ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
JULY 31, 2015
MAZDA CX-3: Nothing can prepare for the wealth of features under the skin of this compact crossover.
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A lot to like about
IF the CX-3 were a child, it would likely be called precocious, so full of itself is the new Mazda compact crossover. However, I mean this in the nicest possible way. 7KH ² UVW HYHU &; KDV SOHQW\ WR VD\ LQ all its offerings, from the most extensive range in its segment, MZD Connect; including Mazda’s new infotainment system on Maxx, sTouring and Akari, three of its four grades. Entry-level Neo is the odd man out. Two engines – a 1.5-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol – are on offer. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, CX-3 comes with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual.
Mazda’s new kid
By DEREK OGDEN Fuel economy, on all grades, is helped by i-stop, Mazda’s stop / start engine technology, while petrol powered models can be perked up with Drive Selection, which allows a switch to sport mode. The chief designer says his mission was: “[To produce] a design that appeals to progressive customers who aspire to a trend-setting lifestyle at the cutting-edge of the post-modern age.” From what I’ve seen of the CX-3 sTouring Safety 2.0-litre petrol all-wheel drive automatic test vehicle, Mazda has come up trumps. It’s a sweet confection topped off with
the tempting cherry of a $30,020, plus on-road costs, price tag. Sharing a platform with the new Mazda2, incorporating the company’s ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ styling. This has been used to get proportions right to create the height needed for a crossover vehicle. This it has done with large 18-inch wheels, giving it a little more ground clearance, the front fenders have been SXVKHG EDFNZDUGV SURGXFLQJ WKH SUR² OH of an extended body. Blacked-out D-pillars add to the sleek appearance and a solid rear end adds a sense of strength and power. The new Soul Red exterior colour added
a crowning touch of class to the test car. Attention to detail is evident, from the positioning of instruments, such as the dash-mounted 7-inch display screen, and controls, including the HMI commander, to be handily placed for the driver, to the use of soft piping on the seat facings. A high belt-line and contoured door trim cocoon the front seat occupants LQ D FRPIRUWLQJ PDQQHU ² W IRU HYHQ WKH most testing road conditions, or ragged driving style. Head-up display sees useful information to the driver projected onto a clear display panel vertically mounted on the meter hood.
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ONE MILE
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