The Mazda CX-Three is likely one of the best-looking and most participating subcompact SUVs in its phase. In contrast with automobiles just like the odd-looking Nissan Kicks and the visually sedate Honda HR-V, the CX-Three is imaginatively designed with cathartic sheet metallic that lends to a good-looking exterior look. It is slightly dashing inside, too, with a simple, properly appointed inside. Mix that with glorious driving dynamics — do not forget the CX-Three has the identical mother and father because the Miata — and you have got one of many extra attention-grabbing automobiles within the phase.It simply feels rightMazda carries a repute of constructing fun-to-drive automobiles, and that extends to the CX-Three. Its 2.Zero-liter, Four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, giving the two,809-pound CX-Three class-average acceleration. However horsepower and torque are the one parts the place the CX-Three feels garden-variety.
The steering is direct and responsive, with excessive ranges of suggestions — a typical Mazda trait. The suspension is unquestionably on the stiffer facet of what you’d anticipate for a compact crossover, however it’s by no means uncomfortable, even on the upsized 18-inch wheels of my Grand Touring tester. The strong chassis makes me extra comfy chucking the CX-Three a bit of more durable into tight corners, with a welcome lack of physique roll. The brakes, too, gradual issues down with confidence, with on the spot chew.The CX-Three is not fast, however these different elements assist make the Mazda really feel extra alert and interesting than its energy figures may recommend. The six-speed computerized transmission shifts easily, and is greater than prepared to kick down so as to hold what little energy there’s on boil.
The front-wheel-drive CX-Three is EPA-rated for 29 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 34 mpg freeway, which is fairly good for the category. Its sporty character, nevertheless, made me drive it more durable, and in consequence, I solely noticed 25.6 mpg after 164.eight miles. The CX-Three additionally gives all-wheel drive, although it reduces gasoline financial system to 27/32 metropolis/freeway mpg.Parchment leather-based seats brighten up a cockpit that is upmarket in feeling.
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Good for the eyesWith a beginning worth of $20,390 (plus $995 for vacation spot), the Mazda CX-Three is an financial system crossover, however its exterior design seems premium. Its sweeping physique strains are complemented by a small greenhouse that lends to a more durable, extra tank-like look. However regardless of smaller window apertures, there’s nice outward visibility from the motive force’s seat. Entrance-row occupants have loads of room to stretch out as effectively.My tester comes with eye-opening parchment (white) leather-based seat upholstery, set in opposition to black inside trim and carpets with a stitched charcoal swath of suede-like materials operating throughout the sprint. The extremely contrasting inside is a cushty place to spend a commute and on a few events, the cabin jogged my memory of Infiniti’s interiors. Higher-quality plastics on the door panels would have accomplished that reminder, however the CX-Three is high-quality in every single place else inside.It is doubtless the CX-Three’s heavier design emphasis has lightened its urge for food for swallowing passengers and cargo. Whereas people up entrance have sufficient room, the rear seat is cramped, even for a thin, average-height gent like me. The CX-Three’s cargo area with the rear seats up is 12.Four cubic toes. That is much less area than simply about all the pieces within the phase. The Mazda’s 44.5 cubic toes of cargo room with the rear seats folded is not so unhealthy, however actually, what’s the usage of shopping for an SUV if when it is full of passengers, you haven’t any room for all their stuff?The Mazda Join infotainment is easy to make use of, which makes it much less irritating that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay aren’t even supplied.
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Not pretty much as good for techiesIt’s a pleasant contact that you could possibility a CX-Three with a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The issue is that it is one of many worst-sounding premium audio methods I’ve ever heard. Along with missing readability and punch, many normal, unbranded stereos sound higher than the Bose on this Mazda. Do your self a favor and hold it turned off.
The CX-Three’s audio tech could also be missing, however that is not a lot the case with its infotainment, assuming you’ll be able to stay with out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The CX-Three comes normal with a 7-inch touchscreen that is paired with voice command and likewise consists of built-in web radio apps like Aha, Pandora and Stitcher. My closely optioned CX-Three Grand Touring additionally consists of embedded navigation with HD and satellite tv for pc radio. I discover the Mazda Join infotainment slightly uncomplicated to make use of, so the dearth of cellphone mirroring within the CX-Three is much less disheartening for me than it has been in vehicles with far more difficult infotainment interfaces.With regards to normal driver-assistance methods, that is the place the CX-Three excels within the class. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and collision-mitigation braking are all normal. My loaded tester provides adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lane-departure warning, LED headlights, computerized excessive beams and rain-sensing wipers, to not point out different niceties like heated entrance seats, a sunroof and a pop-up head-up show.Amongst its competitors, the 2019 Mazda CX-Three makes the loudest assertion in your cash.
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It is priced rightFor $28,245 as-tested (together with vacation spot), a loaded CX-Three is a pleasant automotive for lower than $30,000 out the door.
My CX-Three is painted in probably the greatest shades of purple ever to grace a manufacturing car. The $595 Soul Pink Crystal Metallic is value each eye-popping penny. The $710 Premium Bundle is priced effectively, too, including cool stuff like visitors signal recognition in addition to an influence driver’s seat with reminiscence, a heated steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.The attention-grabbing choiceThe 2019 Mazda CX-Three does nearly all the pieces proper, however so do its phase rivals. Nevertheless, if you wish to have essentially the most enjoyable behind the wheel and the best potential of turning heads, the CX-Three is the one to get. Past that, it is environment friendly, roomy — for front-row occupants, not less than — and gives simply sufficient luxurious options and driver-assistance expertise all for a worth that is aggressive with the remainder of the category. Get a Honda HR-V in order for you about the identical stage of practicality, and preserve a low profile. Get a Nissan Kicks if you wish to maximize your hard-earned . However if you wish to make a press release together with your cash, the CX-Three is the place it is at.