WeeklySA_AdminCOMPACT SMALL SUV: A well-rounded product with minor flaws but could do with a strategic price adjustment
By Ali Mphaki
In what has become a highly disruptive market, it’s no secret that brand Mazda may have fallen from the popularity stakes, especially when compared with other legendary brands such as Toyota, VW, Nissan etc.
Factor in the ever growing number of affordable and well-endowed Chinese brands flooding the market, it’s apparent brand Mazda has its work really cut out. Needles to say, where Mazda brand has been hardest hit is in its sales volumes, with the company selling 65 percent fewer vehicles than in 2017 – a significant drop.
But far from being unfazed, the girls and boys from Hiroshima, Japan, in their triumphal albeit challeng ing procession, have been churning out fun to drive products like the CX3, which we had for test recently.
Judging from its size, the CX3 can rightfully be described as a subcompact crossover SUV at 4 085 in length, an overall height of 1, 535 mm, and an overall with of 1, 768mm.
With these dimensions of the CX3, Mazda would not miss the opportunity to inform all and sundry that it’s a segment the Japs have manufactured themselves.
Lofty claims aside, the CX3 first launched in South Africa in 2015, has over the years undergone some updates to ostensibly catch up with a bouyant market as it makes its competitive business case.
In its latest guise, the CX3 follows what in Mazda design language is termed “KODO: Soul of Motion,” which seeks to imbue their vehicles with a sense of vitality as evidenced in the CX3 via its sculpture lines, proportions and a focus on human craftsmanship.
It biasts a bold face with a hint of slight aggression, which centers around the grille and extends through the star signature wing into the headlamps, gives it an unmistakable presence almost like daring the opposition to “bring it on”.
The wraparound rear windows create what one may describe as a visual rhythm, while the flowing look is underscored by the black wheel arch mouldings,
The contrasting black roof with sunroof only adds to its seductive presence and sporty appeal. Obvious to an experienced eye are the similarities found in the CX3’s smaller sibling the Mazda 2, especially when it comes to the interior.
After all, both the CX3 and 2 share the same platform. Yet, the CX3 is offered in a new interior, which comes with a new cabin with hints of elements of handcrafted level of quality.
Embracing a minimalistic approach, the cabin is aesthetically pleasing even though a little dated. Even so, the CX3’s interior lacks nothing in terms of style and class, and no doubt few will match it for build quality and finish.
Granted, comfort is comparable with any small SUV, but it’s the CX3’s forward vision that is impressive – credit to the fairly upright A-pillars at the end of the windscreen. Lower your bum to the drivers seat, and it feels just right!
What we liked was how the electrically adjustable drivers seat is high enough to command the road, yet low enough to give that boy-racer feeling without sacrieif8ng its carlike feel.
There is a rear centre armrest, heated front seats, and keyless entry with a stop/ start feature. It is front-wheel driven.
True hat boot space is at a premium, but it’s not laughable. How much boot space is needed as a single upwardly mobile person, which is largely the targeted CX3 buyer.
The CX3 could easily fit in four adults, though the fifth passenger in the rear seat could feel a bit claustrophobic.
There is also a noticeable increase in decibels when you floor the accelerator, the engine noise mitigating against an otherwise quiet cabin propelled by a 2,0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActive engine
It’s a matter of curiosity why Mazda endowed the CX3 with the 2,0-litre motto for such an arguably small car. and whilst it is no slouch, it’s also not your hot hatchback covering the mandatory 0-100km/mandatory sprint in just 9.5 seconds.
All in all, the ride is firm but not harsh – the suspension effectively dealing with those Dada Morero potholes around Jozi streets.
Bringing further confidence behind the wheel is its hosts of features, which include Wireless Aaple Car Play, reveaee camera, electric park brakes, rear cross traffic alert, and six airbags.
For our listening pleasure, we enjoyed sounds and stuff like that from a seven speaker Bose system. What we liked the most was its blind sport monitoring feature, which scans external mirrors blind spots up to 50 m behind the vehicle.
Most probably, due to its engine size, the CX3 can outdrink your wallet with several trips guaranteed o the feeling station. Price may be a huge concern for would be CX3 friends and lovers, what with installment kicking off from R5 669 a month for the R551 600 model we had for test.
Despite the huge price tag ( come on Mazda),
nothing takes away the fact that with its oremium feel, the CX3 is a solid proposition in an ever dynamic market.
