Cheeky CX-3, Mazda’s impassioned baby-SUV

Mazda has just released their very first compact SUV to the South African market, namely the Mazda CX-3. Yes, it looks like a cheeky, more aggressively styled version of a Mazda 2, but Mazda insists that it is all-new from the ground up. However, it shares some architecture with the Mazda 2, and the interior has been lifted almost straight from the 2 as well.

Engines

Mazda is bestowing its tried and trusted 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G, naturally aspirated engine upon the CX-3. So if you want that coveted ‘Zoom Zoom’, the CX-3 is the only mini-SUV that offers this kind of oomph: 115 kW and 204 Nm.

What will we get in SA?

SA buyers can choose from 5 derivatives: The Mazda CX-3 2.0L Active Manual (R254 900), Active Auto (R 270 400, 2.0L Dynamic Manual (R277 900), Dynamic Auto (R288 400) and the 2.0L Individual Auto (R325 900). This is very competitive pricing indeed, considering what Mazda is cramming into the CX-3 as standard equipment.

And what are they like?

At the local launch which started off in Cape Town, my co-driver and I opted for a CX-3 2.0 L Individual Auto, the flagship model. We hurled our overnight bags into the boot, and set off for the lunch venue, just outside Paarl.

The cabin’s clean, serene styling and circular air-vents, reminded us of the German minimalism in the Audi A3 and A1. It’s all very peaceful and zen, feels upscale, looks elegant without being boring, and the ergonomics are spot-on. According to David Hughes, Managing Director of Mazda SA, Mazda aims to become a legitimate alternative to the premium brands like Audi and BMW. If they keep this level of cabin quality up, it’s a distinct possibility. The infotainment system on top of the dash, is controlled via a rotary dial between the two front seats. It’s a little cumbersome to use, if you think how quickly you can punch a few letters into a touch screen. We are hopeful that the next generation of CX-3’s will have a touch-enabled system. But do Audis and BMW’s have touch screens? No.

Once you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s easy to find your ideal driving position. The steering wheel is telescopically adjustable, and even though you’re in a crossover, the seating position isn’t particularly high - it feels more like a regular hatchback, and you won’t be looking down your nose at sedan-drivers at stop streets. It isn’t Mazda’s intention for the CX-3 to do much off-roading, so ground clearance is not very high. A large part of a compact SUV’s allure lies in its high-riding position, so I wonder whether this won’t put prospective buyers off. But if you’re thinking “why not buy a Mazda 2 then?”, bear in mind that the 2.0 litre engine isn’t available in the Mazda 2.

But there is an upside to the CX-3’s lower stance: It boasts better handling than say, the Opel Mokka. There’s less lean in the corners, and you feel more at one with the road. The steering is a little light and vague for my preference but it won’t bother city dwellers at all.  Our automatic CX-3’s engine got very noisy when prodded properly, and we regretted not picking the manual version instead. For town driving the automatic gearbox makes life a lot easier, but when you put your foot down to quickly take a gap, the engine sounds strained. I don’t think the noise something I could get used to, so it will have to be the manual gearbox for me. The 2.0L engine is sufficiently feisty in the CX-3’s light and compact little body, and the CX-3 is a whole lot of fun to drive.

The most for your moola?

As always, Mazda impresses with a whole list of standard features at a price that won’t make you wince. The entry-level CX-3 2.0L Active Manual (R254 900) and Auto 2.0L (R 270 00) get 4 speakers, Bluetooth, an alarm system, cruise control, a front seat armrest, Halogen headlamps, Hill Launch Assist, manual air-con, power fold mirrors and R16” alloys, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, radio, i-STOP (on auto model) and stability control (auto model only).

The CX-3 2.0L Dynamic Manual (R 277 900) and Auto 2.0L (R 288 400) gain 6 speakers, automatic headlamps, climate control, front fog lamps, a leather steering wheel and handbrake, i-STOP, Mazda Connect, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, sunglass holder, and stability control (on the auto model only).

Our top-end CX-3 2.0L Individual Auto (R 325 900) had the following features over and above the others: A BOSE sound system with 7 speakers, head-up display, leather/cloth upholstery, LED headlights, Satnav, a sunroof, rear-view camera, R18” alloys and rear combination lamps.

Is the CX-3 worth taking for a test drive?
Absolutely. The CX-3 is the ideal urban companion, at a pocket-pleasing price. It has enough heart to make the daily commute a little more exciting. But don’t expect a lot of room for adults on the rear bench or a spacious boot.

Every CX-3 comes with a 3-year / unlimited km warranty and 3-year roadside assistance, a 3-year service plan and a 5-year corrosion warranty.