2o6 Mini Review - Mazda CX-3

Started by 2o6, December 13, 2015, 07:11:22 PM

2o6

I was bored on a Sunday, and I'm kinda hinting for my roommate to replace her Chrysler PT Cruiser and Smart fortwo with something else









Positives

- 2.0L is peppy and the right amount of HP/Torque without any lagginess that comes with the smaller downsized turbo units in other cars of this style

- Amazing interior that is very easy to use, and feels more expensive than it really is

- Excellent ride and handling

- Feels like a small car that really loves the curves, it really is a pleasure to drive


Negatives

- 6AT is a bit indecisive

- Kinda loud on acceleration

- Holy shit, this thing can get to $30K very quickly

- Automatic only.

- Rear space isn't good; it was OK for my body, but i'm not very tall. If I were taller, that rear bench would be nearly unusable.

- This is an SUV? Why is it so low to the ground? It's marginally taller than a Mazda 3, and i reckon it has maybe 1.5" more ground clearance



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It's a wonderful car, but the fairly midlevel Touring model I drove stickered at $26K. Basically, you're paying more money for less car; the Mazda 3 is basically identical in every way, but cheaper and more room, and slightly better fuel economy. I think if this car were more SUV like; (i'd say the HR-V is wayy more SUV like compared to the Fit), I would like this car's concept more. The Juke feels more SUV like, and the Renegade feels very much so like a SUV, but then again I guess not driving like an SUV, that is this appeal of this car. But why get an SUV that's not an SUV? I think a lot of this could be solved by jacking it up further in the air, but that would likely compromise ride and handling.


I'd take this car if it were a Mazda 2; but then again I was kinda cold on the Scion iA I drove a few weeks ago.

Eye of the Tiger

I can't imagine what kind of person would own both a PT Loser and a DumbForTwo.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage ES

giant_mtb

Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 13, 2015, 07:19:10 PM
I can't imagine what kind of person would own both a PT Loser and a DumbForTwo.

Certainly a strange combo. :confused:

2o6

Quote from: giant_mtb on December 13, 2015, 07:25:28 PM
Certainly a strange combo. :confused:

Inherited from her parents.


The PT somehow still runs well despite 217k

ifcar

I'm in a CX-3 test car right now and I share most of your impressions, including the car's existential pointlessness. It's well-executed in ways that are quite appealing from the driver's seat, but not in the ways that give you much of a reason to buy it. You'd have to *really* want the closest alternative to an all-wheel-drive Mazda3, despite less space, less power, and a higher price.

What would have been great would be if they made this thing a little bit lower and a lot less expensive, gave it a manual transmission, and called it a Mazda2. And, alternatively, I'd agree that it would need to be taller and roomier to be a crossover alternative.

CALL_911

At least up here, there's a market for this sort of thing. I see it as the successor to the Suzuki SX4.


2004 S2000
2016 340xi

Madman

Quote from: 2o6 on December 13, 2015, 07:11:22 PM

- Holy shit, this thing can get to $30K very quickly


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It's a wonderful car, but the fairly midlevel Touring model I drove stickered at $26K. Basically, you're paying more money for less car;

I'd take this car if it were a Mazda 2; but then again I was kinda cold on the Scion iA I drove a few weeks ago.



In a nutshell, the price differential between the Mazda 2 and the CX-3 is why we're only getting the later and not the former.  Considering the CX-3 is really little more than a taller 2 riding on jacked-up suspension, the profit margins must be enormous!  Why would Mazda want to sell anyone a Mazda 2 for $16K when they can sell every CX-3 they can make for ten grand more?  It sucks for those of us who'd like a nice small car without all of the bogus SUV-esque pretensions, but the market has spoken and voted with their wallets.

That said, if you're going to insist upon buying a CUV and you don't need U-Haul-sized carrying ability, these mini-CUVs make a lot more sense than a small sedan with a nearly useless lunchbox-sized trunk.  They're essentially B-Segment hatchbacks with a higher hip-point.  I can see myself in one of these, at least after my youngest leaves the nest and I no longer need my bigger and more family-friendly Mazda 5.

