Mazda is one of those big Japanese brands with little presence in the European market. Its product portfolio has various units where the SUV range takes almost all the limelight. The Mazda CX-3 It is the smallest unit of that family, a model nestled perfectly in the fastest growing commercial niche in Europe, the B-SUV segment.
We have tested this car:
Test Mazda CX-3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV, an SUV-B with its own identityTest Mazda CX-3 2018: new 115 hp diesel and 121 hp gasolineAs we have already said, it is the smallest SUV in the house, above it we find its older brothers: Mazda MX-30, Mazda CX-30 y Mazda CX-5. Of all of them, the CX-3 is the second to be sold in our market. Its commercial journey starts in 2015, being previously officially presented at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show. This was caused by the great importance of the American market in Mazda.
That first generation is still in force, although in mid-2018 it undergoes a small update. A small restyling that barely changes the external appearance, but that adds more technology and equipment while altering the mechanical range, adapting it to the new requirements demanded by the current environmental policies prevailing in the European Union. His demise occurs in 2020 with no designated successor.
Technical characteristics of the Mazda CX-3
When developing the Mazda CX-3, the engineers used a platform already known and used before. Beneath its elegant bodywork, the B-SUV hides the smallest architecture of the house, the same one used by Mazda2. It is characterized by a transverse front position and front-wheel drive.
Despite having the same platform as the Mazda2, the CX-3 alters the exterior measurements to be a little more spacious inside, but without jumping segment. 4,27 meters long, 1,76 meters wide and 1,53 meters high. To these levels we must add a wheelbase of 2,57 meters, enough battle to approve a maximum capacity of five passengers.
The three rear occupants will certainly be limited in terms of space since there is not much separation with the front seats, in addition to a short shoulder distance. The trunk formalizes a minimum volume of 350 liters, expandable to 1.260 liters when the second row of seats is folded down. Finally, despite being an SUV, its ground clearance is limited to 15,5 centimeters.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mazda CX-3
When mobilizing the CX-3, Mazda has raised a very varied range since its launch and subsequent update. In the 2018 renewal, the Japanese B-SUV eliminated all units with a diesel engine from the mechanical portfolio. Since then the range is limited exclusively to a single gasoline engine. Something that clearly limits it with some rivals that offer a greater range of possibilities.
The only variant available is known as Skyactiv-G. It uses a very common technology in the range, being able to have it other models such as the Mazda3, for instance. It's about a naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine and 1.998 cubic centimeters. Develops a single power, 121 horsepower at 6.000 revolutions and 206 Nm of torque at 2.800 revolutions.
As standard, it comes associated with a six-speed manual gearbox that sends all the power to the front axle without the possibility of equipping an all-wheel drive scheme. Only the highest trim versions can join forces with an automatic gearbox six-speed torque converter type. An option that makes the purchase more expensive by about 2.000 euros.
Equipment of the Mazda CX-3
From doors to inside the Mazda CX-3 is faithful to the philosophy of the Japanese brand. Offers a level of quality above the standard of its segment. It uses materials with a pleasant touch that improve the comfort of all occupants. Hard plastic finished surfaces are also offered. All this is completed with an excellent assembly process that gives the sensation of perfectly enduring the passage of time.
As is customary at Mazda, different equipment solutions are offered. The range is structured in four different levels: Origin, Evolution, Evolution Design and Zenith. In each of them the load of equipment and the availability of automatic transmission are modified. There is no variation in terms of design, which, except for the sets of wheels, remains constant in all versions.
As for the equipment itself, the Mazda CX-3 begins to attribute a lack of updating if we compare it with its most immediate rivals. Elements such as: Head-Up Display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, multimedia system with seven-inch touch panel, rear parking camera, climate control, Full LED headlights, and a discreet, but complete, team of driving assistants are present. and security elements.
The Mazda CX-3 on video
The Mazda CX-3 according to Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP subjected the Mazda CX-3 to its impact tests in 2015. After these analyses, the B-SUV was certified as a model with four safety stars. The data recorded in each test is as follows: In the event of an impact, protection for adult and child occupants reached 85 and 79 percent, respectively. 84 percent protection is the grade obtained in the event of a pedestrian or cyclist being hit. Finally, in terms of active driving aids, it achieved 64 percent.
The Mazda CX-3 of Km 0 and second hand
The CX-3 is not one of the best-selling models of the brand in our country, and it is not one of the best-selling models in its category either. In these years the Japanese has built a well-deserved reputation for quality, comfort and durability. Although not many units are available in secondary sales channels, the Mazda CX-3 enjoys an approximate depreciation rate of 30,5%, an average value within the segment.
If we take a look at the used or second-hand market, the most affordable units are for sale with prices close to 11.000 euros. They are prices for 2016 models with gasoline mechanics and about 60 thousand kilometers, approximately. The Km 0 channel is practically non-existent. Just a handful of units available as dealers do not accumulate stock due to low demand. Prices include slight discounts from list prices.
Rivals of the Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 fits into the most competitive segment of the market, that of utility SUVs, the fastest growing niche in Europe. For positioning and price the CX-3 can be considered as a premium model, although in reality he militates in the generalist category. Some of the models with which you have to beat your sales are the Citroen C3 Aircross, Fiat 500X, Hyundai Kona, KIA Sonic, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq, Renault Captur, Listen Q2 o Seat Arona, among others. All of them are similar in size and characteristics, although the Japanese, together with the Audi, is one of the most expensive.
Highlight
- internal quality
- Designer
- equipment possibilities
To improve
- habitability
- Limited mechanical range
- Price
Mazda CX-3 Price
When it comes to checkout, the CX-3 shows that it is between two horizons. Half generalist, half premium, prices are more focused on the latter than the former. Currently the starting price of the Mazda CX-3 is 21.895 euros, without offers or promotions. That value corresponds to a unit with Origin finish. On the other side of the scale is the CX-3 Zenith with automatic transmission, its starting price is 26.145 euros, without offers or discounts.
