The Mazda CX3 is an exceedingly good-looking crossover, if you are enchanted by its beauty (and many are) and have the means, it’s not a hard decision at all. It’s that kind of pretty. So as far as reviews go, this is probably one of the more straightforward ones.
With this baby crossover, Mazda is showing the world that the oh-so-handsome Mazda6 saloon wasn’t a fluke, and that its ‘Soul of Motion’ design language isn’t some obscure inspiration from pouncing wild animals but a guiding principle that’s working a treat. More significantly, Mazda is demonstrating an uncommon corporate zeal that prioritises design, not just shaping products to fit as many households as possible, which other mass market brands are doing seemingly.
They say it’s too small…
It’s a revelation how Mazda designers managed to shoehorn the modest Mazda2 into a something that looks so much more expressive and premium, all the while retaining that compact footprint. The CX3 looks svelte and poised from every angle, and never appears to be trying too hard, such is the cohesiveness of the design. Mazda makes no excuses for the size of the CX3, and it really shouldn’t have to.
Yes, the Honda HR-V is miles more practical, but the CX3 wouldn’t look as neat if it added even an inch to its carefully crafted proportions. If anything, stepping into the CX3 is a lot like getting into a Mazda2 hatchback, but with fancier trim. It’ll fit five adults (if you must) with rear knee room subject to how much space the front occupants require. With boot space measuring a decent 350 litres, let’s just say overall practicality is adequate.
Since the Mazda2’s interior punches way, way above its weight in quality and tactility, you don’t feel shortchanged in the CX3, though at over RM130,000 it really should come with a centre armrest. Otherwise, it’s well-equipped and includes six airbags, touch-screen display and sunroof as standard.
Check out those shoes
Mazda’s priorities with the CX3 is clear even in the size of its wheels (215/50 R18), and before you mutter ‘pothole’ under your breath, just look at how those dual-tone alloys fill up the wheel arches of CX3. Of course, you are reminded of them when riding over sharp road imperfections, but the suspension has sufficient pliancy so as not to crash over the many bad surfaces of our roads. In return, you get a meaty steering feel and a grippy front end in corners.
If there is a gripe, it would be that the CX3 isn’t quite the performer its gorgeous appearance suggests. The SkyActiv powertrain – a 154hp/204Nm direct injection 2.0-litre four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed automatic – is definitely skewed towards fuel-saving rather than excitement, so there are instances when a keen driver would perhaps wish for more grunt to go with the sporty looks and composed handling, otherwise, the CX3 gets the job done in the daily urban grind.
The other Mazda alternative
Is there a better-looking car for RM131,158.30? Not in my books, but beauty is subjective so you may disagree. Interestingly, if you’re inclined towards something belonging to the same design DNA, the locally-assembled Mazda3 2.0-litre at RM120,705.30 (hatchback or sedan) must represent superior value next to its crossover brethren.
Not only does it have the same powertrain and comparable features, its C-segment underpinnings are also more sophisticated (independent rear suspension instead of the CX3’s torsion beam) and its interior space is more generous. Besides, we happen to think it drives better and has the edge in overall refinement over the CX3 – certainly a more-than-worthy alternative from the same stable. Ah, it’s good to be Mazda these days.
Mazda CX3
Price: RM131,158.30 (incl. GST, w/o insurance)
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cyl, petrol, FWD
Output: 154hp @ 6000rpm, 204Nm @ 2800rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto with steering shift paddles
Performance: 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, top speed 190km/h (both est.)
Wheels/tyres: 18in alloys, 215/50 R18
Safety: 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control
Warranty: 3-year or 100,000km