The Mazda CX-3 Thread

[FiestaST]

'A brilliant car in its element' - Mazda CX-3 Driven
'The CX-3 is a pleasant experience in its natural habitat - the city', writes Wheels24's Rouel van Nelson as he drives the new Mazda CX-3.

You grab your wallet, you pat your pockets searching for your phone... you find it. Just as you leave your front door, you unhook your vehicle's keys and off you go.

The sun is shining, the rays pierce the sunroof as you're effortlessly cruising around town with your favourite tunes playing in the background.

I figured, the ideal way to experience the Mazda CX-3 was its natural habitat. To do so, I made my way through the city before tackling the mountain tops of Cape Town. My experience? Well the Mazda CX-3 2.0-litre Individual Plus Auto delivered exactly what I expected from the crossover... a pleasant driving experience.

First impressions...

The cabin of the CX-3 is an aesthetically pleasing environment; it’s a case of less is more with Mazda characteristically getting the basics right in the interior design department. Mazda’s colour co-ordination, mixing black leather with red cross-stitching, gives the vehicle an upmarket feel.

The red/black theme is maintained throughout.

And while something like air vents go unnoticed, the chromed spheres adds to the premium appearance of the interior. Overall, two thumbs up on the interior, Mazda, well done.

What about its functionality?

I'd hate to say this but don’t let its wide exterior fool you, as the CX-3 is has narrow confines, made even worse if you’re a tall person. The backseat is only comfortable for two adults. Anything more than that and you'll be lining up occupant like sardines. The rear window is quite small as well, this is due the risen wheel-arches at the rear end.

Now you might argue that a smaller window might be a trivial topic to talk about but coupled with limited seat space… you feel even more cramped. This is rather disappointing because while you're planning a road trip, which the car is highly suited for, you'd want more of your mates to tag along. However, not everyone will be able to make the cut, at least not in comfort.

Driving it

Where the Mazda CX-3 may lack interior space, the vehicle comes into its own with great handling ability and ride quality. Cornering and taking on inviting bends are a breeze thanks to its SKYACTIVE technology. Mazda’s goal with the SKYACTIVE technology was to create a lighter chassis, changed wheels angles and pivot points at the rear makes for a softer ride and increased braking power.

Its precise handling is complimented by a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre 115kW/204Nm motor. It’s hardly a fire- breathing monster but one can definitely associate the CX-3 with being a capable city cruiser. Averaging 6.5litres of fuel per 100km means that the CX-3 is also quite kind on your pocket… provided you don’t have a lead foot.

The CX-3 is naturally aspirated unlike most 2.0l vehicles on the market today. One can only but come to the conclusion that Mazda wanted to create a vehicle for driving pleasure.

In a nutshell…

As far as crossovers are concerned, the Mazda CX-3 provides more than is expected. Its more of a luxury crossover than anything else in its segment. With a starting price of R284 800, it might sound expensive but given its stylish looks, good engine and superb handling, its price tag is more than justified.

So if you're looking for a city slicker that ticks many boxes, the CX-3 could be the car for you.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/a-brilliant-car-in-its-element-mazda-cx-3-driven-20171127

 

[Hamster]

Still with a 3 year warranty and service plan though...

 

[Undertaker015]

Are these cars costly on maintenance? I see they come standard with only a service plan so this means your " wear and tear " items are not covered. Are the brake pads, brake disc etc expensive to replace ?

 

[Sumen]

Are these cars costly on maintenance? I see they come standard with only a service plan so this means your " wear and tear " items are not covered. Are the brake pads, brake disc etc expensive to replace ?

You can upgrade it to a maintenance plan if you want to

 

[c3n0byt3]

Are these cars costly on maintenance? I see they come standard with only a service plan so this means your " wear and tear " items are not covered. Are the brake pads, brake disc etc expensive to replace ?

From what I know (and can see on their site) a warranty is included.
Only the premium brands offer a maintenance plan.
Sure you can ask Mazda to quote you for one but it'll be expensive as they don't normally offer them or have people requesting them.
Even their service plan extension is not cost effective.
I'd go 3rd party for brakes etc.
They can be expensive on these models.

