2017 Mazda CX3

 
 

We love our compact crossovers! This week we are testing another compact crossover, the Mazda CX3. 

Disclosure: Mazda Canada provided me with the 2017 CX-3 GT AWD for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by Don Yip & I.

ACCELERATION: 9/10

  • 146 HP @ 6000 and 146 lb-ft @ 2800
  • 0-60 miles in 8.3 seconds.  It is much faster for other cars in this category like the HR-V does that in 9.7 second, Chevy Trax and Buick Encore take 10 seconds, and Jeep Renegade at 9.3 seconds.
  • Interesting that it is one of the fastest vehicles in it's class compared to the CX5 which one of the slowest in that class.

BRAKING: 7.5/10

  • Good braking. It could be improved with better tires down the road!

HANDLING: 9.5/10

  • Mazda really has got that zoom-zoom factor down
  • Excellent handling for someone who loves to drive
  • Very responsive steering and suspension
  • This is one vehicle I wanted to drive every where!

RIDE: 7/10

  • Ride is a bit rough with the firm suspensions
  • A few of my passengers including myself was getting dizzy after a long drive.
  • More suited to city driving than off road with the low clearance.

ECONOMY: 9.5/10

  • 29 MPG in city and 35 MPG in highway (FWD)
  • 27 MPG in city and 32 MPG in highway (AWD)
  • Long story short it is very good on gas!

CABIN NOISE: 7/10

  • Quite a bit of engine noise but it makes the drive that much more exciting!

EXTERIOR: 8.5/10

  • KODO "Soul of Motion" Design Language
  • Full LED headlamps and they also steer in the corners!
  • Very compact crossover. It's smaller than the HR-V, but larger than the Jeep Renegade, Chevy Trax, and Buick Encore.
  • Twin exhaust

SAFETY|SECURITY|TECH: 8/10

  • Smart Brake Support (SBS)
  • Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
  • Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring Sytste (TPMS)
  • Dual front & side air bags, and dual side curtains
  • Engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system
  • Height-adjustable front and rear seat head restraints
  • Integrated child-seat anchors
  • Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
  • Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
  • Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System (ABSM)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control ( MRCC)

INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 8.5/10

  • Seats have no lumbar support or power movement controls but the seats really hold the front passengers in well.
  • Analog controls make it easy to make climate, and audio adjustments while driving
  • Panel pops up on top of the dash when car is turned on which provide information to the driver. This makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road without having to look too far away.
  • Equipped with paddle shifters for manual driving

INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 7/10

  • Rear seats have very little leg and head room. Probably won't be comfortable for long road trips for the rear passengers
  • Seat belt clips are a nice additional. The seas don't get stuck from it when lowering the seats

INTERIOR STORAGE: 7.5/10

  • A bit tight with space. The longer hood reduces the rear storage.
  • Rear seats recline down for more storage space
  • Trunk door starts above the license plate so the trunk doesn't go as deep as you might expect

INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM: 8/10

  • Does not have Android Auto or Apple Car Play but the Mazda Connect system is very easy to use
  • LCD touch screen but also has a rotary joystick controller and buttons in the center console
  • Awesome to have dual ways to interact with the system. Very easy, intuitive and attractive.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2017 Mazda Cx-3:

Mazda's 17 CX-3 is the most attractive compact crossover in my opinion. Although there are more practical and comfortable vehicles in this category there is no car that is more fun to drive than this. This is definitely a vehicle that is for a driving enthusiast. The size of the vehicle make it easy to drive and park in the city. If you're looking for something a big larger or softer suspensions then opt to check out the CX-5.

 
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