Follow us today...
Mazda’s newest vehicle, the 2016 CX-3 subcompact crossover, will share the Kodo “Soul of motion” design that we all associate with the Mazda Zoom-Zoom philosophy. However, early indications are that the CX-3 will not have much Zoom.
2016 Mazda CX-3 Design
Mazda’s new 2016 CX-3 will have the great looks of a CX-5 but in a lower, more compact package. Up front, the style looks all Mazda3. The upright grill and bold look hints at a performance level that will excite. Along the sides, we see a CX-5, but in back the hatch is more vertical than other Mazdas. The exterior certainly looks very Zoom-Zoom. To our eyes, it is the best looking 4-door Mazda has. Our managing editor saw the CX-3 in person at its car-show reveal and described it as “Almost like a Mazda3 5-door on steroids, but in a good way.”
Will 2016 CX-3 Drivetrain Disappoint?
Mazda has promised its new CX-3 powertrain “…delivers a powerful and linear driving performance and outstanding environmental performance.” This is a worrisome statement for anyone hoping that the CX-3 will be a quick car and fun to drive. Although promising the car will be powerful, Mazda has, thus far, stated that the engine will only be a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Mazda’s current 2.0-liter engine is a marvel of efficiency, but it is not “powerful” by any modern definition. In the Mazda3, the 2.0-liter’s 155 hp is barely enough.
Further concern comes from the fact that the CX-3 will come only with an automatic transmission. Mazda tells us “The CX-3 features an automatic transmission as standard equipment on all trim levels. The SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission achieves excellent fuel economy, a direct feel similar to that of a manual transmission and smooth and powerful acceleration.”
We are big fans of Mazda here, and Zoom-Zoom is one of the main reasons for that. Will the new 2016 CX-3 deliver on the Zoom-Zoom promise? We are not so sure.
Related Stories:
Mazda’s new 2015 CX-3 is its best looking vehicle – Photos
Main story image courtesy of Patrick Rall
Follow us today...
It's all relative here. With
It's all relative here. With Honda putting the 1.8 in the HRV, the 2.0 (which is able to pull the cx5 around) might not be so bad in the stilted Mazda.
The 2.5 would be awesome, but something tells me the 2.0 won't make you feel castrated either...especially if you cross shop the competition.
Agreed about the cross
Agreed about the cross shopping but it still isn't anything that gets the blood pumping. Imagine this power-plant with a turbo charged option. That would give the enthusiasts something to get excited about.
I noticed that mazda is
I noticed that mazda is improving their designs each year, it is getting better. Hope the performance also is improving.