Mazda CX-3

Between CX-5 SUV reduction and Mazda2

Mazda enter, in summer, in the contested category of SUV B-segment car with a really interesting and, in my humble opinion, can become one of the best selling models of this emerging segment whose growth is proving unstoppable. This type of car-like SUVs light has already conquered the C segment expands to full speed in the lower segment and according to data handled by the Mazda itself, it is expected that in 2017 this segment involves sales in Europe higher than 800,000 cars.

The Japanese attacked the car category with 4.27 meters long and 1.76 wide and 1.53 high built on the platform of the Mazda2 and with a wheelbase of 2.57 meters. Analyzing these dimensions we see that is halfway between large models and small segment of the upper segment so it will try to catch customers of both segments.

Let's put these data dimensions in a segment that goes from 4.10 to 4.30 meters in length. The CX-3 is large because only the Opel Mokka (4.27 meters) and the new Honda HR-V (4.29) than him length. This is because Mazda has just above the CX-5 is one of the also great cars in its segment with 4.55 meters long and, therefore, leaves room for a larger CX-3. His 4.27 meters, however, place him as the Opel and Honda, at the gates of the C segment where a Mitsubishi ASX measured 4.29 meters and the reference segment, the Nissan Qashqai will be only 4 37 meters. There is, therefore, less difference CX-3 to Qashqai than exists between Mazda and some of its rivals mentioned by the brand as the Renault Captur (4.12 meters), the Nissan Juke (4.13) or Peugeot 2008 (4.16). The Fiat 500 X, meanwhile, is just below the Mazda (4.25 meters).

Habitability, however, is not measured by the length but with the wheelbase, trunk and other dimensions such as height. In this case, the Mazda has a wheelbase in the segment average. The 2.57 meters are identical to the Fiat 500 X lower than the 2.60 of Captur that as the shorter the most battle features and superior to other rivals.

As for luggage capacity of 350 liters again offering the CX-3 (1,260 with the seats folded) are in the middle of the segment (also 2008 and 500X 350, 355 and 375 Mokka Juke and Captur and 400 HR-V ). The dimension in which I highlighted the CX-3 is high. The Mazda is by far the lowest car segment since its 1.53 meters without whom the match (followed in 2008 with 1.55).

Vista theory, Let's move those numbers into practice. The car stands out for its very aesthetic coupe. This is because it has very long nose (although the front overhang is very short) and very steep, a narrow glass surface, a rear pillar black line extending crystals and gives the feeling as trendy "roof floating "and a solid rear, again with the fairly narrow window. The car transmits a very sharp sporty and moves away from the aesthetic terrain that is usually associated with SUVs and other models remain clearly segment as the Suzuki Vitara, the Skoda Yeti or Ford EcoSport.

Following the surgery, the nose is very Mazda (difficult to distinguish the front view of retouched CX-5). On the front emphasizes the continuity between the chrome grille surround and LED daytime running lights and the very special, cut the lower LED lamps. The brand will offer the ability to mount full LED headlights in equipped versions.

Let the interior

In the cockpit, the aesthetic is also very accomplished and Mazda has sought, above all, to convey a sense of perceived quality. To do this, parts of the dashboard upholstered in leather with contrasting seams from the second level of equipment and three indoor presentations, textile dark color, one that combines white leather with Alcantara in really attractive dark and a third that combines leather offered black seats and storm touches on a dark red leather.

The dashboard design has a calculated asymmetry (the round air vents contribute to it) and has a peculiar instrumentation, without conventional speedometer (speed is shown in the bottom left of the counter in digital format). This instrumentation is complemented by a head-up display that projects information on a sheet of methacrylate located behind the visor of the instrumentation itself and in which the speed, some caveats systems driving aid and indications shown browser step by step.

In less equipped versions without head-up display, the instrumentation is conventional with the main instrument speedometer and digital tachometer moved into the space on the left. In the center, screen type tablet is seven inches and is operated via a dial knob on the center console and surrounded by other five buttons

The quality of materials is very satisfactory, despite the fact that we could test units were pre-series. The truth is that the interior is very nice and the usual space in a car of this type. True, the CX-3 is a low drive but this does not affect the habitability excess. The front seats are comfortable, with a fluffy differently than other car seats. The brand explained that have sought to achieve maximum body support in the seat and to that end, have sought this almost "envelope" Fluffy to better seat the body. We will have to make a long trip by car to see the benefits of this system, but the truth is that in our brief touchdown found them very comfortable and with the required fastening in a car seat as well.

