The Good-Looking 2017 Mazda CX-3 Has Its Downside

2017 Mazda CX-3 Buying Advice

This is the best subkompak crossover for you if styling and sportiness me nnan more to you than utility. Introduced for model-year 2016, the CX-3 belongs to a booming new segmen SUVs smaller and less expensive than compact-class crossovers seperti the Honda CR-V or Mazda s own CX-5. The CX-3 is the most stylish entry in the class, and arguably the most fun to drive. For its sophomore season there are a couple new paint colors, new standar features for the most populer trim level, and a price reduction for an option package that delivers some desirable safety gear.

Should you buy a 2017 model or wait for the '18?

Buy the '17. Anything more than minor updates will not happen before model-year 2019, so the '18 will be a virtual repeat of the '17 - though it'LL likely cost more. It'LL also mirror the 2017 lineup, yang terdiri dari the base Sport model, the volume Touring trim level, and top-end Grand Touring grade. All have standar front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

changes

styling:

CX-3 follows the design language first introduced by the larger CX-5 crossover. Dubbed Kodo, Japanese for "Soul of Motion," CX-3 is certainly a pretty vehicle. From grille to tail, its lines flow gracefully. A kualitas Beltline helps impart a more genuine SUV look, as opposed to the vehicle merely being a subkompak car on stilts.

Moving inside, said Beltline makes you feel a bit like YOU'RE sitting in a bathtub. That somewhat sesak sensation is exacerbated by passenger volume that is near the back of the competitive set. Front-seat room is just adequate, while the rear bench will only be comfortable for those less than 5-foot 8-inches tall. CX-3 also has the smallest cargo volume of any subkompak crossover.

Mechanical:

CX-3 shares its basic platform with the company s Demio subko himpak hatchback. This vehicle was sold in the US as the Mazda 2 from 2011-2014, and the current-generation model is available in Mexico but not the US or Canada. Company officials decided it would be more profitable to turn the Demio / 2 into crossover. Thus, we have the CX-3.

On the mechanical front, your only choice adalah antara standar front-wheel drive atau spending $ 1.250 for AWD. Otherwise, all CX-3 models use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower dan 146 pound-feet of torque. It s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Grand Touring models include steering-wheel paddle shifter. Horsepower is no better than average for the class, and you'LL need to rev the engine pretty hard in order to extract the most power. This is especially true on AWD models, as they weigh about 150 pounds more than their front-drive counterparts. A switch to toggle a throttle-quickening Sport mode is standar across the board, and it s something we recommend engaging for highway merging and passing. Mazda mengatakan 90 persen dari CX-3 buyers choose AWD, and it s something we would recommend to anyone. It adds a degree of security in wet and snowy climates, and it also aids in dry-road handling.

Save for possibly the oddly styled Nissan Juke and expensive Mini Cooper Countryman dan Paceman, CX-3 has the best on-road handling of any vehicle in the class. The steering is direct and responsive, and the vehicle carves corners with minimal body lean. It has no trouble tackling the urban grind or twisting mountain roads.

features:

The base CX-3 Sport comes standar with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, keyless entry with tombol tekan ignition, and Mazda s CONNECT infotainment system with support for SMS text messaging and streaming audio through the Aha , Pandora, and stitcher Internet radio services.

Touring versions are the most popular. Their upholstery is a leatherette / cloth blend. They also come standar with heated front seats, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic detection. For 2017, Mazda is upgrading the Touring s 16-inch wheels that it shared with the Sport to the 18s that were previously exclusive to the Grand Touring. They make this CX-3 look better, but ride quality does suffer a bit.

At the top of the pecking order is the Grand Touring. It gains leather upholstery, steering-linked LED Headlights, LED fog lights, navigasi system, automatic climate control, and a head-up instrument display.

prices

Mazda is holding the line on CX-3 pricing for 2017, and kudos to them for doing so, especially since the Touring is getting some previously unavailable content. The Sport model starts at $ 20,860; the Touring at $ 22,860; and the Grand Touring at $ 25,890. Note that all prices include a destination fee of $ 900; Alaska residents will need to add another $ 45.

Crystal White and Soul Red paint are $ 200 and $ 300, respectively. The $ 1,410 Premium Package for the Touring adds a Bose-brand audio system, power sunroof, satellite radio, HD Radio receiver, and a rear cargo cover. Exclusive to the Grand Touring is the i-ACTIVSENSE Package, which includes radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing wiper. This package cost $ 1.920 pada 2016 models, but has been reduced to a much more reasonable $ 1.170 for 2017.

Notable standalone extras include $ 550 for remote engine start, $ 495 for rear-obstacle detection, $ 300 for roof rack side rails, and $ 400 for an SD card untuk mengaktifkan navigasi system on Sport and Touring models.

fuel Ecomomy

The payback for modest acceleration are some of the highest mileage ratings in this notably fuel-Frugal class. EPA fuel-economy ratings are 29/34/31 mpg city / highway / combined with front-wheel drive and 27/32/29 with AWD. All models use regular-grade 87-octane fuel.

Rilis

The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is scheduled to arrive at dealers in July 2016.

What s next for the CX-3?

Our crystal ball is fuzzy on this one. In recent years, Mazda has been very quick to bring significant updates to newer products. Unfortunately, the CX-3 s flaws are probably a bit too deep to be addressed by a simple makeover. If engineers can eek out some more power and passenger / cargo room without impacting the vehicle s tidy size, sexy styling, and engaging driving dynamics, that would be outstanding.