By: IOL Motoring Staff
Mazda's CX-3 has landed in South Africa, ready to do battle in the booming B-segment crossover market.
Priced from R254 900 to R325 900, the CX-3 goes up against these rivals:
Ford EcoSport(R217 900 - R274 900)
Peugeot 2008(R259 900 - R287 900)
Renault Captur(R222 900 - R283 900)
Suzuki Vitara(R239 900 - R319 900)
SIZE AND STYLE
Measuring 4275mm in length and 1765mm in width, it's larger than the Nissan Juke (4135/1765) and Ford Ecosport (4010/1765) but also slightly smaller than the Honda HR-V (4306/1765). And while we'll leave you to make up your own mind about the actual design execution, we reckon it's easily the most stylish offering in the baby SUV segment.
The CX-3 is also rather adequately endowed in the engine compartment. While it doesn't have a modern turbopetrol engine like many of its rivals, it does have somewhat bigger displacement than its foes and superior outputs, with its 2-litre Skyactiv petrol engine producing a rather decent 115kW and 204Nm. The CX-3 can be had with either manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward ratios, and drive is to the front wheels in all cases.
THREE FLAVOURS
Three spec levels are offered and the base Active version comes with 16-inch alloys, manual air conditioning, cruise control, power folding mirrors, a four-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. Auto gearbox models add idle stop and DSC stability control.
Opt for the midrange Dynamic and you get six speakers, automatic climate control, auto headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors and Mazda's MZD Connect 7-inch touch-screen interface. As with the Active, only the auto model has DSC.
The range-topping CX-3 Individual is only available with an autobox and in addition to easy commuting, this model treats you to a Bose premium sound system, leather/cloth seat trim combination, reverse camera, integrated satnav, head-up display, a powered sunroof and 18-inch alloys.
PRICES
2.0 Active - R254 900
2.0 Active AT - R270 400
2.0 Dynamic - R277 900
2.0 Dynamic AT - R288 400
2.0 Individual AT - R325 900
Prices include a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty and service plan.
See our driving impressions in The Star, Mercury or Cape Times this Thursday.