2019 Mazda CX-3 Review - The Tiny Zoom-Zoom
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
marketing major
I checked one of these out in person including taking it for a test drive. I had to cross it off my list because its just too cramped inside and a bit too shy on the cargo space. I like the idea of the CX3 but Mazda should have built on the same platform as the Mazda3 but instead they built it off of the Mazda2 chassis which is tiny. I wouldnt expect or want any adults to have to sit in the back seats of the CX3 which is fine if you want to consider the CX3 to be a 2-seater vehicle, but in that case that really limits the appeal of the car. With an average sized adult sitting the the front seats with the seat slid back far enough for them to be comfortable, it creates such a cramp back seat area that I wouldnt expect nor want any adult to have to sit i the back seat. I know I wouldnt be able to. Its ok for kids but thats about it. The dealership insisted I check out the CX5 while I was there and I did check it out but the CX5 is just way too bulky, even the way it handles, its more like a mid-sized SUV. So Mazda has a clear gap there as far as the its crossover line-up goes. If Mazda comes out with a Mazda3 based CX3 for the next generation then that will be in the sweet spot range that Im looking for which is bigger than the current CX3 but not as bloated as the CX5. There are a few things that could clinch the deal on a new Mazda3 based CX3. 1 - Shorten that hood length a bit so that more of the total length of the car goes towards usable cabin space instead of wasted front overhang. Yes I understand the whole exhaust header issue, but that can be worked around with a Mazda3 based redesign. 2 - Make the AWD version available with a 6-spd MANUAL transmission option. That would do wonders to enhance the fun potential of this car. 3 - Lower that rear hatch opening to make it easier to load/unload things in to the cargo area and make the hatch opening wider as well so that larger items can fit. That shouldnt be much of a challenge if the CX3 switches to the Mazda3 chassis. 4 - Bump up that HP just a bit to 155 HP. Those improvements would definitely broaden the appeal of the CX3 and get me to take the plunge.
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I checked one of these out in person including taking it for a test drive. I had to cross it off my list because its just too cramped inside and a bit too shy on the cargo space. I like the idea of the CX3 but Mazda should have built on the same platform as the Mazda3 but instead they built it off of the Mazda2 chassis which is tiny. I wouldnt expect or want any adults to have to sit in the back seats of the CX3 which is fine if you want to consider the CX3 to be a 2-seater vehicle, but in that case that really limits the appeal of the car. With an average sized adult sitting the the front seats with the seat slid back far enough for them to be comfortable, it creates such a cramp back seat area that I wouldnt expect nor want any adult to have to sit i the back seat. I know I wouldnt be able to. Its ok for kids but thats about it. The dealership insisted I check out the CX5 while I was there and I did check it out but the CX5 is just way too bulky, even the way it handles, its more like a mid-sized SUV. So Mazda has a clear gap there as far as the its crossover line-up goes. If Mazda comes out with a Mazda3 based CX3 for the next generation then that will be in the sweet spot range that Im looking for which is bigger than the current CX3 but not as bloated as the CX5. There are a few things that could clinch the deal on a new Mazda3 based CX3. 1 - Shorten that hood length a bit so that more of the total length of the car goes towards usable cabin space instead of wasted front overhang. Yes I understand the whole exhaust header issue, but that can be worked around with a Mazda3 based redesign. 2 - Make the AWD version available with a 6-spd MANUAL transmission option. That would do wonders to enhance the fun potential of this car. 3 - Lower that rear hatch opening to make it easier to load/unload things in to the cargo area and make the hatch opening wider as well so that larger items can fit. That shouldnt be much of a challenge if the CX3 switches to the Mazda3 chassis. 4 - Bump up that HP just a bit to 155 HP. Those improvements would definitely broaden the appeal of the CX3 and get me to take the plunge.
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Stephen Hendricks
As usual an excellent, highly detailed and informative review, Alex. A bonus for me was your discussion of Mazdas long hood necessitated by the large exhaust manifold placed just behind the engine. It answers a puzzle Ive wondered about for some time. How is it that Mazdas three row midsize crossover, the CX-9, is among the longest of the category (199) yet offers the smallest interior passenger and cargo space? Its 10 longer than the Kia Sorento, for example, but provides less interior space in all three rows and less overall cargo space. I had assumed the inefficient design was a pure styling choice but based on your comments I think theres a more complex explanation involving fuel efficiency. And while the design impacts the utility and interior space of the CX-3, its especially problematic in the larger CX-9 where the size makes driving in traffic and parking more of a challenge without functional advantages. As far as the CX-3 is concerned, I understand that almost every manufacturer feels they have to offer a sub-compact SUV but I really wonder about its advantages over a similar size hatchback, especially considering that the revamped Mazda 3 will be available soon. Some (my wife included) may prefer the higher seating position of a crossover but in a sub-compact that makes little pretense of being an off-road vehicle its not much of an advantage and a crossover suffers in terms of looks, performance, and handling. Ah well, to each his (or her) own.
