The Mazda lineup is full of vehicles that are made to be fun to drive. Each and every one of them is built with the ideal driving dynamics for that particular vehicle and when you want an SUV that’ small and active the CX-3 is the right choice. The CX-3 is as close to the Miata as you can get in the SUV market and gives you the rear space you won’t find in the roadster, but want to have in a subcompact SUV that leads the way in a segment that’s quickly becoming overcrowded.
What do you want in your subcompact SUV? If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers you great handling, excellent looks, an engine that is ready to go and the space you need for all your driving needs, the CX-3 checks every box in the list. This is certainly an SUV that’s worthy of the title Sport and brings in the ability to ride with confidence. For 2017 the CX-3 comes in mostly unchanged with the addition of 18-inch wheels available as standard fare on the Touring model the only real change to note on this already amazing and fun subcompact SUV.
Mazda long ago learned that most of our driving didn’t need to have exceptional power, but instead needed exceptional handling. The CX-3 shows this off by being one of the most nimble vehicles on the road, even if it’s not the most powerful in the class. You won’t ever be bored when driving this awesome little SUV that fits perfect in any parking space and give you the ride that feels more like a sports car than something that was supposedly derived from pickup trucks. Apparently the CX-3 didn’t get the memo that SUVs are supposed to be boring to drive so don’t tell it.
You only get to have one engine in the CX-3 and it’s an engine that handles the job of giving you good power and excellent fuel mileage at the same time. This engine is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder model that brings in 146 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque while being mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This powertrain offers you 29 city/35 hwy mpg for the FWD models and 27 city/32 hwy mpg in the AWD version which means you can take on some light trails and still enjoy good fuel mileage returns in AWD models.
The CX-3 is not only active and a great drive that has good fuel numbers, but it comes in at an extremely reasonable price. The base price is $20,800, giving you an easy to live with number that will be another way the CX-3 makes a solid choice for you. At the top end the Grand Touring begins at just below $26,000 to give you an excellent package of equipment to enjoy. AWD adds $1,200 to any model and makes for a great investment into the control you’ll want when it’s time for foul weather or a bit of off road action.
On the base model you will have the Mazda Connect infotainment system, a dash mounted seven-inch monitor, a rearview camera, voice command controls, a multi-function dial, Bluetooth hands free connectivity, push button starting, USB inputs, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows and door locks and keyless entry. This gives you CX-3 at the base level that’s packed full of great equipment to make for one of the most impressive entry level vehicles on the market today.
Moving up to the optional equipment you start with the AWD that can be added and then you can also add a six-speaker audio system, heated exterior mirrors, a moonroof, mirror mounted turn signals, a center armrest, Leatherette upholstery all on the Touring model. Looking to the Grand Touring will give you real leather upholstery, a moonroof, LED headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, Sirius XM HD radio, automatic climate controls, heated front seats, the i-Activesense safety package which brings in the Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support and many more active safety features.
If you’re looking for a fantastic and fun packed compact crossover SUV the CX-3 is the right choice for your driving. Stop by your local Mazda dealer today and take it for a test drive; you won’t want to get out of the vehicle when the drive’s over.
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