“Engine improvements include a couple of extra horses in output. It doesn’t turn the 2019 CX-3 into a rocket sled, but the relatively modest 148 horsepower is only part of a larger equation that includes well-calibrated suspension and steering systems”- KBB
Engine and Transmission
Sufficient for a compact SUV, Mazda’s choice of the engine remains modest for 2019 CX-3. The 2.0L Inline-4 engine was tuned to muster more horses and make the throttle sharper than the yesteryear’s variant. Mazda backs the engine with a supple 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain works beautifully on the highway and maintains a low gear on climbs, to further complete the magic a torque controlling system modulates the power delivers on the front wheels for better cornering.
As for the throttle response, there is a lot of humming from the exhaust. The power delivery feels delays for initial gears, also the engine feels jolly only in this denial state. When you press out more power it screams-out to loosen the grip.
Models
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Honda HR-V
|
Toyota C-HR
|
Hyundai Kona
|
Buick Encore
|
Subaru Crosstrek
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Ford Ecosport
|
MSRP
|
$20,390
|
$20,520
|
$20,945
|
$19,990
|
$23,200
|
$21,859
|
21,300
|
19,995
|
Engine
|
2.0 Liter Inline-4
|
1.8 Liter Inline-4
|
2.0 Liter Inline-4
|
2.0 Liter Inline-4
|
1.4 Turbocharged Inline-4
|
2.0 Liter Boxer-4
|
1.4L 4-cylinder
|
1.0-litre inline-four
|
Transmission
|
6-Speed Automatic
|
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic w/SelectShift
|
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower
|
148 @ 6000 rpm
|
141 hp@6500 rpm
|
144 @ 6100 rpm
|
147 @ 6200 rpm
|
138 @ 4900 rpm
|
152 @ 6000 rpm
|
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
|
123 @ 6000 rpm
|
Torque
|
146 @ 2800 rpm
|
127 lb. ft. @ 4300 rpm
|
139 @ 3900 rpm
|
132 @ 4500 rpm
|
148 @ 1850 rpm
|
145 @ 4000 rpm
|
148 lb-ft @1850 rpm
|
125 @ 3500 rpm
|
The competition is mad for these mini-SUVs, every brand packs up a lucrative deal with resembling power and practicality for the majority of things. Mazda established its territory with its tad more horsepower than the usual, though Subaru Crosstrek further turns up the heat with its 152 horsepower. The CZX-3 features a 6 speed automatic over its arch rivals like Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR who settled for a CVT transmission.
Acceleration
Shoppers in the small SUV segment won’t buy the CX-3 as a sprinting animal, it’s more of a tamed cruiser for the majority of the time. The pickup isn’t that lively but its gains momentum as you are deep into the throttle. Mazda makes the 60 mph test in 8.5 seconds, similar to its last year’s performance. Press even further and the SUV hits the chequered flag for the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds.
Models
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Honda HR-V
|
Toyota C-HR
|
Hyundai Kona
|
Buick Encore
|
Subaru Crosstrek
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Ford EcoSport
|
0-60 MPH (sec)
|
8.5
|
9.3
|
11.0
|
10.0
|
8.4
|
9.0
|
9.3
|
8.8
|
Quarter mile (sec)
|
16.3
|
16.8
|
18.4
|
17.3
|
16.2
|
16.9
|
16.8
|
16.5
|
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
5.7
|
6.3
|
6.0
|
5.9
|
6.3
|
7.0
|
6.3
|
7.0
|
Even with similar engines and power, Mazda’s sorcery keeps the CX-3’s acceleration under 9 seconds while the latter were mostly over this bar. Even the powerful Subaru managed a 9.3-second performance, well size does hinder performance. For the quarter-mile distance HR-V catches up to the CX-3 with its 16-second performance but the Toyota was nowhere to be found.
Ride and Handling
The CX-3’s handing is sharp and reminds of Miata performance cars. The power might feel undermining but its actually satisfying for a car of this statures. Steering is nicely weighted and has a good balance delivering a zippy ride. You get a lot of road communication as the driver has control over everything. Highway cruising comes easy to the CX-3 however, the cornering will not have the slingshot effect, but the Skyactiv-Vehicle Dynamics and the G-vectoring control make corners entertaining. A newly tuned suspension with control arms, bushing, and shocks makes the ride more refined.
Compared to last year, this year’s CX-3 is better in every but is prone to few jiggles on the rear side. You won’t even feel the need to switch the Sport mode, the ride is too sporty in the comfort mode as well. Being a baby SUV the body is compact which makes it easy to cut the city’s traffic.
Braking
The 2019 Mazda CX-3 has everything to become a great daily driver including good brakes. Front brakes are rated at 11 inches and the rear set is followed by 11.1 inches of brake rotors. The pedal feels firm and composed for the majority of the time though it still suffers from fade. It’s light compared to its adversaries like Toyota C-HR, Subaru Crosstrek, and Buick Encore.
Model
|
Mazda CX-3
|
Honda HR-V
|
Toyota C-HR
|
Hyundai Kona
|
Buick Encore
|
Subaru Crosstrek
|
Chevrolet Trax
|
Ford Ecosport
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
11
|
11.5
|
11.8
|
11.8
|
11.6
|
11.8
|
11.8 |
12.2 |
Brake Rear (in.)
|
11.1
|
11.1
|
11.1
|
10.6
|
10.8
|
9.0
|
12.2 |
13.1 |
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
2809
|
2906
|
3300
|
3237
|
3113
|
2805
|
3020
|
N/A |
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
118 |
121 |
127 |
125 |
123 |
N/A |
N/A |
119 |
The braking figures were unavailable for the CX-3 as for any other SUV in the comparison. However, every car is backed with equally competitive brakes which leave us on weight. The CX-3 is a shredded SUV with its 2800 pound weight though keeping its build quality rock-hard. The HR-V follows the drill but other boxy SUVs like Toyota C-HR, Subaru Crosstrek, and Buick Encore are over 3000 pounds which any impact their braking performance.