Mazda CX-3 has the Look and Feel of a Larger SUV

Mazda CX-3’s top features are design, safety and technology. The CX-3 may be classified as a sub-compact, but you will never know it once you drive this sporty grand-touring all-wheel drive car. This cross-over drives with attitude with its SKYACTIV-drive, 6 speed sport mode and 146 hp 4 cylinder engine with all wheel drive (optional feature). The Mazda CX-3 has the feel and look of a sports car with its sport suspension and tight handling. The interior seats in leather with the lux suede, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob and brake handle add to the sporty package, as do the bucket seats in front. The drivers seat also offers an armrest for extra comfort during longer trips. The grand touring also comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof mounted shark fin antenna and a rear roof spoiler.

Safety and security come in the form of anti-theft engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front, side & rear air bags and break assist. The i-Activsense package (adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, and more) offered on the Grand Touring is also now a more affordable option.

This car also comes with standard features like, active driving display, BOSE 7-speaker system, tilt and telescopic steering column, rear-view camera, Mazda navigation system, bluetooth hands free phone and audio, power moonroof, heated front seats, heated power mirrors with turn lamps, power front and back intermittent wipers and 60/40 split fold down rear seat. The trunk has a fairly decent load capacity especially with the split fold-down seats in back.

Moonroof

60/40 split fold-down back seat

Good trunk space with security cover

What I liked about the Mazda CX-3 was the powerful passing ability on the freeway, easy yet tight steering, and the sporty body style and interior. The duel leather interior colors of parchment and grey with red accents offered an aesthetic appeal. The extra features were also a big plus for this smaller SUV including the safety features that come standard. And of course the EPA fuel-economy numbers of 27/32 mpg with this all-wheel drive model were very impressive. With this kind of fuel economy, I would probably forget to fill of the tank.

Stylish sporty lines

Two tone leather interior with red accents Leather wrapped steering wheel

What I didn’t like about the Mazda CX-3 was the cramped feel of the back seat. With a tall person in the front, there is very little leg room for back seat passengers. Also the navigation screen is a bit small for me and having the control knobs on the center console was awkward for me. I had to keep taking my eyes off the road making it a little dangerous.

Smaller navigation screen

Console navigation knob

Great sporty car for college students, singles or couples buying their first car.