 

[FiestaST]

Juliet drives the CX-3

[video=youtube_share;NfGvlgaOC50]https://youtu.be/NfGvlgaOC50[/video]

 

[FiestaST]

Mazda CX-3

That's a pretty bold mission statement. But it was the concept for Mazda CX-3 initial design and engineering direction. And it made sense. Mazda CX-3 transcended the typical notions of what was the quickly burgeoning subcompact crossover SUV segment. It exemplified KODO-Soul of Motion design, sleek, with wheels pushed out to its corners, a taut greenhouse, large wheels and a long hood and short deck. Its chassis dynamics were far better than a crossover had any right to be. It was a clean-sheet design, executed with the notion of providing those with active lifestyles a vehicle to complement their vibrant, fulfilling lives.

For its second update, designers and engineers were emboldened with the mission of making Mazda CX-3 "Exquisite and Edgy." Mazda applied its latest technologies and design principles to further elevate CX-3, including customer feedback to make Mazda CX-3 an even more compelling vehicle, offering improved ride comfort without compromising its driving dynamics, updating the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 for greater responsiveness and efficiency and enriching CX-3's interior with a beautiful Japanese aesthetic, replete with new, upscale materials and design.

Less Is More: A Story of Design

KODO Design is sharp, striking, yet minimalistic. It's a uniquely Japanese aesthetic that emphasizes strength through form and proportions, from how the light graces a vehicle's edges as you walk around it to adding visual weight to a vehicle's rear as if it were an animal ready to leap. It's a concept that draws strength not through lines and creases; rather, its beauty is in what it's there. That's what has made KODO so timeless since its introduction on the 2010 SHINARI concept car.

And it's what helped Mazda CX-3 earn a top-three finalist spot for World Car Design of the Year when it debuted, finishing alongside a luxury sedan and behind Mazda's very own MX-5 Miata. For its latest update, designers made subtle exterior improvements that add a deeper feeling of elegance and quality. A new front grille provides a stronger presence with a greater sense of depth. The addition of new chrome accents upfront continue along the profile of the vehicle, helping create a feeling of forward motion. Piano black accents, such as in the side pillars and fog light bezels, along with the addition of Soul Red Crystal premium paint, add to the sensation of a vehicle whose presence transcends its price point.

Mazda CX-3's LED tail lights adopt a new design that produces a cylindrical, machine-like. Additionally, new 18-inch wheels use a multifaceted spoke design with a metallic sheen to evoke a sense of depth and speed that complements the new chrome accents on CX-3's body.

CX-3 sees even greater changes, with elements that have stretched its edgy design elements to fit a more premium sensibility.

As with so much of Japanese design, an emphasis was places on eliminating the unnecessary. But, that didn't stop Mazda's design and engineering teams to add what was essential. Perhaps, the greatest change inside is CX-3's newly redesigned center console and armrests. In switching to an electronic parking brake with auto-hold feature not only improves functionality of the vehicle, it allowed Mazda designers plenty of space to rethink the center console, now with relocated cupholders, storage in the center console and an integrated armrest. The armrest is covered with soft padding, enhancing the quality and feel of the CX-3.

Continuing upfront, Mazda CX-3's front seats have been fully redesigned, wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam that creates a firm, supportive seating surface. Yet, they're supple enough to keep the driver and passenger comfortable for long trips. For the first time, higher-grade models will be available with full leather seat surfaces.

Additionally, from the dashboard to the door trims, suede-like material provides a sophisticated ambiance for CX-3's occupants. Coloring has been simplified, with gray serving as a base color, complemented by white or black leather seats in higher-grade models. New red louver accents around CX-3's HVAC vents share a rich luster, similar to Soul Red Crystal. A high-gloss pleated piping on CX-3's leather seats complement its radical, yet sophisticated style.

Not to be forgotten, rear-seat passengers will also find new amenities, with CX-3 adding a center armrest with built-in cupholders that compactly complements CX-3's capacities.

https://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2019-cx-3/

 

[FiestaST]

UPDATED MAZDA CX-3 CONFIRMED FOR SOUTH AFRICA…

Mazda revealed a subtly updated version of its CX-3 at the recent New York International Auto Show, and now the local arm of the Japanese automaker has confirmed that the tweaked model will hit South Africa “in the later part of 2018”.

Launched in SA in late 2015 and updated in December 2016, Mazda promises that the latest evolution of the little crossover will feature a “more mature, higher-quality look and feel in every area”.

