The 2017 Mazda CX-3 has really had an impact on buyers and fans this year, considering that the sales have increased almost 40 percent so far, comparing to the last year.
Some people believe that this subcompact crossover is one of the best in the marker whereas others state that the addition of turbocharged engine is necessary in order for Mazda to compete for the top spot.
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It may not be as hot as the Jeep Renegade or Honda HR-V, but it does have a unique charm. The lines of the exterior are smooth from the blunt-nose front to the taillights. Mazda used a word “Sinewy” to describe the design of the vehicle.
If you are not attracted to its style, you won’t be able to resist its gloss. Mazda has to compete with vehicles such as Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and many others.
According to the EPA ratings, it is estimated at 27 in the city and 32 on the highway. The CX-3 Grand Touring has great handling and maintains balance during the trip, although it can be sluggish at times.
A SkyActiv 2.0-liter V4 engine is located under the hood and it produces 146 hp. Furthermore, it uses 6-speed automatic transmission. Additional options, such as Sport Mode, provide a bit more power.
Front struts and rear multilink are part of the suspension. It uses Yokohama P215/50R18 tires.
Inside the cabin, the CX-3 has a vivid interior and across the front of the dash, there is a white leather strip. To create contrast, Mazda added black suede details and red stitching. The passengers in the rear aren’t too comfortable because of the limited legroom.
Cupholders are hard to access and one must raise the armrest in order to reach them. If you want to put a beverage in the car you can use door pockets.
When the second row of seats is at its place, the car only has 10.1 cubic feet behind them. However, when you lower the seats you get 42.3 feet available.
CX-3 is priced at $28,510. If you pay this price the car comes with ActivSense package which includes radar cruise control, high-beam control, and smart brake support. Moreover, blind-spot monitoring, variable rain-sensing wipers, and lane-departure warning are also part of the package. Furthermore, the buyers will get navigation, Bose audio, and automatic climate control. In addition to that, the package includes a rearview camera, heated front seats, and moonroof.
Just for comparison, Chevrolet Trax costs $25,230 whereas Buick Encore is priced at $32,230. Although CX-3 is one of the smallest subcompact crossovers, it is one of the most attractive.
