First small SUV from Mazda
The CX-3, released in the UK on 19th June 2015, is Mazda’s first venture into the small SUV market. With a combination of Mazda’s unique SKYACTIV technology and their ‘KODO: Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, the manufacturer is set to take the competitive sector by storm.
With a choice of 11 petrol and seven diesel variants, the Mazda CX-3 comes with the latest i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems. SE models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, plus heated and power folding mirrors, while SE-L models add rear privacy glass and front LED fog lights. At the top of the range, the Sport Nav model is the first car in the class to come with LED headlights. With its unique nocturnal appearance further enhanced by signature LED rear lights; 18-inch Gunmetal machined alloy wheels and chrome-accent door sills.
The cabin of the CX-3 features a 7-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth® and a multifunction steering wheel as standard. Sport Nav models include satellite navigation including 3-years free European map updates, Bose® sound system, smart keyless entry and, in another first for the sector, Mazda’s head-up display system.
Hill Hold Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Dynamic Stability Control are standard safety systems across the range. SE-L and Sport Nav models feature Mazda’s Lane Departure Warning System and Smart City Brake Support. All models get cruise control and a full complement of airbags, while rear parking sensors are standard from SE-L model onwards. Sport Nav models also benefit from a reversing camera.
With a flexible cargo board boot floor, which can be raised to provide a flat load space when the standard 60:40 split rear seats are folded down, the small SUV has an adequate 350-litre boot space.
Featuring the signature ‘wing’ front grille, sharp KODO design lines and predatory headlamp styling instantly identify it as a member of the Mazda family. The CX-3’s sweeping A-pillars and coupe-like profile give it a sporty stance on the road, yet with a 50mm higher driver’s eye line than the Mazda2, the small SUV still offers a more commanding view of the road ahead.
Offered with either 120ps or 150ps, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-litre petrol engine is predicted to account for the majority of UK sales. Available in all trims, with both SKYACTIV-MT manual and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmissions, the 120ps engine with front-wheel drive makes up the bulk of the model line-up. However, at the top of the petrol range, the 150ps engine is matched exclusively to all-wheel drive (AWD), and a six-speed manual gearbox in Sport Nav trim.
Having made its debut in the Mazda2, the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-litre diesel engine completes the engine line up of the CX-3. As with petrol versions, front-wheel drive models make up the majority of the range, although the 105ps SKYACTIV-D Sport Nav AWD is offered with both manual and automatic transmissions.