According to the Japanese automaker, the CX-3 benefits from design updates inside and out, while the naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol engine has been retuned to improve fuel-efficiency, reduce internal friction and deliver increased torque across its entire rev range.

Furthermore, the brand promises “big improvements in ride feel and quietness”, adding that a new electric parking brake and “other new features” will “greatly enhance functionality”.

We’ll have more details on SA-spec models (including whether the current model’s peak outputs of 115 kW and 204 N.m will increase) closer to the local launch.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/updated-mazda-cx-3-confirmed-south-africa/

 

[LourensdL]

My heart wants a CX-3 but my head says the normal Mazda 3.

Mazda 3 sedan is R20k cheaper and has 6kW and 6Nm more.

Why don't they put the 121kW engine in the CX-3?

 

[FiestaST]

My heart wants a CX-3 but my head says the normal Mazda 3.

Mazda 3 sedan is R20k cheaper and has 6kW and 6Nm more.

Why don't they put the 121kW engine in the CX-3?

You need to specific about spec level as your pricing argument does not compute:



Mazda 3 sedan with the 2L gasoline motor starts from:

 

[c3n0byt3]

My heart wants a CX-3 but my head says the normal Mazda 3.

Mazda 3 sedan is R20k cheaper and has 6kW and 6Nm more.

Why don't they put the 121kW engine in the CX-3?

Sedan is definitely better. More refined. The CX-3 doesn't feel as premium (I've driven both).
They both use the same engine but maybe exhaust dimensions and gearbox issues mean different output?
I do know the auto CX-3 is sluggish.

 

[Colin62]

Sedan is definitely better. More refined. The CX-3 doesn't feel as premium (I've driven both).
They both use the same engine but maybe exhaust dimensions and gearbox issues mean different output?
I do know the auto CX-3 is sluggish.

The Mazda3 is a bigger and heavier car, and also costs more (if you're comparing the 2.0l), so it's not surprising that it's more refined.

 

[FiestaST]

2018 Mazda CX-3 Review | CarTell.tv

[video=youtube;fjX1-iVthxU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjX1-iVthxU[/video]

 

[bigboy529]

Anyone owning a CX-3 for a while now who can give some impressions, how is it holding up, are you still happy and how is the manual's fuel consumption?
My sister is looking to get a CX-3. Coming from a 2013 Fiesta, after seeing the price for the new 2018 Fiesta, she fiels a demo or low milage CX-3 will be a lot more car for the same money. She'll be looking at the manual Dynamic.

 

[Colin62]

Anyone owning a CX-3 for a while now who can give some impressions, how is it holding up, are you still happy and how is the manual's fuel consumption?
My sister is looking to get a CX-3. Coming from a 2013 Fiesta, after seeing the price for the new 2018 Fiesta, she fiels a demo or low milage CX-3 will be a lot more car for the same money. She'll be looking at the manual Dynamic.

I've had mine just short if two years and don't regret buying it. I've had no problems, just the regular services. Mine is the entry model - Active manual.

Up until filling up yesterday afternoon I have done 110 791km, used 7343l of fuel, costing R97 185 with the average consumption working out at 6.63l/100km. I'm coming to the end of the second set of tyres - the factory fitted Bridgestones lasted just on a year and 60 000km.

I've got the Mazda tow bar, didn't want to go aftermarket and have warranty arguments. Also have Mazda roof racks, but the price Mazda SA wants is ridiculous - I imported mine from the UK at well under half the cost, including shipping and duties. I also bought a set of four spare rims (was just looking for one, but found a good deal on Gumtree) so that I've now got a full sized rim as a spare. I'm planning to make a new boot floor out of plywood, but haven't bothered yet.

Positives
The engine is good. Lots of torque, and pulls nicely. I've driven a 1.6 Fiesta, and the Skyactive engine is in a different league.
Fuel consumption is good - I can get under 5l/100km, but I tend to drive too fast to do it often. The long term average includes towing a trailer from time to time and the odd highway trip with a big-arsed leather couch on the roof.
Mechanically it's pretty solid.
Even the entry model has decent connectivity, I don't use the radio anymore, just stream from my phone over Bluetooth or play off my memory stick.
It's comfortable - I'm 6'3", and fit comfortably. There's less room in the back, but sufficient.
Service from the dealer has been very good overall. They did fit the wrong tow hitch (the one that cost R3k more than the one I ordered), but they let me keep it at no extra cost, so nothing to really bitch about.

