SYDNEY: Mazda has launched it new flagship car CX-3 from a starting price of $19,990. The new car is featured with 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol generating maximum power.
CX-3 come with 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, 60-40 split-fold rear seats, air-con, cruise control, two centre cup-holders, along with bottle holders in the doors, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, rear parking sensors and the full safety equipment suite, which incorporates anti-lock brakes and stability control that Mazda expects will gain a five-star rating.
With good looks and a benchmarking-setting starting price of $19,990, this dynamic little offering is bursting with ambition and conquest opportunities for the Japanese carmaker.
It seems the biggest challenge will be getting enough stock. Mazda Australia has been the marque’s profitable golden child in recent years, but with more favourable currency in Europe and the United States, those markets could be given production precedence if early response is any indication.
The Mazda CX-3 is the new kid on the white-hot SUV block. Well, technically it’s now what the industry is calling a crossover – not a sedan or hatch, nor is it a off-roader.
Yet this genre is the big mover, up more than 30% compared to the same time last year, as buyers get out of small passenger cars, as well as those downsizing.
Mazda estimates it will sell about 1000 CX-3s a month nationally, with most of those finding they can afford to join the SUV juggernaut.
Comfort
With the base model Neo still on its way, we sampled the three other trims available, Maxx, sTouring and Akari.
There isn’t monumental differences between cabin styles, with similar finishes, but, as expected, you get more bells and whistles in the top two rungs.
All three get the dash-mounted 17.7cm colour screen, along with the console dial controller in a cabin boasting a spacious feel which comes courtesy of a sloping dash.
Climbing inside is made simpler, with a ride height dedicated to easy entry and exit. You don’t need to crouch nor do you have to reach.
We liked the seats in all trims. The range-topping option with leather and suede combination is brilliant but the same snug support, with lateral and thigh bolstering, is offered on the pews in other models.
On the road
Forecast to lead the sales charge is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-powered Maxx with an automatic transmission.
Driving both the 1.5-litre diesel and the petrol at this week’s launch from Canberra to Sydney, it would be our selection too.
The petrol offers a better turn of speed, and while the diesel hovers around 2000rpm at 110kmh it can feel underpowered when summonsed for rapid overtaking or when sprinting away from the lights, sounding fairly agricultural in the process.
Although both engines will live up to buyer expectations, this is no sports car. It rides nicely and still manages to offer accurate steering and a confident road feel.
Practicality
Rear seat space depends on how far back the front passengers slide, but adults can fit with reasonable leg and head room.
While not class leading, the boot is good enough for a pair of small suitcases. There is a false boot floor, which can be removed to make the most of the 264 litres available, or use it to stack the groceries on two levels.
The back seats drop 60-40 to offer a 1174-litre cargo space.
Up front and there are a pair of cup holders in the centre console, while each door offers bottle accommodation.
