1. What is it?
Simply put, it's Hiroshima brand’s entry into the compact SUV segment and if we’re honest – find it easy to compare it to anything Europe can throw at it. It can be a competent cruiser despite lacking Teutonic bling, a much-needed scrapper for Mazda's biggest design and technological revolution.
2. What's so special about it?
Its looks for a start? This car, like the larger CX5 and its hatchback siblings (and that spunky little MX5 roadster too for that matter) are heralding in the Japanese marque's ongoing design and ethos. And my word, it's an elegant slab of composites and metal, where light clusters are treated like jewellery.
Dare we say Mazda has a perfectly styled range of cars right now?
3. What drives it?
One bloody brilliant engine, a rorty naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit that can be found in all Mazda’s aforementioned cars. That’s right – the plucky heart of an MX5 lives in this little SUV. It’s good for an impressive 115kW and 206Nm output, wholly belying its 6.7/100km fuel economy.
It might interest you to discover that you can get the CX3 in six different derivatives but they all share this gem of a power plant. Ours is the flagship 2.0L Individual Plus Auto, that last word being key. It shifts its own six cogs, although you can intervene with steering-mounted paddles.
4. Climbing in
It's an elegant and calming environment if somewhat sombre, with a touchscreen 'tablet' styled interface which consumes the bulk of controls such as multimedia. There’s a fair technological tour de force behind that minimalistic dashboard as well as an array of connectivity options. As for the seats, they're ergonomic masterpieces – we really cannot complain.
5. Any driving enjoyment to be had?
Well, tons. As I mentioned before, this shares the shunt of the MX5 – so piloting the CX3 is a joy. Settle in, hunt apexes if you like and in reasonable comfort too. This then is the fabled ‘wife’s car’ us brutish males often fantasize about. You know, the sort of thing we only drive on the odd occasion to the shops and back, but when we do we wring its bloody neck.
6. So it’s practical?
Very much so, with five comfy seats and a good amount of space for all including the shopping bags or, as I can attest – two bicycles and a load of accompanying gear. Although If I’m honest it bothers me knowing the even larger CX5 exists. I’m fickle that way.
7. Anything else I need to know?
Actually, I have some thoughts about this range. Really consider your needs – it’s six-strong squad of models and they’re all powered by the same (excellent) engine. Work out for yourself how much of the modcons you really need, but personally – I think the base car with its manual transmission is all you really need. And at R295,000, seriously - what other car can offer all of this for under R300,000?
Okay, let's wrap this up
I’m actually going to call it cheap. But
the CX3 is also accomplished, polished – but it isn’t trying too hard
either, or taking itself too seriously. Rather it is the kind of car
that grows into your life and family like a massive metallic puppy. Good
boy.
