Mazda has been a busy bee recently. Many of their models recently received a complete exterior makeover. Furthermore, the interior and technological features of Mazda vehicles, such as the 2017 Mazda6, are astounding for vehicles in their price range. Furthermore, Mazda has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover is their most recent updated and refreshed vehicle. This vehicle first went on sale in 2015 as a 2016 model, and it is already returning for 2017. While discussing the car as a whole, this review pays special attention to the 2017 updates.
Exterior design
Starting with the car’s overall appearance. Despite being a CX model, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 exterior is more akin to the Mazda3 sedan. Furthermore, Mazda designs using the KODO “Soul of Motion” design language. Mazda describes this as seeing a car as a living creature rather than a piece of metal. They attempt, through their designs, to create an emotional bond between car and driver, similar to the bond between horse and rider. As a result, Mazda employs organic and flowing lines with soft, round curves while retaining the angular outlines common in automobiles.
There are nine exterior colors and four wheel styles to choose from.
The square, slightly diagonal headlights give the car a tough appearance. The CX-3 is quite wide and low to the ground. In combination with the sloping roofline, the front of the car appears stealthy and dangerous, like a lion poised to attack its prey.
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 has a dark outline that follows the bottom of the side. The outline of the side skirts gradually rises from front to back door and ends with a chrome stripe. The side depicts the curvy lines that Mazda hopes to implement. The hood’s outline flows directly into the side, ending in a small point at the back wheel arch. Another curved line, like a small wave washing up on the shore, begins at the front window and gently bends its way to the rear fender.
All of the organic lines are nicely connected by the back of the car. Overall, a fantastic design that truly embodies the KODO design language.
For 2017, CX-3 Touring models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. These were only available on the GT-M in 2016.
Interior design
The tablet-like infotainment screen and round air vents have previously been seen on the Mazda MX5 Miata. The European base model lacks an infotainment screen, whereas the US base model does.
The rest of the interior of the 2017 Mazda CX-3 is serene and futuristic. Many buttons are clustered around the driver’s seat, leaving the passenger’s seat slightly empty. The exterior is very round and swooped, whereas the interior is angular and sharp.
The highest trim level includes leather seats as well as a BOSE sound system.
The automatic transmission is a stick shift, with a rotary knob next to it for controlling the infotainment system. Because the heating and air conditioning have their own controls, there will be no need to fiddle with the infotainment screen.
Backseat passengers have a better view through the windshield because the rear seats are higher than the front seats.
Engine specs
There are three engines available in Europe. There is a gasoline SKYACTIV-G 120 2.0 liter engine with 120 horsepower that can be paired with either an automatic or manual transmission. The next engine is an SKYACTIV-D 105 1.5 liter diesel engine with 105 HP. The Grand Touring (GT-M) trim level has an SKYACTIV-G 2.0 liter gasoline engine with manual or automatic transmission. This engine has 150 horsepower and is four-wheel drive.
In the United States, a 2.0 liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine with Advanced Direct Injection is available. There is a choice of four wheel drive or front wheel drive, and the transmission is a six-speed automatic. The horsepower rating is 146.
Tech specs
Bluetooth phone connectivity for phone and audio streaming, a USB input, MZD Connect, Hill Launch Assist, and keyless entry are standard tech features. Cruise control, light and rain sensors, parking sensors, and a rear view camera are all standard on higher trims. On higher trims, Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning are also available.
The GT-M comes standard with navigation and an Active Driving Display, which projects the car’s speed onto the windshield. The European GT-M comes standard with Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Control, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control. In the United States, they are combined in the i-Activsense package of safety technology, which costs $1200 on the 2017 CX-3, a $700 decrease from the previous year.
Aside from that, Mazda provides a wide range of accessories, including a roofrack, a car cover, and an interior lighting kit.
Price and sale date
The Mazda CX-3 2017 went on sale in July. The base model Sport starts at $19,960 in the United States. The Touring edition costs $21,960, while the Grand Touring or GT-M edition starts at $24,990.
Prices vary by country in Europe, but the Sport starts around €18,000. The most expensive Grand Touring model costs around €30,000.