Mazda CX-3: Better Than Kaiseki
MAZDA CX-3
BETTER THAN KAISEKI
Words by Marco Mancino
Photos by Ian Waltteri
Kaiseki is a form of traditional Japanese meal consisting of many small courses together forming a proper and refined meal on its own. In Japan, Kaiseki means a very high quality lunch, characterized by the perfection of preparation and the elegance of its presentation. Well, now you know that the new Mazda CX-3 is even better than Kaiseki and that if you had any doubts, you’re not reading Food Class Magazine. We could almost call it the Kaiseki of crossovers in fact and so we could make happy both chefs and those who gave life to a project as ambitious as it is real, but after all, you already know that so far Mazda’s rebranding has become synonymous with an impressive quality. A year and a half ago I had my first experience with the CX-5 – the bigger sister of this very model – and last year we accomplished an exceptional road trip at the wheel of the same Japanese SUV. The time had come to get on board the intermediate step between the most demanding dimensions of an SUV and the compactness of a three-door sedan, waiting to be able to touch the new generation Mazda 3.
The CX-3 class itself a crossover, it’s a fact, and if I initially had any doubts and kept seeing it as a small SUV, after spending two abundant weeks in its company, I realized that it’s even more than what aims to be. The dimensions are important and the CX-3 is 428 cm long, 177 wide and 154 high, with a wheelbase of 257 cm. Looking at it from the outside it seems like a slightly raised hatchback characterized by the classic plastic profiles that cover the wheel arches, which in turn embrace a set of alloy wheels that accentuate the aggressive look of a car that does not hide the desire to amaze. In fact, at first glance it is impossible not to notice that sharp front-end characterized by the chrome grille with four horizontal profiles and the thin headlights that develop around the front corners of the car itself. Design that is faithfully maintained along the side and up to the rear, where under a narrow rear window we have a pair of more traditional lights and two tailpipes placed at the extremity of the bumper.
Mazda played its cards well and does not intend to leave room for doubts, so I was ready to get back behind the wheel of a Mazda with a series of expectations that I knew would be confirmed after a few kilometers. The model of our test is powered by a 1.8cc 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The unit develops 115 horsepower and 270Nm of torque, which in this case are managed by a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission (€ 1,750 optional, but the excellent manual lever is still available) that acts only on the front axle, thus saving a few pounds in terms of overall mass, in this case 1,275 kg. The Soul Red Crystal paint, € 900 optional, is probably the color that gives the most to the new Mazda and is able to bring out the details of the body and make the car something good to look at.
But then how does this CX-3 drive? Forgive me if I took some lines to rattle off the salient features of this great little car, but I thought it was essential. It is just once you get on board that you realize the actual size of the Mazda crossover, with a rather low seating position that reminds you that you are not dealing with a traditional SUV. This translates into reduced fuel consumption (the company declares 4.4 l/100km) and an exceptional agility, not to mention that both the steering and the gearbox prove to be very precise. We proceed well both on the motorway and on secondary roads, while on every occasion required we take advantage of the extra ground clearance. The rear passengers will be a bit sacrificed though, both for the space available for their legs and for the sloping roof, while the luggage compartment that does not exceed 350 liters of load capacity with all occupants on board. Silent, soft and precise: these are the three words that come to mind when I think of the CX-3, but an honorable mention also goes to its design, which is clearly more interesting than almost all the alternatives available on the market. The cockpit does not deviate too much from its sister CX-5 and presents an exceptional care for details, with excellent quality materials and practically impeccable assemblages.
At the center of the dashboard we find climate controls commands and the display that allows us to manage satellite navigation, radio, Android and Apple CarPlay connectivity, just using the wheel located near the gearbox, next to the shortcuts of the same system and to the electronic parking brake. Behind the steering wheel we have then a very clear and visible instrumentation, with the tachometer in the center and two screens on both sides that offer us all the other additional information. As mentioned the automatic transmission is precise and it is possible to use it in sequential mode, from the same lever or from the paddles on the steering wheel. Finally, talking specifically of the model I’ve tested, the Exceed also offers driving aids such as the warning for involuntary lane change and full-LED headlights. Speaking of prices, the CX-3 starts from € 21.470 for the 2.0 petrol, while opting for the new Euro 6D Temp engines, you have to look at the 1.8 from 115 horses. The Evolve starts at € 23,070, while the Exceed costs about € 10,000 more, € 33,950, but it’s extremely complete from every point of view. Add a few options, including the € 1,500 leather interior and you reach our € 35,200. It’s not little money for a crossover, but here we return to Kaiseki. Yes, because quality should never be taken for granted and here you can touch it all over the place. The CX-3 is undoubtedly one of the best and most complete utility vehicles you can find on the market today. The chef agrees!
MAZDA CX-3 Skyactiv-D 2WD AT EXCEED
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder – 1.759cc turbo-diesel
Transmission – 6-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 116 hp @ 4.000 rpm
270 Nm @ 1.600 rpm
Weight – 1.275 kg
Acceleration – 9,9 sec.
Top Speed – 184 kph
Price – from € 33.950 (€ 35.200 as tested)