Mazda is slowly but surely creating one of the most appealing model ranges of any manufacturer,
with the 2, 3, 6 and CX-5 all scoring highly in our reviews. And now, the Mazda CX-3 has
arrived into one of the quickest growing segments, taking on the likes of the Nissan Juke.
And, with style being so crucial here, it looks like Mazda is onto a winner. I think
the CX-3 has a really neat design, which is set off beautifully by this Metallic Soul
Red paintwork and Gunmetal alloy wheels. It’s very compact too, so it should be great to
drive in the city. Hop in the drivers seat and the interior feels
modern and sporty, with a large rev gauge dominating proceedings. Every trim level also
gets this seven-inch screen, with a controller placed next to the handbrake. It’s a piece
of cake to use, and safer than prodding at a touchscreen one on the move.
In this Sport Nav trim, there’s also a heads-up display, so it’s easy to keep an eye on
your speed. Materials are impressive, although this half stone leather interior is an £800
option we’d probably avoid, as white leather tends to be rather tricky to keep clean.
Headroom in the back isn’t as impressive as the front, so tall friends might complain.
The sporty looks also mean the rear windows are small, so visibility can be an issue.
Rear parking sensors are standard on the SE-L trim, while Sport Nav models get a reversing
camera. The boot in most CX-3’s measures 350-litres,
but the Sport Nav we’re testing has 287 because of a Bose subwoofer which unfortunately
takes up some space. It compares well to the 352-litre Juke, but the Yeti is more practical,
with 416 litres. The boot lip is quite high, but on the plus side, there’s an artificial
boot floor so you can put some valuables or shoes under here. And when fold the rear seats
down, they sit almost completely flush. So, you know it looks great, but how about
how it drives? Well, around town it’s actually really good fun. The steering is very sharp
and quite light, while the gearbox is a delight, with a really snappy feel. You’ll soon find
yourself nipping in and out of traffic and attacking mini roundabouts like hairpins on
the Stelvio pass. But, it’s not perfect, because the ride
is quite firm, especially with these 18-inch wheels fitted. The steering also a bit darty
at motorway speeds, so it’s not as relaxing as the Yeti on a longer trip.
Engines include a 1.5-litre diesel, or a 2.0-litre petrol with 118bhp or 148bhp. The diesel is
best for economy, with 70mpg, but the size of the petrol shouldn’t put you off, as
both can return over 44mpg. The CX-3 is
quite pricey to buy though, with a starting price of £17,595 playing against £14k for
an entry-level Juke or Renault Captur, while the Yeti range starts from £17k.
While the crossover crowd might be getting bigger, there’s still room for the CX-3.
It looks great, has a pleasant interior and it’s good fun to drive.
It’s not perfect though, the ride is quite firm and the petrol models aren’t class-leading
for efficiency. But, if you can overlook those minor complaints, the CX-3 is a very stylish
new model we’re sure you’d be proud to own.
Could you see yourself in a CX-3? Let us know in the comments section and don’t forget
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