Mazda has done a good job with the styling and the reviews I've seen so far have been pretty positive.  Auto-only is disappointing but that's par for the course these days.  Market forces, etc.  I'm sure we'll be seeing quite a few of these on the roads very soon.
Current cars: 2015 Ford Escape SE, 2011 MINI Cooper

Formerly owned cars: 2010 Mazda 5 Sport, 2008 Audi A4 2.0T S-Line Sedan, 2003 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T wagon, 1998 Ford Escort SE sedan, 2001 Cadillac Catera, 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0 5-Door, 1997 Honda Odyssey LX, 1991 Volvo 240 sedan, 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo sedan, 1987 Volvo 240 DL sedan, 1990 Peugeot 405 DL Sportswagon, 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo sedan, 1985 Merkur XR4Ti, 1983 Renault R9 Alliance DL sedan, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon, 1975 Volkswagen Transporter, 1980 Fiat X-1/9 Bertone, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit C 3-Door hatch, 1976 Ford Pinto V6 coupe, 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe sedan

"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." ~ Isaac Asimov

"I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses." - Johannes Kepler

"One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts." - C.S. Lewis

Payman

I recommended this vehicle to my 74 yr old mother. Efficient, good in winter, and easy for her to get in/out of.

Kevin/Brady, how's the seat height/ingress-egress/visibility?

ifcar

#8
Quote from: Madman on December 14, 2015, 04:02:22 AM

In a nutshell, the price differential between the Mazda 2 and the CX-3 is why we're only getting the later and not the former.  Considering the CX-3 is really little more than a taller 2 riding on jacked-up suspension, the profit margins must be enormous!  Why would Mazda want to sell anyone a Mazda 2 for $16K when they can sell every CX-3 they can make for ten grand more?  It sucks for those of us who'd like a nice small car without all of the bogus SUV-esque pretensions, but the market has spoken and voted with their wallets.

That said, if you're going to insist upon buying a CUV and you don't need U-Haul-sized carrying ability, these mini-CUVs make a lot more sense than a small sedan with a nearly useless lunchbox-sized trunk.  They're essentially B-Segment hatchbacks with a higher hip-point.  I can see myself in one of these, at least after my youngest leaves the nest and I no longer need my bigger and more family-friendly Mazda 5.

Mazda has done a good job with the styling and the reviews I've seen so far have been pretty positive.  Auto-only is disappointing but that's par for the course these days.  Market forces, etc.  I'm sure we'll be seeing quite a few of these on the roads very soon.

But this one is a B-segment hatchback with pretty much the same hip point as a Honda Fit or Versa Note. It doesn't feel crossover-y. And cargo space is poor behind the rear seat -- talk about lunchbox. About half the Fit/Versa volume behind the rear seat and a much smaller rear seat. Rear visibility is also much worse. Front-seat entry exit is pretty easy, but again, I don't feel like the seat is noticeably higher than in those other two. The CX-3 is less than an inch taller than them.

It's basically a CUV minus the utility and minus the crossover aspect. It's just an expensive tiny hatchback.

That said, it does have all-wheel-drive available, so it does cover the winter criterion. But I think you'd have to love the premium feel and/or the handling to put up with all the things it doesn't do so well, while also demanding all-wheel-drive rather than a cheaper, lighter, and potentially even more fun car. In the same class, the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V are much more useful vehicles and a better buy.

2o6

Quote from: ifcar on December 14, 2015, 05:55:34 AM
But this one is a B-segment hatchback with pretty much the same hip point as a Honda Fit or Versa Note. It doesn't feel crossover-y. And cargo space is poor behind the rear seat -- talk about lunchbox. About half the Fit/Versa volume behind the rear seat and a much smaller rear seat. Rear visibility is also much worse. Front-seat entry exit is pretty easy, but again, I don't feel like the seat is noticeably higher than in those other two. The CX-3 is less than an inch taller than them.

