2016 Mazda CX-3 Specs released – Horsepower is the story

When Mazda’s CX-3 comes to market in the coming months customers in the U.S. market will find a vehicle very much a Mazda, similar to the CX-5 mated to a Mazda3, but with less power. Although the CX-3 will use a 2.0-liter Skyactive engine and automatic transmission, the horsepower will be less than the other Mazda cars using that same size four-cylinder. Mazda says horsepower will be 146 and torque will also be 146 ft-lbs.

Shorter and lower than the CX-5, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 will be the entry all-wheel drive vehicle in the company’s lineup. Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) said of the new CX-3, “The 2016 CX-3 is the next evolution of our mission to meld style, driving enjoyment and efficiency into a vehicle that demonstrates drivers don’t need to compromise to get what they want.” He went on to say “CX-3 was designed to deliver all of the fun and technology of our larger models but at a price in the market where it will be a draw for buyers of all backgrounds. It is truly a vehicle that will help set the pace for its newly emerging segment.”

The newly emerging segment includes the new Honda HR-V. Our man on the Honda watch is Parks McCants, who recently had a chance to test the HR-V. He felt that the HR-V was a great value and priced aggressively at $19K to $26K. The new Mazda CX-3 is to be priced starting“…in the low $20Ks” according to Mazda.

Like many Mazda models, the 2016 will be available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. The top of the line, CX-3 Grand Touring, will feature navigation, paddle shifters, Bose Audio, heated front seats trimmed in leather and a moonroof. Active safety and automated driving features like radar cruise control, forward collision prevention, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane departure warning will be part of an optional package.

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 sub-compact crossover will be at Mazda dealers fall of 2015.