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As usual an excellent, highly detailed and informative review, Alex. A bonus for me was your discussion of Mazdas long hood necessitated by the large exhaust manifold placed just behind the engine. It answers a puzzle Ive wondered about for some time. How is it that Mazdas three row midsize crossover, the CX-9, is among the longest of the category (199) yet offers the smallest interior passenger and cargo space? Its 10 longer than the Kia Sorento, for example, but provides less interior space in all three rows and less overall cargo space. I had assumed the inefficient design was a pure styling choice but based on your comments I think theres a more complex explanation involving fuel efficiency. And while the design impacts the utility and interior space of the CX-3, its especially problematic in the larger CX-9 where the size makes driving in traffic and parking more of a challenge without functional advantages. As far as the CX-3 is concerned, I understand that almost every manufacturer feels they have to offer a sub-compact SUV but I really wonder about its advantages over a similar size hatchback, especially considering that the revamped Mazda 3 will be available soon. Some (my wife included) may prefer the higher seating position of a crossover but in a sub-compact that makes little pretense of being an off-road vehicle its not much of an advantage and a crossover suffers in terms of looks, performance, and handling. Ah well, to each his (or her) own.
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The White Watcher
Just brought one of these today Im not sure if I agree on power/speed the both have relatively the same amount of horsepower CX3 has 148 and the Kona has 147. What surprised me was the torque the CX3 has 146 vs the Kona only has 132. My hubby test drove both and a Chevy Trax and hands down the CX3 was a better drive for all wheel. Even thou the base model doesnt have all the features like the Kona but there are things the Kona doesnt have either in their base model like a push bottom start. As for size of cargo they looked pretty much the same for me. And the Konas back seat is small as well than the CX3 as I sat in the back of both for a bit while they hubby is drive. We have two boys 11 and 7 and they will fit pretty comfortable in the back in terms of leg room well into there teen. We were definitely worried that the Kona would not. And you can basically get the next model up from the base model for about 10-15 a month and it even up more than the Kona base with the CX3 having a heated steering wheel, alloy rims, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather wrap shift bob, climate control, heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, passenger seat lifter, and auto headlights. I havent pick this up yet but Im happy we pick it over the Kona and even the Tucson for our particular needs
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Just brought one of these today Im not sure if I agree on power/speed the both have relatively the same amount of horsepower CX3 has 148 and the Kona has 147. What surprised me was the torque the CX3 has 146 vs the Kona only has 132. My hubby test drove both and a Chevy Trax and hands down the CX3 was a better drive for all wheel. Even thou the base model doesnt have all the features like the Kona but there are things the Kona doesnt have either in their base model like a push bottom start. As for size of cargo they looked pretty much the same for me. And the Konas back seat is small as well than the CX3 as I sat in the back of both for a bit while they hubby is drive. We have two boys 11 and 7 and they will fit pretty comfortable in the back in terms of leg room well into there teen. We were definitely worried that the Kona would not. And you can basically get the next model up from the base model for about 10-15 a month and it even up more than the Kona base with the CX3 having a heated steering wheel, alloy rims, leather wrapped steering wheel and leather wrap shift bob, climate control, heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, passenger seat lifter, and auto headlights. I havent pick this up yet but Im happy we pick it over the Kona and even the Tucson for our particular needs
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theconformist
Considering the Mazda3 hatchback has more passenger AND cargo room/area than the CX-3 does. I see no reason to buy the CX-3 over the Mazda3 hatchback. unless you REALLY need that slightly higher seating position inside. The CX-3 doesnt even have more ground clearance than the Mazda3 does; theyre both equally off the ground at 6. 1 inches. Maybe its because Im younger and dont mind lower seating positions (or have knee/back pain, etc, but I really do not understand the compact crossover segment. They rarely do much better than sedans in passenger/cargo area, and usually fare worse than hatchbacks.