It's basically a CUV minus the utility and minus the crossover aspect. It's just an expensive tiny hatchback.

That said, it does have all-wheel-drive available, so it does cover the winter criterion. But I think you'd have to love the premium feel and/or the handling to put up with all the things it doesn't do so well, while also demanding all-wheel-drive rather than a cheaper, lighter, and potentially even more fun car. In the same class, the Subaru Crosstrek and Honda HR-V are much more useful vehicles and a better buy.


Yep, I agree. It's not as high of a hip point as the Renegade and Juke, and feels more similar to a Yaris or Fit. And it's low to the ground, and doesn't have much room, and it's kind of expensive.

Save for AWD - it feels really ergonomically similar to a Mazda 3.


Laconian

I'm renting a CX5 now. Visibility is very good and ingress/egress wasn't a problem for my 93 year old grandmother.
Kia EV6 GT-Line / MX-5 RF 6MT

2o6

Quote from: Laconian on December 14, 2015, 01:31:19 PM
I'm renting a CX5 now. Visibility is very good and ingress/egress wasn't a problem for my 93 year old grandmother.


This is a CX3. This car probably is worse since the rear seat is so tiny.

MrH

Yeah I was shocked by how small the cx3 is. Looks good but pretty worthless from a utility standpoint.
2023 Ford Lightning Lariat ER
2019 Acura RDX SH-AWD
2023 BRZ Limited

Previous: '02 Mazda Protege5, '08 Mazda Miata, '05 Toyota Tacoma, '09 Honda Element, '13 Subaru BRZ, '14 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec 5.0, '15 Toyota 4Runner SR5, '18 Honda Accord EX-L 2.0t, '01 Honda S2000, '20 Subaru Outback XT, '23 Chevy Bolt EUV

2o6

Quote from: MrH on December 14, 2015, 06:05:16 PM
Yeah I was shocked by how small the cx3 is. Looks good but pretty worthless from a utility standpoint.


It's size isn't the issue, it's packaging is. The HRV and Juke are better SUV type vehicles. This car is basically a hatchback.

ifcar

For perspective on CX-3 size and shape, here's a picture of my test car today:


2o6

It's got a lot of inches on the i3. And the i3 isn't that small, really.

Payman

Quote from: 2o6 on December 14, 2015, 06:25:03 PM

It's size isn't the issue, it's packaging is. The HRV and Juke are better SUV type vehicles. This car is basically a hatchback.

Yeah well, the Outback is basically a station wagon. Like the Outback, it's a stylish lifestyle option.

2o6

Quote from: Rockraven on December 14, 2015, 06:58:39 PM
Yeah well, the Outback is basically a station wagon. Like the Outback, it's a stylish lifestyle option.


Not true, though. The Outback doesn't have a Legacy Wagon. And even still, the Outback had more ride height over the Legacy Wagon. This is basically a smaller Mazda 3 with AWD.


It drives well, I mean, it won me over on dynamics alone. But I also realize the Mazda 3 is just as well, and does everything better.

Payman

Quote from: 2o6 on December 14, 2015, 07:00:57 PM

Not true, though. The Outback doesn't have a Legacy Wagon. And even still, the Outback had more ride height over the Legacy Wagon. This is basically a smaller Mazda 3 with AWD.


It drives well, I mean, it won me over on dynamics alone. But I also realize the Mazda 3 is just as well, and does everything better.

Yeah, C&D basically said the same. AWD in a small efficient car is a big draw up here though, and I get the appeal of the CX-3.

AutobahnSHO

Kinda like the Crosstrek?   

(As far as I can tell, it's just as small as an Imprezza)
Will

MX793

Quote from: AutobahnSHO on December 15, 2015, 06:01:00 AM
Kinda like the Crosstrek?   

