It seems the biggest trend in terms of automotive design lately, is actually quite small.
In the ever-increasingly fragmented sphere of automotive segments and product categories, one of the newest categories for auto makers to create is also one of the busiest when it comes to new model releases. The Compact Crossover, or Compact Urban Crossover as some call it, is a rapidly growing segment that has evolved over the past 3 or 4 years. The first vehicles that are generally attributed to creating this new genre of crossovers, which are targeted at both young urban adults without kids as well as empty nesters looking to downsize, were the Chevy Trax and the Buick Encore.
Today you can also add vehicles such as the Lexus NX, the Nissan Juke and the just launched Honda HR-V amongst others. Mazda was not willing to be left out of the mix, so at the 2014 LA Auto Show they debuted their first ever 2016 CX-3.
Built on the same platform as their sub-compact Mazda 2, the CX-3 presents as a stylish design, and one that fits well within their KODO Spirit of Motion design philosophy. It’s in-line 2.0L 4 cylinder engine offers 146 hp and 146 lb/ft of torque, which is enough to meet the basic needs of its target market but not enough to send anyone’s heart pounding full of adrenaline. Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies are standard with the CX-3 and the impressive fuel efficiency numbers of 7.5 L/100 KM or 31 US MPG (FWD) and 8.1 L/100 KM or 29 US MPG (AWD) combined will certainly resonate well with a demographic that often values fuel efficiency above other attributes.
See Also: 2014 Mazda 3: First Drive
The CX-3 is indeed compact and lives up nicely to the design aspect in its name. It’s low height is on par with many larger sedans and it’s interior while not necessarily cramped, certainly has its functional limits. This is a great car for those seeking style but not necessarily for those looking for an abundance of space. While cargo room is perhaps more abundant than one would think, this certainly would not match well as a family car – especially if hauling plenty of groceries, hockey bags or golf clubs are concerned.
The biggest advantage that I feel the CX-3 has at the moment over its direct competition is the fact that it’s the best looking of the bunch. I never could get myself to like the awkward look of both the Trax or Encore, nor could I fall in love with the quirky-to-the-point-of-bizarre appearance of the Juke. And while the Honda HR-V presents itself as an attractive package as well, it lacks the eye-catching lines of the CX-3.
All vehicles in this category have functional limitations to varying degrees and each will present mostly the same general performance attributes within a certain range. With that said, I think success in this category will often break down to the right combination of looks and pricing. To that end with a clear edge in looks and a more than competitive price range from $20,695 on the low-end, up to $30,495 on the high-end (Canadian dollars), The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is likely to be the pace-setter of the category as well as a segment volume-leader overall.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN:
EXTERIOR 9.5
INTERIOR 8.0
DRIVE: 7.5
GREEN FACTOR: 8.5
FAMILY FACTOR: 6.0
TECHIE STUFF: 8.5
VALUE: 9.5
(MSRP AS TESTED
– $30,495 CDN)
OVERALL: 8.25
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