Mazda CX-3: Reasons to buy

Buyers scouting for options in the B-segment crossover or subcompact crossover space have plenty to pick and choose from. In most markets, including the Malaysian one, subcompact crossovers are also one of the most substantial and in-demand classes of passenger vehicles - factors that are 100 percent applicable to the Mazda CX-3. The CX-3 is built around the same architecture like that of the Mazda 3, and was reintroduced late last year with a minor facelift and some additional features.

Still in its first generation, the CX-3 arrived on Malaysian soil in 2016 and takes on rivals such as the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Subaru XV. The Japanese carmaker has been selling enough CX-3s in the region, and more likely than not, the facelift will only boost sales until the next-gen model arrives. Until then, here are some valid reasons why you shouldn’t think too much if you’re considering buying the Mazda CX-3.

It looks quite fetching

Like most of the cars in this segment, the Mazda CX-3’s exterior design looks young and contemporary, though it does look more like a hatchback on stilts rather than a tough SUV. Then again, that applies to almost all cars operating in this space. Utilising their famed and well-received KODO design philosophy, Mazda seems to have styled the CX-3 so as to make it stand out, without going over the top. With its relatively short overhangs, long muscular bonnet, and dynamic body contours, this crossover boasts a confident yet sophisticated stance.

Some of the most captivating exterior design features of the CX-3 include its wide front grille, sleek yet compact headlamps, and a sporty looking front bumper with a protruding lip extension. Furthermore, there are generous amounts of black body cladding, a sloping roofline, flared shoulders, enlarged wheel arches, stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, large roof spoiler, sharp LED tail lamps, and a heavily sculpted tailgate and rear bumper. Paint it with the right colour, such as Mazda’s popular Soul Red or Crystal Blue, and the CX-3 would be hard to miss out on the streets.

It drives well enough

For what’s essentially a slightly raised hatchback, the Mazda CX-3 offers enough driving pleasure for most people -- this is down to the way engineers have tuned the CX-3’s powertrain, suspension, and steering. The CX-3 is fitted with Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which makes 154 hp and 206 Nm of maximum torque. It comes matched to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission which exclusively drives the front wheels. The four-popper mill and the traditional torque-converter gearbox are effective, propelling the CX-3 to 100 kmph in approximately 8.5 seconds, whilst top speed is 197 kmph.

The CX-3’s suspension setup sees the industry-standard independent MacPhersons up front and a semi-independent Twist Beam for the rear. However, Mazda has fine-tuned the behaviour of the springs and dampers in a manner where they not only provide good ride quality, but are also able to manage the crossover admirably around corners. The steering wheel further aids the driver by being precise, well-weighted, and allowing satisfactory feedback. All in all, the CX-3 is one of the better-driving vehicles in its segment. Finally, the CX-3 comes equipped with the carmaker’s i-Stop Idling Technology (engine auto stop-start) to improve fuel economy, and G-Vectoring Control Technology to assist the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

Great build quality

When it comes to its overall build quality, few manufacturers perform as well as Mazda. The CX-3 does really well on multiple levels -- it boasts neat and consistent shutlines, upmarket paint finish, and solid feeling, heavy-set doors. Then on the inside and helping boost perceived quality further, there are the expensive looking and feeling switchgear, almost immaculate fit & finish, soft-touch plastic surfaces, and a good combination of varying textures, trims and accents.

Extensive equipment catalogue

The Mazda CX-3 is only available in one variant, but that’s all you’d ever need as it’s chock-full of convenience features and equipment. So as standard, there are automatic & adaptive LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, automatic front windshield wipers, smart keyless-entry with push-start button, auto-folding door mirrors, cruise control, automatic single-zone climate control, full-leather upholstery, paddle shifters, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function, 6-speaker sound system, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen head unit. This system incorporates Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and GPS navigation.

Packed with vital safety features

Mazda has always been promoting vehicle safety and are usually quick in adopting international standards on the matter. Therefore, the CX-3 comes loaded with some basic and advanced safety technology, including Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and a full complement of up to six airbags. Additionally, you also benefit from nannies such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).