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2016 Mazda CX-3 Road Test | Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com
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An all-new model in the subcompact crossover segment, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 combines a well-built interior, class-best driving dynamics and a small footprint into a curvy body. Excellent fuel mileage, available all-wheel drive and numerous standard and optional features make it one of the top picks in this expanding category.
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'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
We have looked at most of the compact SUVs and most of the boxy hatches, at least on paper.
The closest competition for the CX-3 is the HR-V. The HR-V is roomier and utilizes space better but loses on the driving experience and the AC is weak (at least on our tester).
The tech stuff is appreciated on the CX-3. Two handy USB ports in the console caught my eye. The "stuck-on" nav unit didn't bother me - even though it's on top of the dash it's still low enough not to interfere with vision out the windshield and is easily viewable (if the screen on your tester is washed out, turn the headlight switch to "auto").
The stay in your lane gizmo had the typical irritating buzz that you'll wind up turning off a lot but the good implementation of the feature relates to the other popup on the dash, the heads up display. On the display, there's a visual indicator of where the vehicle is on the road - left, right, center. I could see that feature growing on me.
I've had a rental car with a HUD on the windshield and I really like them. The popup one on the CX-3 isn't attractive, but it works well. Not sure what else you may be able to display on the popup but I like the digital readout of my mph.
Speaking of visibility, the mirrors seemed a bit intrusive and the passenger side one created a noticeable blind spot. The blind spot detection warning on the mirrors could be handy but there'd be a learning curve for me to take full advantage of them.
There's a backup camera in the nav unit that I didn't pay a lot of attention to. Didn't notice whether it turns with the wheel. The HR-V really sets the standard with back up cams with their 3 view choices.
Handling, fun to drive? Yep, plenty peppy (I'm used to 10+ zero to 60, so anything under that qualifies as peppy in my book). Couldn't really say that the Sport mode made all that much difference, but I'm not a particularly aggressive driver. I was expecting a bit more of a go-cart feel but it wasn't quite a road snuggler as, say, an old Miata I had for a weekend years ago. I'm so old school, my idea of a grown-up go-cart is an original VW Beetle. But the CX-3 is definitely fun to drive and the seats were comfy. Didn't play with the paddle shifters.
About those seats - all manual and no lumbar in the tester (that otherwise had a lot of features, including a nice sunroof). I'm not a big leather fan but these were okay.
The negative points for us all relate to room. I like to be able to splay my knees out when driving but the cockpit is too narrow, although my right knee really didn't bump the console as much as it rested against it. Your choice is a straight right leg from seat to accelerator - or cruise control. Might get old on a road trip.
My wife is average size but she felt like the shoulder room was lacking on the passenger side, especially if you move the seat back so that your shoulders are near the pillar.
The shared center armrest works but could be better, especially for the passenger.
The back seats wouldn't work well if you frequently carry friends around. Pretty tight.
The seats fold down and you can fold them from the hatch. They don't quite fold flat but it's close.
Great car and not as SUVy as a CX-5 (we tested one of those right after driving the CX-3).
So Mazda, lets see that rumored CX-4 - could be perfect for us.
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'17 Chevy Volt Premiere