Test Mazda CX-3 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV, an SUV-B with its own identity

The SUV entered the market by the segments more high and expensive, but with the passage of time its popularity is such that they have spread to every part of the car, even the smallest. Now the boom is in the SUV segment B, derived from the utility.Our test of the week corresponds to one of the SUV-B more eye-catching, the Mazda CX-3 with the engine 2.0 Skyactiv-G 120 CV, the gasoline of lower power.

With the Mazda CX-3, Hiroshima make first foray among the SUV-B and contrary to what we may think, is not a derivative of the Mazda 3 but the Mazda 2. The Nissan Juke, Renault Capture and Citroën C4 Cactus have a new classmate, a somewhat risky, since mechanically bet by the philosophy of Skyactiv, which is contrary to the downsizing and turbocharging practicing the rest of rival brands. The personality of the Mazda CX-3 goes beyond its appearance.

design Language Kodo

Started with the Mazda CX-5, the design language Kodo trend style of Mazda, with bodies with sharp features and sports that give all their models a dynamic look and eye-catching. The Mazda CX-3 is not least, obtaining in addition to a robust appearance with a high beltline and short glass area.

in Addition, our test unit corresponds to the finished Luxury, middle of the range and that looks alloy wheels duotones, 18-inch, well proportioned to the body of 4,27 m long, and is that Mazda is common that the smaller wheels will not be filling out visually passes of the wheel. headlights LED they also give you a look much more interesting to this compact SUV. The touch adventurous give the plastic moldings that protect the fins from potential chafing.

Interior simple with attractive

The cabin of the Mazda CX-3 has a design quite minimalist, but no less attractive. After the multifunction steering wheel is the dashboard, with a generous cuentavueltas central in which the speed is shown on a digital display, which could be larger, even though the failure was remedied with the practical head-up display that there is in the chapel of the box. To the side of the cuentavueltas find the odometer and the shift indicator of progress, as well as the on-board computer.

The rest of dashboard extends as if it were a plane wing, a feeling which reinforce the three outputs of aeration that seem to turbine engines, with an attractive red outline that adds a touch of style to the interior. The aerator central in the co-pilot is camouflaged in the gaza strip, with a detail of chrome that connects the two turbines on the right side of the dashboard.

In an elevated position, we find the multimedia screen of the computer MZD Connect’s 7-inch. This display is a touch screen only in stand by, with good response and looks really good in all kinds of conditions. After the shift there are a few controls type joystick with that you can also control all functions of the screen, an option preferable to the touch controls, although the controls are located in a position slightly delayed, not at all comfortable to handle. You are missing the armrest central between the front seats (there is no room in the rear seats).

In the lower part of the dashboard we find the three wheels of the climate control monozona, as well as USB jacks, AUX 12 V for the SD card from the browser, next to the CD changer and a small hollow slide in which the mobile large do not fit well.

Being the Mazda CX-3 SUV-B segment, is derived from the Mazda 2, can’t wait to be wasteful in materials. All of the plastics are hard, but with adjustments to solid and without cracks, in addition to good presence. If it is true that the console between the seats moves when you press with your leg or exerting lateral pressure with the hands. Only is quilted to the central area of the dashboard, upholstered in synthetic leather and with contrast stitching in black and red, providing an interesting detail of quality.

In the steering wheel and in the doors there are some plastic statues that mimic (poorly) to the carbon fiber, at the same time that the armrest on the doors and the exterior side of the center console are trimmed in red skin. Mazda has known how to play very well with colors and contrasts to give a touch of perceived quality in the interior of the Mazda CX-3.

A passenger compartment right

it Is very likely that the Mazda CX-3 looks attractive, but what is certain is that if we seek his hand more practical, we will find ourselves with a cabin smaller than desired. In the squares in front there is no problem and the driver’s seat can be set very low (it does not have regulation lumbar).

In the rear seats leg room is ok (except if we delay a lot of the seats), as well as the head up to 1,85 metres of height, but three adults will not fit comfortably. In addition, the center seat is very narrow and more hard and high. That third passenger in the middle will need to deal with a tunnel of transmission, and the sides of both seats, that is to protrude more than the center portion, the remaining longitudinal gap for the legs. The access to the rear seats is not at all comfortable, since the space for access by the gap of the door is reduced.

The virtue is not in the trunk

Continuing with the interior, nor do we find in the trunk of the Mazda CX-3 the best volume of the segment B-SUV. Cubes 350 liters and is smaller than that of its main rivals, although not by much difference. Versions Luxury and Luxury Premium have in the trunk subwoofer of the Bose stereo system, remaining 63 liters capacity and virtually cancels out the tray removable for the double bottom of the trunk. There is No spare wheel in its place we found a kit reparapinchazos.