Behind the seat position is lower than other SUV which together with the low height of the crystals makes the car a bit claustrophobic in the rear where the curb has an even softer than the front seats fluffy. The dimensions of legroom and ceiling are satisfactory and access to these places, despite the coupe look of the car is very easy allowing older people entering and leaving the car without any problem.

The trunk has a right capacity and features a double bottom about 15 cm. The rigid bottom tray can be placed both on the floor and at that point 15 higher for flush with the opening of the gate and slightly higher plane describing the rear seats to fold the backrest, maneuver must be done from the rear doors cm since no handles for it in the trunk itself. We can say that if the Bose audio system is mounted, the subwoofer is placed where the spare wheel and prevents to use the double bottom. Something that Mazda should review.

In the section on equipment, Mazda has not yet defined the versions sold in the Spanish market (in fact there is not even names for different finishes) and that marketing will not start until June. For the moment, regarding the sale, we can only come forward that the starting price of the car, no offers, will be 20,350 euros for the petrol version of 120 hp, front-wheel drive class of equipment.

What if we can avanzaros is that the car will have all the technology seen in recent models of the brand. In addition to the aforementioned head-up display, keep in mind that will be offered as standard or optional, elements driving aids such as vehicle presence detector in the dead angle, the warning system maintenance rail, adaptive cruise control (first in the segment), the collision warning system, the brake assist in town that operates below 40 km / h. and comes to a complete stop the car and changing Short automatic high beams.

In terms of connectivity, has the MZD Connect system that allows internet access and use different apps downloaded from the store brand. The mobile phone connectivity through aha software, browser and voice commands are included in the system.

Three engines, two boxes and two drive systems

Now for the mechanical part. Mazda has developed the car on the platform that opens the Mazda2 and, like it, has a McPherson type front suspension and a rear torsion beam suspension is maintained even for 4x4 variants. Regarding the Mazda 2, the body has more reinforcements to increase its rigidity, the rear brakes are disc rather than drum and the suspension elements are stiffer.

The engine range includes two engines, one petrol two-liter with two power levels, 120 and 150 hp, and one diesel with 105 hp. We asked those responsible for Mazda engines if they had expected a more powerful variant of diesel to offset 120 hp versions of HR-V or 130 of Mokka and his answer was that in principle no. The truth is that my question came with second because this same engine, with 120 hp would be perfect for a version of Access FWD CX-5 that would allow him to fight with the base versions Qashqai and the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 120 hp with more competitive rates. What did they confirmed Mazda engineers is that the 1.5 can adapt smoothly to the CX-5 so as not rule anything.

In point of gasoline, two liters of 120 hp will be available with front-wheel drive and manual and automatic transmission with average consumption below six liters. The 150 hp version, meanwhile, also be combined with both gearbox six-speed two, but only with AWD. In the diesel section there are two alternatives. The front-wheel drive only combined with the manual and automatic 4x4 version is mandatory. The latter is the one that could lead to the introduction of the new model.

The truth is that the engine performance is quite satisfactory. It is noisy (not sure if is attributable to the fact that it was, again, a preproduction unit) and the gearbox is smooth but slow in automatic mode. This assessment improves with manual mode with paddles behind the wheel. The engine pushes with remarkable strength and seems quite elastic. It is, in short, a good base power level version. Possibly, with the manual gearbox and front-wheel drive will give better results and be more pleasant to drive because here must throw ballast wheel drive and a not very fast box also penalizes much consumption because the brand homologate 4 liters accurate for the 2WD manual and automatic 4WD version will be 5.2 liters which also did not avoid paying VRT his brother FWD itself saves.

The chassis also liked. It is firm, so that subject either body in curves without being uncomfortable (hence the squishy seats help) and quality of traction is very good but again, the tested car was a 4x4 smoothly over power and the system AWD electronic adapting torque availability and distributed at a ratio of 100 to 0 for the front axle when no problems but can be from 0 to 100 as a function of wheel slip. In essence, this system is the same as the Mazda CX-5, offers electronic management and the driver does not intervene at any time in the casting power.

The CX-3, therefore, will be available in June. Still do not know the exact composition of the range but clearly the virtues that we have highlighted, will be among the most interesting cars of a segment that is growing. For Mazda also is a very important car as expected add a good amount of sales to its upward trajectory and in our market view that this model is added to the range and not replace any other car.