Nov 24, 2018

2019 Mazda CX-3 | Davis-Moore MazdaThe 2019 Mazda CX-3 is a lovely example of a sporty and refined subcompact crossover. It further impresses with three luxurious trims and avant-garde interior amenities. Buyers looking to own the all-new CX-3 will also find it a pleasant bargain amid other class contenders. Here’s what drivers can expect from this cool and classy addition to the 2019 Mazda lineup.

Exterior

The base Sport trim features design elements befitting its name. Adorning the front are a set of halogen headlights with an automatic off function, while 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, all-season tires, and a roof-mounted shark fin antenna run throughout the body. The rear doesn’t disappoint, either, thanks to a roofline spoiler and bright-finished dual exhaust outlets.

The Touring additionally intrigues with a set of 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors. But it’s the upper-level Grand Touring that presents itself in true upscale fashion. This trim boasts LED headlights and fog lights, a front bumper with side body accents, and a power-sliding glass moonroof with interior sunshade and one-touch open function.

Performance 

The CX-3 churns out 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque via a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine. Add in a six-speed automatic transmission, variable valve timing, and available i-ACTIVE all-wheel drive, and you have a crossover with plenty of road prowess.

Mazda has further introduced SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control as a standard advancement on all trim levels. This state-of-the-art system reduces the need for overzealous steering input while strengthening control and vehicle weight management.

Interior

Stepping into the CX-3 offers passengers a comfortable retreat away from home. Enjoy seating for five, front and rear center armrests, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, and air conditioning with pollen filtration. Upgrade to the Touring for added amenities such as leather-trimmed sport seats with front heating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Mazda advanced keyless entry system. If you’d like extra accents, the Grand Touring adds leather-wrapped paddle shifters and leather-trimmed sport seats to its package.

Technology

The CX-3 can fit a variety of modern gems inside its subcompact design. For one, the Mazda Connect infotainment system serves as an interactive central hub for voice-command functions, hands-free text messaging, Bluetooth connectivity, and seamless system control via a 7-inch color display. Opting for the Grand Touring gets you even more, including a Bose seven-speaker sound system, a four-month trial to SiriusXM satellite radio, Mazda Navigation, and an Active Driving Display for a favorable front view of vehicle stats and safety warnings.

Safety

As with many of the CX-3’s amenities, you can find comfort and convenience even at the base level. All trims boast advanced air bags (including side-impact units), front-belt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, a rear-view camera, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Stepping up to the Grand Touring unlocks a set of features worth splurging on. These include lane departure warning, Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go, and advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection.

If you’re in the market for a modern cruiser with an affordable price, the new Mazda CX-3 is a top bargain buy with all the bells and whistles.

Image via DealerOn