Mazda CX-3

The appearance of the Mazda CX-3 crossover is decided in the style of other Mazda cars of recent years The appearance of the Mazda CX-3 crossover is solved in the style of other Mazda cars of recent years The appearance of the Mazda CX-3 crossover is solved in the style of other Mazda cars of recent years
Everything turned out to be not quite as I expected. After all, until now, the information that leaked from Japan made it clear that the CX-3 was made on the basis of the Mazda2 hatchback. But as soon as two “Tse-x-thirds” rolled out onto the stage, it became clear: the crossover is noticeably larger than the hatchback!
Later, I looked into the technical specifications (the Japanese still do not give all the data) and only made sure that the eye did not let me down: the length of the car was 4275 mm, width - 1765 mm, height - 1550 mm. Wheelbase - 2570 mm. So this is not a Mazda2, raised above the ground, but a completely new car.
Interrogation with the addiction of Mazda representatives did little: the guys keep their mouths shut, since even in the American market the CX-3 will appear only in the summer, and the two cars presented were from an experimental pre-production batch. Therefore, no technical details. But I still managed to scout that some nodes were really borrowed from the hatchback platform. Which ones - we'll find out later.
Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3 will play in the class B crossover segment Mazda CX-3 will play in the class B crossover segment Mazda CX-3 will play in the class B crossover segment
Obviously, the Mazda CX-3 will play in the expanding segment of the B-Class crossovers, and competitors will be such cars as the Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Honda Vezel, Opel Mokka, Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and, of course, Nissan Juke.
Mazda CX-3

It feels like Ikuo Maeda is happy with the work of his team It feels like Ikuo Maeda is happy with the work of his team He feels that Ikuo Maeda is happy with the work of his team
Looks CX-3 for five points. The chief designer Ikuo Maeda did not fail to note that the appearance of the crossover was decided in the corporate identity of KODO. But if we discard the ornate discussions about the brand philosophy and unity with nature, then the bottom line is the obvious: the look of the newcomer is woven from the same shreds that went to cut dresses of other Mazda cars - those that are fresher. Nothing fundamentally new. And this is wonderful! Unlike the deliberately brutal “Ecosport”, the sweet “Mokka” and the grotesque “Dzhuk”, the Mazdovsky crossover turned out to be moderately playful, slightly athletic and generally well balanced - without distortions and dubious decisions.
Interior? On the sidelines, people from Mazda had previously admitted that the dark-calm interiors of their cars clearly did not reach the catchy appearance. So, in CX-3 we managed to find a balance, achieve harmony: the interior does not discord with a bright appearance, but rather complements the ensemble.
Mazda CX-3

The interior is in harmony with the “youth” appearance of the car The interior is in harmony with the “youth” appearance of the car
Plastic is hard everywhere, but it looks almost like soft, and the white inserts on the front panel and the leather are all with neat stitching (presumably, these will be cars in the top versions).
Ergonomics could not be estimated: getting into exhibition cars was strictly forbidden. It seemed to me that the back is cramped - at least for tall passengers. The trunk is about the same as the Nissan "Dzhuk". A folding projection display is integrated into the instrument panel visor. A stereo camera on the windshield suggests that the CX-3 will be equipped with active cruise control.
Mazda CX-3

Trunk - no more than competitors Trunk - no more than competitors Trunk - no more than competitors
Two engines have so far been announced - this is a 2-liter “four” Skyactiv-G with direct injection and a 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D turbodiesel. Surprisingly, not the cheapest 6-speed gearboxes are put on this baby - mechanical and automatic.
Finally, the main question: will there be four-wheel drive? Both “Tsex-third”, which was shown today, “row” only with the front wheels: at the rear they have a semi-independent suspension with connected levers (a traditional torsion beam). I looked under the bottom: by eye, about 150 mm of ground clearance. City crossover. But do not rush to frown: all-wheel drive versions will also be - for sure, with a different rear suspension.
Mazda CX-3

Stylistically, the Mazda CX-3 has a lot of intersections with the Mazda2 hatchback
The Mazda2 hatchback is produced not only in Japan, but also at a factory in Mexico: this is a joint project with Toyota, since the future Yaris and Mazda2 will have much in common. It would be logical if CX-3 joined this company to reduce costs, which would be useful for such a small company as Mazda, which for many years has been fighting to increase the profitability of its models, which are produced in relatively small volumes. However, the premiere cars were made at a factory in Japan.
Be that as it may, the CX-3 enters the global market on time. After all, with your first Mazda crossovers, as you remember, she was frankly late - she released the CX-9 and CX-7 models, when only crumbs remained from the tidbit. And the freshly baked CX-3 will have time to get involved in the fight even before the B-crossover segment is finally divided between the bison of the market - which means that there is an opportunity to reliably gain a foothold on it. In any case, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai will come to the table much later.
Mazda CX-3

In Russia, the Mazda CX-3 will appear closer to the end of 2015