Overview:
This is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 4-door 5 passenger compact car. One distinction of this model, as equipped so well, has an MSRP of just over $26,000. To me this is a great commuter that doubles as a family car that is economical. We have choices, choose wisely for your need.
General Information: It is assembled in Hiroshima, Japan; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 85% Engine and transmission – Japan; Classification is Compact. Cars from Mazda: CX 3, CX 5, CX 9, Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda 6, MX-5 Miata.
Handling & Performance:
My Crest Test part of the review was an outstanding experience. I don’t automatically see Mazda as an ultra-capable road warrior, but this CX-3 made me a believer. It handled rather impressively over the challenging mountain course over Angeles Crest highway through the San Gabriel Mountains. It was smooth and met every challenge perfectly. Nice.
Styling:
Very clean contemporary design evidenced not only to my senses but even by inquiries from a couple of youthful drivers who wanted to know what I thought. Most are curious because they like the look. My response was “It really handles and performes very well”…
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Affordable for this 5-passenger AWD commuter.
Conveniences and comfort:
One of the best coverages of safety features of most cars in this segment of the market. In particular the safety features are usually present only on more expensive cars. The features I’m most interested in include Smart Cruise control, Blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and Navigation add a lot to be more comfortable in my travels.
Consumer Recommendations:
We have choices in how we use our financial resources. Brother John opted for Ferrari’s and Corvettes and lots of horses. I don’t recommend that unless you are really lucky. Average Joe’s like me lean more on the practical mode of transportation. Horses and buggies and Ferrari’s hardly fall into my thought process of economy. He did convince me to get a Harley and although I took a couple of interesting falls, it didn’t kill me. Same with the horses that I never owned but loved that quiet mode of transportation in the back country. Going where few will ever go.
Recognized Competition:
Mazda CX-3 $27,000, Fiat 500 X $28,000, Honda HR-V $27,000, MINI Countryman $29,000.
Good News:
Well priced, good fuel economy (mpg), handles and performs very well.
Bad News:
Range could be better with a larger fuel tank.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 148 hp engine, skyactive drive 6-speed transmission, all-wheel-drive, 4-wheel ABS power assist disc brake system, 18” alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers front and rear, heated power mirrors with turn signal lights, rear roof spoiler, 5 passenger seating, tilt and telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, power automatic door locks, power windows, leather/suede heated front sport seats, 6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child safety seat anchors, anti-theft engine immobilizer, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert , electrical power steering, front stabilizer bar, LED headlights, daytime running lights, LED fog lights, climate control, active driving display, navigation system, Bose AM/FM /CD,MP3,7-speaker audio system, Aux jack / USB input, Bluetooth hands free phone/audio, 7” color touch screen display, rearview camera, traction control, stability control, hill launch assist, front, side and front and rear side curtain airbags.
Gas Stats:
$2.65/ Gal avg. September 10, 2016
for more information.
Combined MPG
Mazda CX-3 – 29 mpg, Fiat 500 X 24 mpg, Honda HR-V – 27 mpg, MINI Countryman – 29 mpg.
28 City and 40 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $26,240.