Negatives
It's a little sensitive to cross winds and tracks the ruts in the road. My previous car was a BMW X3, and before that a couple of C class Mercs, all of which weigh a whole lot more so that's probably not a fair comparison.
The boot is tiny. You can just about squeeze two sandwiches and a packet of condoms in.
Mazda SA have a funny attitude to customer care. They don't. They will rape you without Vaseline on the price of any accessories. (Roof racks for well over R10k, when you can have a tow bar fitted for under R5k).

 

[bigboy529]

I've had mine just short if two years and don't regret buying it. I've had no problems, just the regular services. Mine is the entry model - Active manual.

Up until filling up yesterday afternoon I have done 110 791km, used 7343l of fuel, costing R97 185 with the average consumption working out at 6.63l/100km. I'm coming to the end of the second set of tyres - the factory fitted Bridgestones lasted just on a year and 60 000km.

I've got the Mazda tow bar, didn't want to go aftermarket and have warranty arguments. Also have Mazda roof racks, but the price Mazda SA wants is ridiculous - I imported mine from the UK at well under half the cost, including shipping and duties. I also bought a set of four spare rims (was just looking for one, but found a good deal on Gumtree) so that I've now got a full sized rim as a spare. I'm planning to make a new boot floor out of plywood, but haven't bothered yet.

Positives
The engine is good. Lots of torque, and pulls nicely. I've driven a 1.6 Fiesta, and the Skyactive engine is in a different league.
Fuel consumption is good - I can get under 5l/100km, but I tend to drive too fast to do it often. The long term average includes towing a trailer from time to time and the odd highway trip with a big-arsed leather couch on the roof.
Mechanically it's pretty solid.
Even the entry model has decent connectivity, I don't use the radio anymore, just stream from my phone over Bluetooth or play off my memory stick.
It's comfortable - I'm 6'3", and fit comfortably. There's less room in the back, but sufficient.
Service from the dealer has been very good overall. They did fit the wrong tow hitch (the one that cost R3k more than the one I ordered), but they let me keep it at no extra cost, so nothing to really bitch about.

Negatives
It's a little sensitive to cross winds and tracks the ruts in the road. My previous car was a BMW X3, and before that a couple of C class Mercs, all of which weigh a whole lot more so that's probably not a fair comparison.
The boot is tiny. You can just about squeeze two sandwiches and a packet of condoms in.
Mazda SA have a funny attitude to customer care. They don't. They will rape you without Vaseline on the price of any accessories. (Roof racks for well over R10k, when you can have a tow bar fitted for under R5k).

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.
What's the service costs like after the service plan?

To be honest I'm still a bit skeptical of Mazda after the Ford split, their future in SA, second hand values going forward, support etc. but they seam to be doing quite good and I already feel a lot better about them than a year or so ago.

Mazda's has always been quite expensive compared to other brands in the same segment, but to be honest I don't quite know what to compare this one to. Most on par seams to be the Honda HR-V, but it's quite a bit more expensive, Ford Eco Sport is a bit cheaper but seams to be a lot less car for the money, Toyota CHR is also much more expensive but again less car for the money in my opinion.

 

[Colin62]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.
What's the service costs like after the service plan?

The service plan is three years, unlimited km, so it'll be another year before I find out.

To be honest I'm still a bit skeptical of Mazda after the Ford split, their future in SA, second hand values going forward, support etc. but they seam to be doing quite good and I already feel a lot better about them than a year or so ago.

The dealerships are mostly still shared with Ford, I'm not too sure about resale values, but the mileage I do, it doesn't matter what I buy, it's worth nothing when it comes to trade in time.

Mazda's has always been quite expensive compared to other brands in the same segment, but to be honest I don't quite know what to compare this one to. Most on par seams to be the Honda HR-V, but it's quite a bit more expensive, Ford Eco Sport is a bit cheaper but seams to be a lot less car for the money, Toyota CHR is also much more expensive but again less car for the money in my opinion.

