Mazda CX-3

As with all the other Mazdas, the CX-3 resorts to minimalism, with high-quality materials and top-notch features making their way in this compact crossover. While the driver’s cockpit looks pretty simple with a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel and pod-themed instrument console with analog dials, the rest of the dashboard looks classy and high quality.

The free-mounted touchscreen infotainment system above the sleek looking AC vents is stretched quite far above but still is intuitive to use. The lower part of the center console has got sleek looking automatic climate control buttons as well as a central transmission tunnel.

The Mazda CX-3 feels a bit claustrophobic at the back with limited legroom and headroom, however, it makes up for this with the supreme build quality, fit and finish levels, and equipment list. The crossover has been bestowed with features like leather upholstery, push-button start with keyless entry, automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and a height-adjustable driver seat.

The Mazda CX-3 might not have the heightened stance and traditional ruggedness of other compact SUVs in the market right now. But the effortlessness which its sleek design combines with rugged design bits makes it look quite unconventional and decent stance.

The Mazda CX-3 has got a very hatchback like frontal fascia, the majority of which is covered by the large open-wide front grille. Here, the grille features horizontal slats and tapered edges towards its bottom, with the lower edges as well as side extensions finished in chrome. The side extensions blend well with horizontally laid headlamps, which look quite sleek and pack in LED projectors. The fog lamp bezels gel well with the rest of the design of the car, with their wedge-shaped layout.

The side profile of the CX-3 manages to look unconventional with the sloping bonnet design and smoothly flowing curved lines coupled with rugged-looking side body cladding as well as huge ground clearance. The long and extended curvy bulges above both the front as well as rear fenders give it a smooth look. Also adding to the sporty image of the CX-3 are the door-mounted rearview mirrors as well as machined alloy wheels.

At the back, Mazda has kept the things a bit toned as compared to the rest of the design, with a rather clean look for the boot lid. The wing-themed trapezoidal tail lamps with LED inserts along with high loading lip for the boot gives it a chubby look, with dual exhausts as well as thick body cladding at the back make it look sporty too.

The Mazda CX-3, despite its raised height and crossover stance, feels quick and agile to drive, and a majority of its credits goes to the stiff setup for the suspension. The suspension combination of Macpherson struts at the front and torsion beam axle at the rear are tuned very well for both urban and highway driving cycles.

The Mazda CX-3 sources its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is quite big for a vehicle of this category. The engine, which is coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard, belts out a maximum power and torque outputs of 150 PS and 195 Nm respectively.

The Mazda CX-3, being an entry-level crossover, packs in a decent amount of safety essentials, like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dynamic stability control, reverse parking sensors and camera, and remote keyless entry.

The small dimensions of the Mazda CX-3 might create an impression of a compromised vehicle in some sort. However, the crossover manages to surpass expectations with its big and powerful engine, great fit and finish levels, and sorted driving dynamics, making it a good driver’s choice.