Mazda CX-3

Had the opportunity to drive 1. Mind you, this is different from the petrol 2.0 offered by Eurokars. This is a parallel imported model, less than 10 on the road. It is highly spec-ed, comfortable and quiet on the move. Diesel clatter can't be heard when you are inside the car. Returns a generous FC of 25km/l. 1 full tank of diesel can travel 1100km!

It's the car that must be owned in a lifetime!

Mazda was a relatively unknown to me, not having driven it before. The only impression I had was of the old old Mazda 626 from the 80s-90s that my father drove. Mazdas of those days had the reputation of thirsty engines and expensive repairs compared to other Japanese makes.

Fast forward to 2016, I was looking for something more comfortable and bigger than my previous MINI. Seeing the huge dealer premiums for the conti makes (>40%!!), I decided to look at Japanese marques.

Saw many reviews/opinions that Mazda was the most conti feel of the Jap makes and I had also read many online reviews giving many favorable ratings and opinions of the CX-3 and Mazda 3 Hatchback.

It was a toss up between Mazda 3 Hatchback and CX-3, leaning towards the practicality of Mazda 3... Until I saw the CX-3 in the flesh.. Loved the styling and the overall look.

Emotion prevailed and I was sold! Put down the deposit immediately after the test drive.

Drivewise, it's pretty stable with the 18" Rims and tyres, handling is responsive and can take quite a fair bit of cornering without feeling of loss of control. Surprising that it feels in handling almost like my previous MINI, despite the higher ride height. You can really push this CX-3 around bends and corners! Steering feel though much lighter than MINI still gives quite decent weight and feedback, especially at high speeds above 100km/h.

Engine easily pulls the car quickly and smoothly to 100km/h from a stop without realising it. Have to really restrain to keep from exceed the speed limits.

Driving up north on the NSH, very easily went up to 130+km/h without realising it as car is stable and relatively quiet. Tyre roar and wind noise very loud above 135km/h. Went up to 140+km/h at times. My backup driver went up to 160km/h (!!) Car was still very stable though the noise was quite deafening.

Comfortwise, cabin is quite surprisingly silent at cruising speeds more so than MINI, only engine sounds a bit coarse when revved. Though ride is bumpy at times but still much more comfortable than MINI's go kart feel.

Fuel consumption wise, better than MINI despite the higher engine capacity and specs. (12-13km/l or 7.2-7.5l/100km) have not managed the stated specs as I do mainly very short trips (<3km) which hurts economy.

Good mix of sport and practicality. I like the feedback from the steering wheel, it feels natural and responds to quick turns without feeling twitchy.

The stability control is fun through the corners, it's responsive to driver inputs. The soundproofing is pretty good as well, it doesn't get crazy noisy at higher speeds.

The CX3 is an attractive car with great fuel economy and handling. It feels as light and small as it is.

Test drove the new CX-3 last month when it arrived in spore and available for test drive.From the look this is one of my best looking crossover in my opinion. Love the way the front grill is being detail line by line as compared to other mazda's fellow model. Full front led headlight/taillight. Very distintive DRLs. From the side the flow of the lines on the body looks great. Twin exhaust with 18inch rims adds more to the overall sportiness of the car.

When you got into the car,the interior looks exactly like the Mazda2. However different material were used.A soft leather was used on certain part. Overall a good looking interior. With an added sunroof bring more natural light into the cabin. Comes with BOSE sound system on the deluxe trim.

Next onto the road with 5person onboard. My wife and 2 kids at the back with the SE beside me. The 2Lites na skyactiv moves off smoothly the the 6sp auto gearbox is great. However dont expect seat pressing feeling even you floor e pedal. It's more of a smooth gradual acceleration.

Thankfully with a press on the sports button/mode instantly the engine and gearbox stiffen ups. Now the engine is more willing to rev towards redline and the gearbox becomes more intellegent. Intellegent in a sense for example when u enter a coner and sometimes it will even drop 2 gears for you in order to maintain the best peaky torque range so that when you exit the corner the torque is there for you when you need it. One is when you floor the pedal some may find the engine noise loud,however to me this is why Mazda call their car "ZOOM ZOOM"

Fun to drive and small, the CX-3 is one of the best looking compact crossovers on the road at the moment - definitely better looking than the Juke.

I traded in my sedan for this. Some may call me crazy but I haven't regretted my decision since. Its short in length and tall in height when makes it easy to park. I can also fit my dogs at the back, something I could not do with my sedan.

Inside, the cabin feels very upmarket, and the build quality feels solid. The rear seats aren't as comfortable as the front, but this doesn't matter when it comes to short distance rides.