2017 Mazda CX-3

Mazda has budget and economy covered with the CX-3, but there is no compromise when it comes to style and performance. Rated high for safety, the hatchback crossover is roomy, rugged, and modern while providing fuel efficiency for both city and highway driving. There is no shortage when it comes to features, including the latest in technology, but even more with additional options. This is a vehicle that will take you to and from work, shuttle the family to every function, and allow you to explore the back roads with no issues or accessibility problems. Now, how do you start the buying process? Dealerships recommend browsing for current online deals.

What’s New

There have been ample new features to both the interior and exterior of the 2017 model, but most notable are the three the three trims, available in Grand Touring, Sport and Touring. The Touring model is equipped with eighteen-inch wheels, only seen last year on the Grand Touring model. Mazda lowered this year’s technologically-advanced safety bundle by about $750, making it more affordable at $1,170. Its design is simple, sporty and transforms the average hatchback into a stylish SUV.

Exterior Features

With a body size of fourteen feet, 0.3 inches in length, five feet, 9.6 inches in width and a wheelbase of eight feet, 5.2 inches, the Mazda CX-3 comfortably sits four adults. It maintains Mazda’s signature design, called Kodo. With a modernized station wagon look and feel, it is sleek and minimalist. It is sporty, yet practical and its smooth and intricate designs “envelope the surface, arch and join, flare and recede,” according to one review. Attractive color options include Crystal White Pearl Mica, Dynamic Blue Mica, Ceramic Metallic, Soul Red Metallic, Meteor Gray Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Jet Black Mica.

Interior Features

Inside, both passengers and the driver will sit comfortably on cloth upholstery in the Sport and Touring models and leather and synthetic suede in the Grand Touring model. Drivers have the advantage of a height-adjustable seat. Each step up in models add upgrades to accessibility and comfort, like a front-row center armrest on the Touring, heated seats and easy-access paddle shifters on the Grand Touring’s steering wheel. Other interior amenities with upgrade options include climate control, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment device, and power accessories. The cargo space is roomy at twelve square feet.

Technology

Standard technology on the Sport model starts with a USB port to connect and charge devices, push-button ignition, voice control, and a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth streaming. The next step up, with the Touring model, gives drivers the addition of keyless ignition and keyless entry. To get more bang for your technology buck, buyers might want to opt for for the Grand Touring model, which includes an exclusive i-Activation package for intuitive and automatic functions. It also boasts a navigation system, seven-speaker audio system and tri-zone climate control.

Engine / Fuel Efficiency

For a sporty crossover, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 offers respectable fuel efficiency. In front wheel drive mode, it gets about twenty-nine to thirty-five mpg for city and highway driving, respectively, and thirty-one mpg combined. In all-wheel mode, drivers can expect to go twenty-seven to thirty-two mpg in the city and on the highway and thirty-one mpg with combined driving. For a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, Mazda continues to provide plenty of zoom-zoom with this 146 horsepower and 146 lbs. ft. of torque hatchback. Off the lot, the car comes with six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but all-wheel is an optional addition to boost capabilities.

Safety

Mazda has safety in mind, with an i-ActivSense bundle including adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system and automatic emergency braking, as well as lane departure warnings. A rear-view camera is included in all models, giving drivers more confidence when backing up. It received a five-star overall safety rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a four-star rating for a rollover crash test. The advanced safety features helped the Mazda CX-3 gain a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.