Mazda has been around for decades and has always received a celebrated household name for most South African families. With their new range of motor vehicles, Mazda has pushed to improve and stand out when it comes to their innovative technology on their motor vehicles; not just with aesthetics and interior, but with their mechanical technology as well.
Today we are looking at the 2019 Mazda CX-3. The Mazda CX-3 has been around for a while, since 2015, and has become quite popular with South African motorists. But what makes the new and improved 2019 Mazda CX-3 different from the previous generation?
Interior and exterior styling1
With the exterior being widely untouched, there are a few changes to the surface. The new CX-3 sports new 18-inch alloy wheels and LED lamps, and black fog lamp surrounds on the individual models.
The interior has had more of an overhaul compared to the exterior of the CX-3. The Mazda CX-3 has a new and improved steering wheel design and full leather interior on the individual models. The lower-spec CX-3 models have had an upgrade with a centre console redesign and also features an electronic parking brake.
The individual models have new trim on the dashboard, and the circular air vents have a red detail ring around it, giving a more premium feel to the cabin. Mazda’s ‘less is more’ interior provides the CX-3 with superior quality.
How does the Mazda CX-3 drive and handle? 1
The MazdaCX-3 2.0-litre models all feature the new innovative G-Vectoring Control or GVC technology. The GVC system monitors the steering input, throttle and road speed. This GVC system actuates the throttle on a turn to improve the steering and puts more load on the front tyres, giving it more grip on the road with its 2-way limited-slip differential, providing the driver with more confidence on turns and bends whilst also making the car safer.
What is the performance like on the Mazda CX-3? 1
All models in the CX-3 range come with the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 115kW of power and 206Nm of torque.
There are also different options for gearbox preferences. The Active and Dynamic models can either have a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Individual and the Individual Plus models have a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine doesn’t do too badly when it comes to fuel economy. Mazda claims fuel consumption of 6.7L / 100km on a combined/urban cycle.
How is the space, comfort and safety in the Mazda CX-3? 1
When it comes to space and support in the CX-3, it arguably lacks a little for the rear passengers. The leg and headroom in the rear are a bit sparse. Adults may struggle on long journeys in the back seat.
When it comes to boot space in this small crossover, it is also a bit cramped. The CX-3 only offers 264-litres of boot space, but still big enough for the average family.
Across all the CX-3 models, the safety features are more than adequate. They are all fitted with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags along with ABS, EBD, EBA, DSC and HLA.
The Individual Plus models have added safety benefits like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Smart City Brake Support and Driver Attention Alert.
How much does the Mazda CX-3 cost? 1
The Mazda CX-3 starts at R 315 400 for the bottom of the range Active model and R 425 800 for the top of the range Individual Plus model. All CX-3’s come with an unlimited kilometre 3-year warranty and an unlimited kilometre 3-year service plan.
The CX-3 is an impressive all-rounder crossover, that appeals to most motorists with a small family.
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