Her + His Car Reviews
2019 Mazda CX-3 AWD Touring
Our car reviews are innovative and interesting as we provide insightful and expert reviews from both Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $29,625 | $29,625 |
| Performance | |
| Mazda's entry vehicle, the CX 3 is a value packed fun-to-drive SUV, really a CUV. It has a refined SKYACTIVE 2.0-liter engine. Mazda has refined the engine for efficiency. We would like to see this model upgrade to more than 148 horsepower as the output contributed to the noise level in the cabin. The vehicle handles nimbly and with aplomb and getting going takes little effort. For 2019, the engine delivers 6,000 rpm and 146 ft-torque at 2800 RPM. The G-Vectoring Control vehicle dynamics enhancements and a retuned suspension offer an improved and sportier ride from this CX 3; we loved the responsiveness. |
Quite sparkling in fact. The steering is particularly quick and precise. Braking is sharp. This is not a car that you can lazily steer with one hand. Mazda's demand to be driven, thank heaven, and once you get behind the wheel, you will appreciate that fact. Acceleration is really strong, too, the best in its class. Power comes from a 2.0 liter, 148 horsepower four-cylinder engine, and yes, there is a sport mode you can choose for driving. And yes there is a dramatic difference for each mode with the CX-3. on some cars we have driven you barely notice the difference. Not on this one! |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 32 highway miles, 27 city miles, and 29 combination miles. | The CX-3 gets 29 miles per gallon combined, 27 city and 32 highway. It uses 3.4 gallons of gasoline to go 100 miles.
The annual fuel cost is about $1,300 a year over a five-year period. And you save $500 in fuel costs over five years compared with other new vehicles. |
| The Car | |
| Mazda gets top scores with the redesign of the MX-3. You can drive it in its classic "Soul Red Crystal", but really any color will do as a standout. The vehicle handles well and has solid braking and responsiveness. Good standard tech and safety features, as Mazda gives the other competitive brands a strong run for the money with their formula of style + real value.
Nice touch points and materials throughout the interior and cockpit as defined by Mazda designers. The only drawback of the "Touring" is that the cargo space is limited, and the back seat is fairly small. SSupported by 18" wheels, it is available in front wheel and All Wheel Drive, which our tester had and makes it an excellent vehicle in all weather conditions. |
The CX-3 is hands down the sexiest small crossover on the market. You will fall in love with it instantly and wonder why on earth you would even consider driving anything else, especially if you are a performance enthusiast.
It drives like a sports car, it's practical, and it scoots through traffic like crazy. But some of its biggest challenges: A very tight interior in the rear seat, a dearth of storage space inside the cabin including very few cupholders, cargo room under the hatch door is not as generous as on some of its competitors, and the infotainment system is definitely not intuitive. It's complicated, confusing, and needs to be redesigned. |
| Safety | |
| Air Bags, Head and Rear Air Bgs along with Side Air Bags, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control. Daytime Running Lights, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, All Wheel Driver, Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors.
Child Safety Locks, Traction Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Auto Leveling Headlights. Advanced City Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Control, Rain-Sensing Window Wipers, Traction Control, LED Headlights and LED combination taillights. |
For all CX-3 models, some safety features on a rather long list includes blind spot monitoring, anti-theft engine immobilizer, Skyactive body ring structure, advanced smart city brake support, lane departure warning system, and other items. Some safety features you will find on the Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring model includes adaptive cruise control with full-speed range, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and automatic high beams. Don't worry--if you get a lower level model, you can still get the other safety features included on the Grand Touring at an extra cost. |
| Technology | |
| Technology is the driver that sets the CX-3 apart. Value, Value, Value, Mazda sets the benchmark with so many terrific features. We spoke about the leather seats in this Touring model, which are really comfortable, too, for the long haul trips. We spoke of the upscale materials that Mazda uses to give it an up-market look. But there is so much more. 7" Infotainment System with Touch-Screen or Console-mounted control, Mazda Connect are easy to use. Internet Streaming services with many apps, Voice Command, Multi-Speaker BOSE® (kick) Audio System, 2 USB Ports, Bluetooth™ for hands-free calling, 2 sets of LATCH Connectors. Heated front seats (power on the driver side and adjustable on the passenger side), Good headroom for all, Rearview Camera. Sirius® XM, HD Radio AM/FM, Navigation, Moonroof, Automated Climate Control (keeps everyone happy). Auto smartphone integration from Apple and Android are NOT offered on this model which is odd, considering they are almost standard today across most vehicles. |
You can get three different versions for the Mazda CX3 including Sport, Touring, and the Grand Touring. The good news is that this is a simplified model lineup that makes it a lot easier to pick what you need. And even better--even the top model, the Grand Touring, is quite reasonably price considering what you get. The engine you will get is the same all across the board: the 2.0-liter, 148 horsepower four-cylinder engine (148 horsepower, 146 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all versions. If you spring for the Touring version, the standard equipment list includes the slightly larger 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, piano black exterior trim, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, simulated leather and cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an overhead console with sunglasses holder. Our test version was the terrific Grand Touring version and it had just about all the equipment mentioned above on the lesser models, plus adaptive headlights, a sunroof, and LED exterior lighting, chrome exterior trim, paddle shifters, a head-up display, full leather upholstery, a cargo cover, a navigation system, and a seven-speaker Bose premium audio system with satellite and HD radio. Oh yes--one more thing--even though the Grand Touring is so lavishly equipped, you have one more choice to make. You can, if you wish, order the Premium package that adds a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, driver-seat memory functions, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a traffic sign reader. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Mazda has given the CX-3 an enhanced Zoom Zoom - Zoom. The look, appeal, design and value all add up to a winner. This model gives the competition a serious run and put this model as a frontrunner. Mazda understands and demonstrates having the right ingredients for giving the consumer and driver an elevated, almost-luxurious driving experience. Whether buying outright or leasing, Mazda, which has been a niche brand, really gives more bang for the buck with a sense of affordable richness. | This is one gorgeous automobile: Lithe yet muscled, aggressive looking, and appearing as though it's on its haunches for taking off down the road. It resembles the Mini Cooper in some ways, but "The Coop" brings to mind a bulldog, while the CX-3 makes me think of a panther or a muscled racehorse. The interior is one of the best in the market--it looks a lot more expensive than it is with just the right blend of materials and colors. Mazda has now landed in the top ring when it comes to both interior and exterior design. |
| Warranty | |
| 60 months, 60,000 Powertrain Warranty. 36 months, 36,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty. | 60 months, 60 thousand mile powertrain warranty, 36 month, bumper to bumper warranty. |
