Collective Soul
The sum of the parts which form the CX3, surely, is less than the sheer pleasure that I got form driving this compact crossover
While it does have all the styling bits that makes this a compact crossover, driving the CX3 reveals it to be more hot-hatch than crossover.
Power comes from a well-designed naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G2.0 which delivers its maximum torque of 204Nm from a low 2,800rpm, which in many NA engines, you’d find that maximum delivery would likely come somewhere in the mid 3,000s.
Mated to the engine is Mazda’s own Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic. Gearshifts are quick but not dual-clutch quick. Delivery through to the wheels sees smooth delivery, and under hard acceleration, there is only a mild hint of torque steer, which is quickly arrested by the traction control. In “Sport” mode, we found that the CX3 held on to its lower gears a little too much for our liking.
In traffic, the CX3, like its sedan sibling, comes equipped with Mazda’s i-stop system, which shuts off the engine, helping to cut fuel usage when the car comes to a stop. Reported combined fuel figures for the CX3 stands at a good 16.4km/l, which is actually better than some lesser 1.6 SUVs.
The steering, although an electrical unit, does provide good feedback, and is better than most Japanese makes I have tested. There is just a slight bit of body roll from the CX3, given its slightly higher ride height, but it takes well to quick directional changes with the help of the stability control programme, and never for once did we feel that the rear was going to lose it, and it even performed well under a heavy downpour.
Mazda’s “Kodo: Soul of Motion” design philosophy certainly makes their current range of cars attractive to look at, with flowing lines and aggressive front ends.
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