The rear seats are split folding 60:40 and the entire load surface is flush when we put the floor removable in its highest position. The hole that is left in that double bottom is practically useless, although in our test was to save the tray cubremaletero rigid because we had to load the trunk up to the roof to carry the luggage of four people (two large suitcases, a cabin and a backpack).

Philosophy Skyactiv: bringing the thwarts, and with reason

Particularly had really wanted to try an engine Skyactiv-G (petrol) Mazda. In a time in which all manufacturers are betting on smaller engines and turbo charged, Mazda has opted for the mechanical and weather displacements large, a trend completely opposite. With a 2.0-liter, the Mazda CX-3 petrol 120 HP and the top version of 150 HP are the SUV-B with the largest displacement in its segment.

When we start the engine in cold we perceive the sound of the engine somewhat accelerated, but as soon as this gets temperature its refinement at idle is absolute, being completely silent and without transmitting any type of vibrations. To know if the Stop & Start has come into operation we will have to look at the cuentavueltas.

With 120 BHP of power, this block 2.0-liter direct-injection provides a good performance in the Mazda CX-3. Declares a 0-100 in 9 seconds and it is certainly a car agile thanks to their 1.230 kg of weight. The engine is very gradual, and that may make the sensation of thrust is less than that of a turbo engine. In addition, when we climb a lot of turns the motor is not noisy.

we Cannot forget that it is a naturally aspirated engine, and that involves stretching the marches. On the road a turbo engine can be more comfortable, but where this engine takes advantage is in city, since their floor area is quite crowded and makes the Mazda CX-3 car live. Note that the maximum torque of 208 Nm is reached at only 2.800 revolutions. When we road the Mazda CX-3 is a silent car, well insulated, with a mechanical inaudible.

The gearbox is six-speed manual (optionally there is automatic change of six relations) and the front-wheel-drive. The gearbox offers a nice touch, with a few short trips, accurate and well-staggered. The clutch is smooth-action, like the brakes are easily dosificables.

If we talk about the dynamic behavior, we find in the Mazda CX-3, our test that dynamism that characterizes the vehicles of the japanese brand. A car is agile and with a suspension-firm that contains the rocking of the body. In addition, the suspension filters very well the irregularities, except when they are bumpy very fast, resulting in something dry. Also note that expanding the suspension makes bumps with ease, which rates very high on rough roads subtraction safety and pleasure driving.

A gasoline with low consumption

at this point, we have verified that the Mazda CX-3 Skyactiv-G petrol 120 HP moves with ease and is a car refined. Now you need to see the part they value the most to many users: the consumptions. Here Mazda goes back to to prove that the downsizing does not have to be the solution to the problems. The Mazda CX-3 has been one of the gasoline cars that has consumed all that I’ve tested, the level of utility of segment A.

On a trip Madrid-Vitoria, with four passengers and as we have mentioned, the boot fully loaded, the power consumption obtained was of only 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers. In the route in reverse, the figure was 6.3 liters.

Circulating through town is where most will raise the consumption, but we have not reached the 8.0-liter. The Stop & Start contributes to that greater efficiency in urban cycle, with a smooth and proper, except when the engine stops and immediately after we start. In those situations, the car costs you react to re-start the engine.

Concluding

In short, there is no doubt that the Mazda CX-3 is one of the SUV B-segment more interesting in many aspects. Anyone looking for an attractive car, well finished, very equipped and with good dynamic behavior, you have a great candidate in the Mazda CX-3. In addition, the motor 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol 120 HP is very refined and spends little fuel.

however, the Mazda CX-3 is not for those people who are going to price (not cheap), nor for those who seek great breadth in the rear seats and especially in the trunk. In terms of finishes, it is a model far superior to rivals like the Renault Capture, or the Nissan Juke.

Equipment Mazda CX-3

Mazda CX-3 Style

• alloy Wheels 16″
• driver’s Seat adjustable in height
• split folding rear Seats 60:40
• Climate control
• Radio CD 6 speakers with Bluetooth, AUX and 2 USB
• steering Wheel and gear knob in leather
• Four power windows
• cruise Control
• rear-view Mirrors heated folding electric
• Braking automatic emergency

Mazda CX-3 Luxury

• Equipment Style
• alloy Wheels 18″
• leather Upholstery and fabric
• Head-Up Display
• MZD Connect-7″ Browser and DAB radio
• sound system Bose 7-speaker
• keyless Access
• Alert of involuntary change of lane
• rear windows tinted
• Cams on the steering wheel (automatic)
• rear Camera parking
• rain Sensor and lights
• LED fog lights
• Headlights Full LED
• rear headlights LED

Mazda CX-3 Luxury Premium

• Equipment Luxury
• front Seats heated
• Upholstery leather

Price Mazda CX-3-in-Spain

prices do not include discounts or financial support as the Plan PIVE.

the Opinion of the editor

Gallery of images Mazda CX-3:

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