By design, the Mazda CX-3 is easily the most stylish in its class. On paper, it's also quite the performer. But does the car live up to all its hype?
CONSUMER REVIEWS
1.5 Skyactive Diesel Engine packs a punc...
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.
Mazda CX-3
