Mazda’s spunky little crossover is such a standout in a field of generic-looking subcompacts that even hardened journalists can’t help but light up and crack a smile when they get behind the wheel. The MX-3 genuinely provides a gleeful driving experience while surrounding its drivers with a near-luxury interior, cutting-edge technology and fuel-mileage other subcompacts can only dream about.
Just listen to this quote from the typically dour ConsumerReports:
“In a market growing with tiny SUV choices, the Mazda CX-3 is a dapper, well-designed car. Unlike competitors that appear tall, narrow, and not quite grown-up such as the Chevrolet Trax and Ford Ecosport, the CX-3 is a handsome vehicle. Driving it puts a smile on your face. Agile handling and a spirited powertrain when revved contribute to an enjoyable drive and it gets good fuel economy to boot” – ConsumerReports
So many of the industry’s professionals have a soft spot for the CX-3’s styling and driving dynamics. But what about the interior?
“The cabin offers high-quality materials that are both soft and rugged; they look richer than the price. The controls are clean and neat” – autoblog.com
“We found the CX-3’s cabin to be extremely appealing, with an excellent layout and high-end materials throughout. The front seats are snug, but they hold the driver firmly in place during spirited drives” – autotrader.com
And, in today’s marketplace, even a subcompact like the CX-3 had better offer some serious technology, or risk being left behind by the competition:
“The CX-3 earns excellent crash-test ratings. It received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CX-3 comes standard with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Its suite of more advanced driver-assistance technology is the icing on the cake and is offered on all models. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning
Available adaptive cruise control” – Car&Driver
And the chassis? Mazda’s are pretty much revered around the world for this particular attribute, but can a subcompact really deliver the “zoom-zoom”?
“The 2020 Mazda CX-3 remains one of the more enjoyable compact-crossover SUVs to drive, thanks to its good seating position and sporty well-tuned suspension. This is a sporty chassis, and the cabin exudes good quality” – kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book)
And there you have it. The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is a well-rounded, fun, safe, well-appointed and efficient subcompact crossover. With that, we’ll leave you with a couple more quotes in hopes you’ll try one out for yourself:
“Given the CX-3’s fun driving dynamics, impressive safety suite and low price of entry, plus its good efficiency and solid resale values, this subcompact Mazda crossover SUV has much in its favour” –kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book)
“One spirited drive behind the wheel of the 2019 Mazda CX-3 will have even the keenest driving enthusiasts singing its praises. We’ve come to expect playful driving dynamics, eager powertrains, and driver-focused interiors from Mazda—it’s the zoom-zoom brand, after all—and this subcompact crossover doesn’t disappoint” – Car&Driver
“Drives better than its rivals, drinks less fuel than its rivals, looks better than its rivals” – Car&Driver
If you’re interested in test driving a 2020 Mazda CX-3, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
