.

As for safety, you need not ask. Aside from its high-strength crashworthy body, the CX-3 AWD and Sport variants have a complete suite of the latest active and passive safety features including front, side and curtain airbags, dynamic stability control, and traction control.

Summing up

The frisky, fuel-efficient and stylish 2017 Mazda CX-5 is a class above the subcompact crossover segment because of its innovative SkyActiv technology and generous amount of high-tech kit and specs.

But with a price tag of P1.28 million for the basic FWD Pro variant, P1.38 million for the FWD Sport, and P1.48 million for the AWD Activ, it is not as affordable as its segment competitors whose retail prices start below P1 million.

Indeed, the cramped rear seat and limited cargo space of the CX-3 could lure its target market—young, growing families—to consider instead the 2017 Mazda3 SkyActiv hatchback or the 2017 CX-5 Maxx 2.0-l compact crossover which cost P1.268 million and P1.345 million, respectively.

Both the Mazda3 hatchback and CX-5 offer more generous passenger and cargo room than the CX-3, and the same award-winning (J.D. Power No. 1 in Philippines Customer Satisfaction and After-Sales Service 2016) Yojin3 Mazda Free Three-Year Total Care warranty package.

It’s your call to make, as long as it’s a Mazda.