The Mazda CX-5 has been a GRM favorite for a while. At last count, we have two in the family–which is two more than the next popular crossover in the family.
The CX-3, though, hadn’t previously caught our eye. Is it just a jacked-up Mazda2 or its own unique animal? The Mazda media site makes a bold claim: “Creating the …
I love that chromey deep red paint on these. I've seen it on some other Mazdas as well. Not sure what they call it, but it is a nice color. I usually don't like red cars.
EDIT: Soul Red Chrystal Mettalic looks like the color name. $595 option. http://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2017/06/09/mazdas-slick-new-soul-red-crystal-color-might-be-trickier-for-painters/
I still don't know how I feel about these cars. a part of me is waiting for a slightly wrecked one to show up on co-part that is AWD cheap and make some sort of bizzare rally car out of it. The rest of me still knows its a mazda2 and I don't fit in it.
I thought the CX5 was based on the 6.... eh, whatever. At least it looks decent.
I'm not interested in SUVs, I just like the paint.
When will hot rodders start 'chopping' the tops of these cuvs?
T.J. said:I'm not interested in SUVs, I just like the paint.
Mazda has the strongest red paint game this side of the alfa 8c.
It seems like the CX-3 is a great vehicle for its class, but I don't personally understand the point. Compare it to the Mazda3 hatch. They have the same ground clearance (within .1"). Cargo volume seat up, the Mazda3 has significantly more. Seats folded down their cargo volumes are within 3 cubic feet. Combined fuel economy numbers are within 1 MPG. Total passenger volume is 9 cubic feet in favor of the Mazda3.
Marketing (aka. cladding) and optional AWD is the only thing differentiating them. The overall styling is pretty darn similar. Seems like Mazda could have just offered a 3 with AWD and saved a lot of money in development, etc. The CX-5 is on the same platform, so presumably it would be easy to reuse parts.
In reply to Snrub :
Look at what actually sells in the US and you have your answer. You are being far too clinical about the specs. Specs rarely sell a car to the layman.
singleslammer said:In reply to Snrub :
Look at what actually sells in the US and you have your answer. You are being far too clinical about the specs. Specs rarely sell a car to the layman.
I get that crossovers are the thing that sells. I don't understand how it's a crossover other than the cladding. Seriously, what am I missing? :)
I had a CX5 and CX3 as loaner cars within a week of each other while I was getting warranty work done on my CX9. If it weren't for towing capacity I would absolutely trade in my CX9 for the CX5. It's a great vehicle that is just the right size. On the other hand, the CX3 is very small. It would be the perfect city bruiser that you could dart around traffic with. Tall enough to see around other vehicles with enough suspension travel to plow through pot holes and patchwork. Just like the Mazda2 though, if you don't fold down the rear seats all you can fit in the back is 2 grocery bags. Adults also won't be very comfortable in those rear seats. The steep angle of the rear hatch and high floor means nothing tall will fit and it's a narrow hatch opening. I wouldn't want to attempt to move out of a city apartment with a CX3.
Snrub said:singleslammer said:In reply to Snrub :
Look at what actually sells in the US and you have your answer. You are being far too clinical about the specs. Specs rarely sell a car to the layman.
I get that crossovers are the thing that sells. I don't understand how it's a crossover other than the cladding. Seriously, what am I missing? :)
Nothing. You're just making the typical, contrarian GRM "it's not something that I would buy, so why does ANYONE else buy it" post that is very common.
I either read it somewhere or somehow overheard it but the CX2 far outsells the Mazda3....at least the 3 sedan (does anyone buy a 3 sedan?) and most buyers are young women buying their 1st new car.
My dad bought the 3 sedan! Ha, I didn't understand it, but apparently my mom couldn't see out the back of the hatch, and she has backed into several cars over the years, including my E36 M3 TWICE! And yes, backup camera didn't help.
What's the price difference between a CX-3 and a 2.0 3 hatchback?
CyberEric said:My dad bought the 3 sedan! Ha, I didn't understand it, but apparently my mom couldn't see out the back of the hatch, and she has backed into several cars over the years, including my E36 M3 TWICE! And yes, backup camera didn't help.
What's the price difference between a CX-3 and a 2.0 3 hatchback?
www.mazdausa.com 
I'm too lazy! 
No manual transmission available on the CX's.
Deal killer.
William said:No manual transmission available on the CX's.
Deal killer.
I'm holding out for the CX3 GTX, with the 2.5L turbo motor, 6-spd, and AWD (with the ability to lock the center diff at 50/50).
And for pigs to fly.
Snrub said:It seems like the CX-3 is a great vehicle for its class, but I don't personally understand the point. Compare it to the Mazda3 hatch. They have the same ground clearance (within .1"). Cargo volume seat up, the Mazda3 has significantly more. Seats folded down their cargo volumes are within 3 cubic feet. Combined fuel economy numbers are within 1 MPG. Total passenger volume is 9 cubic feet in favor of the Mazda3.
Marketing (aka. cladding) and optional AWD is the only thing differentiating them. The overall styling is pretty darn similar. Seems like Mazda could have just offered a 3 with AWD and saved a lot of money in development, etc. The CX-5 is on the same platform, so presumably it would be easy to reuse parts.
I’m giving serious consideration to buying a new one now.
Essentially, I’m 54 with a bad knee and park on a steep driveway so not having to squat down too much during entry and egress is a big plus. Front seat, rear seat, cargo space with seats up, and cargo space with seats folded down match my requirements so perfectly that it’s spooky.
This will be my sixth Mazda…Mazda gets me.
Seat height matters a lot to people, especially older people with money who buy new cars. I fall into my Accord and I fall out of my truck, but the seat in my Forester is just right. Give people the right seat height and good forward visibility and they'll ignore a lot of other things.
And don't forget, if you don't buy new cars you don't matter and you only get to sift through other peoples choices.
Touche Seth.
RX Reven, that Matt Farah guy did a drive with the CX-3 and pretty much loved it. I've been driving the 3 sedan my dad owns (he's 72), and it's a pretty nice ride. I'd imagine the CX-3 is too. Some people like the CX-3 interior more to boot.
In reply to Rotaryracer :
Me too! Mazda, DO IT.
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