I wanted a car that had a decent engine that could cruise without needing downshifts on hills, and keep a decent speed. The CX-3 has the most engine at its price point. I'm wary of small turbo charged engines and like the way Mazda went with their engines. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it, and I spend a lot of time in it. I looked at the same cars you're looking at, but ruled them all out as being under powered at the kind of revs you normally cruise at. I'm not saying they're bad, just that they don't suit my driving style.

 

[bigboy529]

The service plan is three years, unlimited km, so it'll be another year before I find out.



The dealerships are mostly still shared with Ford, I'm not too sure about resale values, but the mileage I do, it doesn't matter what I buy, it's worth nothing when it comes to trade in time.



I wanted a car that had a decent engine that could cruise without needing downshifts on hills, and keep a decent speed. The CX-3 has the most engine at its price point. I'm wary of small turbo charged engines and like the way Mazda went with their engines. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it, and I spend a lot of time in it. I looked at the same cars you're looking at, but ruled them all out as being under powered at the kind of revs you normally cruise at. I'm not saying they're bad, just that they don't suit my driving style.

Thanks, that unlimited km thing is pretty cool, a big win for you but it won't be for my sister, she does around 10k km per year, usually she services her cars annually and not according to kilometers.
Do you think the CX-3 will still be a good choice for 90% short distance city driving?
I can see how it will be a very nice longer distance cruiser, but she mostly drives in the city, lives around 10 km from work.

 

[FiestaST]

Best-second hand cars in SA: Volkswagen, Mazda tops in vehicle resale values

Volkswagen is the brand with the most finalists out of the 11 categories in which brands will compete for the Gumtree Pre-Owned Vehicle Awards for 2018.

Volkswagen has nine finalists, based on the retained value of 2016 models with at least six months of value depreciation according to data provided by TransUnion Auto Information Services.

The 55 finalists have been selected with the top five vehicles having the most favourable depreciation in each of the 11 categories qualifying for further evaluation.

Best valued vehicle....

The car model with the best value retention irrespective of category is the Mazda CX3 2.0 Individual at 91.34%. This model is also the most dominant in its class – Best Cross-Overs under R325 000 – based on the margin to second best value retention per category and stands at 3.27%.

Representative examples of these 55 finalists are now being sourced and tested by former national motorsport champion
Charl Wilken. Following his practical evaluation, he compiles detailed and illustrated information sheets which are sent to a judging panel for voting.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/News/SA_...mazda-shine-with-retained-car-values-20180621

 

[FiestaST]

Updated Mazda CX-3 arrives in SA: check out pricing

Mazda Southern Africa says it is now “accepting orders” for the updated Mazda CX-3, which gains subtle improvements inside and out.

As before, the local line-up comprises six derivatives, each powered by the Japanese automaker’s naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol unit, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (torque converter) transmission.

This four-cylinder engine, says Mazda, has been “retuned” to improve fuel-efficiency, reduce internal friction and deliver its torque across a wider rev range. It sends an unchanged 115 kW to the front wheels, along with 206 N.m (an increase of two units).

Pricing now starts at R292 700 (R1 900 more than before) and runs through to R399 200 (R10 800 more than before).

Exterior tweaks include a colour change (to black) for the front foglamp bezels, a fresh 18-inch alloy wheel design, and a slight update to the grille. The brand’s Soul Red Crystal paintwork is also now offered across the range, while LED taillamps are now available for the flagship Individual and Individual Plus derivatives.

In addition, all derivatives now gain a front centre console armrest (something we missed in our long-term CX-3) and an electric parking brake. Dynamic, Individual and Individual Plus variants also score a rear centre seat armrest with cup holders, while an electro-chromatic rearview mirror is now offered from the Dynamic spec up. Furthermore, the Individual and Individual Plus derivatives now come standard with full leather upholstery.

All models in the updated CX-3 range come standard with a three-year unlimited kilometre service plan, along with a three-year warranty.

Pricing:

Mazda CX-3 2,0 Active: R292 700
Mazda CX-3 2,0 Active auto: R313 000
Mazda CX-3 2,0 Dynamic: R322 300
Mazda CX-3 2,0 Dynamic auto: R334 300
Mazda CX-3 2,0 Individual auto: R384 600
Mazda CX-3 2,0 Individual Plus auto: R399 200

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/updated-mazda-cx-3-arrives-in-sa-check-out-pricing/