2019 Mazda CX-3 quick take: Stylish, small , fun

What could it be: Mazda's smallest crossover utility aims to square out of competitors by delivering the brand's sleek styling, accented with brushed metal and swooping curves. Inside, too, Mazda one-ups this utilitarian set with upscale trim and high-quality leather/faux suede that appears want it belongs inside of a higher-end car. Not surprising, then, that your CX-3 is one of the pricier utilities included in the class.

Key Competitors: Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, Toyota C-HR, Subaru Crosstrek

Check out our full review here

Base Price: $27,355 As Tested Price: $29,615

Highlights: Our Grand Touring CX-3 with all the Premium Package is around as loaded as possible one of these simple pint-sized utilities. It arrives with a suite of advanced safety and convenience tech including radar cruise control, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert; the heated tyre should make it more pleasurable a hands where they belong.

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 comes standard having a 7-inch full-color touchscreen technology with voice command, SMS text audio delivery and replay and automatic
emergency notification. Navigation as well as a Bose premium music system are optional.

Our Opinion: The diminutive CX-3 almost falls into the group 'personal crossover;' there's room enough for four (perhaps even five), but everyone feels VERY close. It's actually smaller inside than the majority of its competitors, particularly in the cargo area. On the bright side, Mazda has bestowed the CX-3 with near-luxury interior trimmings — leather-trimmed seats contrast with faux-suede inserts in panels, as well as the upholstered dash trim is accented by brushed-metal accents that appear actual metal. Which means you end up with a cabin that's smaller but nicer to view than just a comparable Honda or Toyota…your requirements will dictate your tradeoffs.

The fact it's a Mazda guarantees the CX-3 will be at least entertaining drive an automobile, and that's so. It's not fast, but Mazda sticks that has a traditional six-speed automatic in comparison to the continuously variable transmissions within almost all the competition. Due to this fact, the CX-3 is much more entertaining to operate to redline whether the shift paddles are used or otherwise not. Likewise, it might be flung through corners and curves with abandon, a common tradeoff learning to be a stiff, choppy ride courtesy of the short wheelbase and firm suspension.

Its tight dimensions will probably ensure that it stays from ever having this sales status from the well-rounded CX-5 your government, although the CX-3 at the very least provides the 'semi-luxurious subcompact driver's crossover' niche all to itself.

–Andrew Stoy, digital editor

Options: Premium Package including radar cruise control, smart brake support, six-way power driver’s seat, heated wheel, lane departure warning, high beam control, driver seat memory, traffic sign recognition ($1,435), frameless auto-dim mirror ($325), roof rack/side rails ($300), rear bumper guard ($100), door trim sill plate ($100)