In a market growing with tiny SUV choices, the Mazda CX-3 is a dapper, well-designed car. Unlike competitors that appear tall, narrow, and not quite grown-up such as the Chevrolet Trax and Ford Ecosport, the CX-3 is a handsome vehicle. Driving it puts a smile on your face. Agile handling and a spirited powertrain when revved contribute to an enjoyable drive and it gets good fuel economy to boot. But the CX-3 is very snug inside. So snug, in fact, that you might physically outgrow the CX-3 before you're ready for your next car.
Most entries in this burgeoning class are either half-baked, or they subject drivers to a harsh ride, loud cabin, and crude interior. But the Mazda CX-3 is more pleasant. It delivers a rewarding driving experience thanks to its enthusiastic cornering attitude, willing powertrain and stylish cabin.
Clearly, the CX-3 brings a bit of pizzazz. In less than a block, the CX-3 demonstrated a quality that trounces most competitors: It feels light on its feet with quick steering that transmits decent feedback. It also easily snaked through our avoidance-maneuver test and was a delight on the track.
On the other hand, the ride is hardly plush, and if you get the Touring or Grand Touring versions that ride on 18-inch tires, the ride is stiff and choppy. It's also noisy inside, emanating from the loud engine and a combination of wind and road noise on the highway. You might want to step up to the larger, more substantial CX-5 if quietness is a priority.
The four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic produce willing acceleration that make the most of the car's modest power. You won't win any drag races, but you'll get a blue ribbon for fuel economy. We measured a frugal 28 mpg overall, trailing the Honda HR-V's 29 mpg. But the Honda isn't nearly as much fun because it feels underpowered and strained most of the time.
From the outside, the CX-3 seems smartly sized. But once inside, it's clear that it's short on room. The car infringes on shoulder and elbow space, making the cockpit feel hemmed in. The driver's seat is narrow, the rear seat is snug, and the cargo capacity is puny. In this respect, the Mazda falls far short of the Honda's innovative interior spaciousness. You can forget about packing for a family vacation. Thick windshield pillars and small windows obstruct visibility but the car is easy to park and maneuver in tight urban areas.
Drivers should allow for some time mastering the CX-3's controls. Audio and phone functions are controlled by a rotary knob between the seats; your actions appear on a prominent screen. But switching audio source, manually tuning radio stations and other common functions require lots of twists, and icon deciphering.
The CX-3 has its appeal but it is among the more expensive entries in its class. It can get even get more expensive quickly; opting for the top-shelf, all-wheel-drive Grand Touring version runs you close to $30,000, which might be a dubious value given the CX-3's size and refinement level.
Standard low speed automatic emergency braking is a plus as is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, a convenience, is available on the Grand Touring.