Zoom zoom. The tagline associated with fun and the era before Driving Matters. The period between 2012 and 2018 was essentially Mazda’s best since the 1990s. During this time, the brand pushed boundaries through smart yet cost-effective engineering solutions to develop efficient and engaging cars. It brought the best Mazda3 and MX-5 Miata to date, class-leading SUVs in the CX-5 and CX-9, and a timeless midsize sedan in the Mazda6. This also brought along the CX-3, a subcompact SUV packed with Mazda DNA. A model that spiced up the segment with genuine driving dynamics. Unlike its competitors, the automaker from Hiroshima, Japan, marched to its own drum. The result? An engaging small SUV with personality.
Mazda CX-3: Zoom-Zoom On the Go
Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom tagline during that era represented driving fun, but not necessarily all-out power or handling chops that required a track. This was all about approachable engagement and making the most mundane drive a great time. The CX-3 embodied that in the subcompact SUV segment in a relatively light vehicle at 2,809 pounds for FWD models, or 2,952 pounds with AWD.
As a result, the CX-3 drove incredibly well. Agile handling meets quick and communicative steering make for fun road manners, especially with its well-controlled body motions and great grip. However, treat this more as a lifted hatchback than a rugged SUV since it only has around 6 inches of ground clearance. That sportiness came at a slight cost of ride comfort, though. The firm suspension allowed you to feel more of the road, but bigger impacts didn’t always get filtered out. Thankfully, it wasn’t to the point of being overly harsh, despite the torsion-beam rear suspension.
Under the hood, Mazda’s naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter I-4 worked admirably well. With 148 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which arrived at 2,800 rpm, the CX-3 moved energetically. That made climbing steep hills and overtaking slower traffic on the highway easy. Credit also went to the responsive six-speed automatic, which always stayed in the right gear. Even in manual mode, it worked quite well and even rev-matched downshifts.
Like other Mazdas with a naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine, the CX-3’s efficiency impressed. The EPA rated it at 29/34/31 mpg city/highway/combined with FWD of 27/32/29 mpg with AWD. Having driven both versions, they easily exceeded those estimates in real-world driving, averaging in the mid-30 mpg range in mixed driving. Just be mindful of the tiny fuel tank: 12.7 gallons for FWD models or 11.9 gallons for AWD models.
Flowing and Premium
Mazda’s Kodo design language turned the CX-3 into a head-turner, especially in vibrant colors like Soul Red. Despite its tidy footprint, this little SUV looked more premium than its sticker price suggested, even with the somewhat cheap-looking body cladding. The cab-rearward profile added to its upscale feel, while the low roofline enhanced its car-like appearance.
Inside, the CX-3 kept it simple, featuring a similar dash layout to the Miata and Mazda2. The front seats hugged you nicely and remained comfortable on long drives. On the other hand, the build quality was a notch above the rest of the class. Everything you touched felt expensive, and nothing exuded cheapness in the cabin. It also helped that the CX-3 had great sound insulation, ideal for quiet and serene commuting. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very practical due to cramped rear seats and a small trunk. Even with the rear seats down, there wasn’t much to work with.
The simplicity continued on the tech front. A seven-inch display that worked as a touchscreen when stationary, and a large analog gauge flanked by smaller displays. It even had a head-up display that projected info on a pop-up panel. Later models included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too, which owners of early examples could add to their cars as well. Additionally, the seven-speaker Bose premium audio system provided a clear listening experience. Mazda’s i-ActivSense suite worked invisibly and never brought attention to itself. However, the CX-3 had an older version without lane centering or any form of steering assist.
Mazda CX-3: The Stylish and Fun Choice
From the moment you got behind the wheel for the first time, the CX-3 made it clear that it was a Mazda. Its engaging drive and flowing style emphasized its priorities: putting a smile on your face and looking good on the road. This was the subcompact SUV for the driving enthusiast. Although not the most powerful, it had plenty on tap and was the most athletic in its class. It had that je ne sais quoi that so many in its segment lacked. As a whole, the CX-3 stood out because it was a Mazda first, and for that reason alone, it’s a truly unique entry in an otherwise demure class of vehicle.