(As far as I can tell, it's just as small as an Imprezza)

The Crosstrek is an Impreza with a higher ride height and body cladding (same as the old Outback Sport).  CX-3 doesn't appear to have much added ride height versus a Mazda2.
Needs more Jiggawatts

2016 Ford Mustang GTPP / 2011 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD / 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback / 2004 Mazda Mazda3s / 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium / 2007 Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit / 2006 VW Jetta 2.5

ifcar

The other difference is that the Mazda2 is one size smaller than the Impreza. The CX-3 is longer than a Mazda2 but not much taller, while the Crosstrek is the same size as a car that was larger to begin with, just higher off the ground.

MX793

I see the CX-5 as more a Crosstrek competitor.  The CX-3 is more like that Buick mini crossover.
Needs more Jiggawatts

2016 Ford Mustang GTPP / 2011 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD / 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback / 2004 Mazda Mazda3s / 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium / 2007 Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit / 2006 VW Jetta 2.5

2o6

Quote from: MX793 on December 15, 2015, 08:41:27 AM
I see the CX-5 as more a Crosstrek competitor.  The CX-3 is more like that Buick mini crossover.


But less SUV like than that as well

ifcar

Quote from: MX793 on December 15, 2015, 08:41:27 AM
I see the CX-5 as more a Crosstrek competitor.  The CX-3 is more like that Buick mini crossover.

Where would that leave the Forester to you?


Today's comparison photo, by the way:

Payman

Quote from: ifcar on December 15, 2015, 09:56:53 AM
Where would that leave the Forester to you?


Today's comparison photo, by the way:


What a looker though. It needs the Mazdaspeed treatment.

MX793

Quote from: ifcar on December 15, 2015, 09:56:53 AM
Where would that leave the Forester to you?


Today's comparison photo, by the way:


The Forester is dead to me.

I kind of put that in the same segment, but on the larger/pricier end.
Needs more Jiggawatts

2016 Ford Mustang GTPP / 2011 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD / 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback / 2004 Mazda Mazda3s / 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium / 2007 Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit / 2006 VW Jetta 2.5

ifcar

But the Forester is neither larger nor pricier than the CX-5...

Had I known this would be the conversation, I'd have taken the picture to capture the Forester that was parked right in front of that CX-5.  :lol:

Madman

#28
Off the top of my head (and I'm sure I've missed a few).........

B-Segment crossover:  Buick Encore (AKA Opel/Vauxhall Mokka), Chevrolet Trax, Fiat 500X Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, MINI Countryman, Nissan Juke, Renault Kadjar, Skoda Yeti, SsangYong Tivoli, Subaru XV Crosstrek.


C-Segment crossover:  Audi Q3, BMW X1, Buick Envision, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape (AKA Kuga), GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass/Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes Benz GLA Class, Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Rogue (AKA X-Trail), Opel/Vauxhall Captiva (AKA Saturn Vue & Chevrolet Captiva Sport), Renault Captur, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan.
Current cars: 2015 Ford Escape SE, 2011 MINI Cooper

Formerly owned cars: 2010 Mazda 5 Sport, 2008 Audi A4 2.0T S-Line Sedan, 2003 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T wagon, 1998 Ford Escort SE sedan, 2001 Cadillac Catera, 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 2.0 5-Door, 1997 Honda Odyssey LX, 1991 Volvo 240 sedan, 1990 Volvo 740 Turbo sedan, 1987 Volvo 240 DL sedan, 1990 Peugeot 405 DL Sportswagon, 1985 Peugeot 505 Turbo sedan, 1985 Merkur XR4Ti, 1983 Renault R9 Alliance DL sedan, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon, 1975 Volkswagen Transporter, 1980 Fiat X-1/9 Bertone, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit C 3-Door hatch, 1976 Ford Pinto V6 coupe, 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe sedan

"The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." ~ Isaac Asimov

"I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses." - Johannes Kepler

"One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts." - C.S. Lewis

12,000 RPM

Turbo and coilovers will solve all problems

As is though seems pretty pointless. I guess this is what happens when you give a small car big wheel wells.
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