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Considering the Mazda3 hatchback has more passenger AND cargo room/area than the CX-3 does. I see no reason to buy the CX-3 over the Mazda3 hatchback. unless you REALLY need that slightly higher seating position inside. The CX-3 doesnt even have more ground clearance than the Mazda3 does; theyre both equally off the ground at 6. 1 inches. Maybe its because Im younger and dont mind lower seating positions (or have knee/back pain, etc, but I really do not understand the compact crossover segment. They rarely do much better than sedans in passenger/cargo area, and usually fare worse than hatchbacks.
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Skippy Scheizengruber
Excellent review, really nailed it. The CX-3 is a great-looking subcrossover -- my fave on looks alone -- but its underpowered and underfeatured in todays market. Too bad Mazda didnt stick their 2. 5L engine in there, but maybe its too big for the small chassis. The infotainment should have been iPhone/Android capable long ago; its ridiculous that theyre still waiting on a software upgrade. As much as I love the looks of the CX-3, its too expensive for what you get. Id buy the Kona in a heartbeat.
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Excellent review, really nailed it. The CX-3 is a great-looking subcrossover -- my fave on looks alone -- but its underpowered and underfeatured in todays market. Too bad Mazda didnt stick their 2. 5L engine in there, but maybe its too big for the small chassis. The infotainment should have been iPhone/Android capable long ago; its ridiculous that theyre still waiting on a software upgrade. As much as I love the looks of the CX-3, its too expensive for what you get. Id buy the Kona in a heartbeat.
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S. D. H.
Shame that Mazda uses only over-engineered straight GDI engines - which really needs 200-300 worth of engine maintenance every 15K to maintain performance, prevent long-term problems, and keep carbon-deposits in check. They should have mated direct-injection with multiport-injection to prevent those problems - as Toyota has done on their latest TNGA Dynamic Force engines.
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Shame that Mazda uses only over-engineered straight GDI engines - which really needs 200-300 worth of engine maintenance every 15K to maintain performance, prevent long-term problems, and keep carbon-deposits in check. They should have mated direct-injection with multiport-injection to prevent those problems - as Toyota has done on their latest TNGA Dynamic Force engines.
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Domino
My brother bought a Mazda3 Hatchback but I chose a CX-3 for the AWD, smaller size/easier parking, and slightly higher ride height. Back seat is small but my 62 220 lb son fits there without complaining. For long cross country trips, Id take my Mazda6 though for trunk room. Overall combo mileage is 31. 5 mpg. Much better on highway, around 35 mpg.
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My brother bought a Mazda3 Hatchback but I chose a CX-3 for the AWD, smaller size/easier parking, and slightly higher ride height. Back seat is small but my 62 220 lb son fits there without complaining. For long cross country trips, Id take my Mazda6 though for trunk room. Overall combo mileage is 31. 5 mpg. Much better on highway, around 35 mpg.
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Hei Nu Chung
The new rav4 looks really good. Mazda is the little company that could though. Plus toyota reliability, couples with mazda rust truthfully I really like the Kona and this thing is way way too expensive the kona is much cheaper for the same thing basically. HRV is bland and boring but decent I guess. so much choice
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The new rav4 looks really good. Mazda is the little company that could though. Plus toyota reliability, couples with mazda rust truthfully I really like the Kona and this thing is way way too expensive the kona is much cheaper for the same thing basically. HRV is bland and boring but decent I guess. so much choice
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Jon A
The back seat is useless on these. If I had a bigger backseat, Id consider it. Plus, Mazda needs to update the power train. And whats with car makers putting hard plastic on the top portion of the door, where some people put their arms? Thats just not using common sense. It should be soft, or at least rubberized.
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The back seat is useless on these. If I had a bigger backseat, Id consider it. Plus, Mazda needs to update the power train. And whats with car makers putting hard plastic on the top portion of the door, where some people put their arms? Thats just not using common sense. It should be soft, or at least rubberized.
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Cecil L
Alex, first of all dont think I dont notice your little Easter eggs you put in your videos. The radio is always playing something related to the car youre reviewing lol. Second, you should try to get a hold of a 2019 C-HR Limited. I just tested one and was honestly blown away by material quality.
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Alex, first of all dont think I dont notice your little Easter eggs you put in your videos. The radio is always playing something related to the car youre reviewing lol. Second, you should try to get a hold of a 2019 C-HR Limited. I just tested one and was honestly blown away by material quality.
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