While Mazda is preparing to launch the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X on the market — a gasoline with diesel engine consumption —, the Japanese brand maintains its commitment to Diesel. Proof of this is the new SKYACTIV-D 1.8 with which you decided to equip the Mazda CX-3 after the (discreet) refurbishment of its smallest SUV.
With 1.8 l and 115 hp , this engine replaced the 105 hp SKYACTIV-D 1.5 which was, until now, the only engine with which the Mazda CX-3 was available in Portugal.
Aesthetically and despite the renovation, almost everything remains the same. So, with the exception of the new LED rear optics, the redesigned grille, the new 18” wheels and the eye-catching Red Soul Crystal color (which appeared in the tested unit) practically everything remains the same with the CX-3 presenting a look. discreet without being amorphous and featureless.
Inside the Mazda CX-3
Well built and ergonomically well thought out (everything is at hand), the CX-3's interior uses a mixture of soft (on top of the dashboard) and hard materials, all of which have one thing in common: they are dark, giving a rather grim look to the cabin of this small Mazda SUV.
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With regard to the infotainment system, despite the somewhat dated graphics, it is simple and intuitive to use, and a curious fact should be highlighted. Although the screen is touch-sensitive, it can only be operated that way when the CX-3 is stationary, and while in motion we can only scroll through the menus using the controls on the steering wheel or the rotary command between the seats.
It is through this set of commands that you navigate through the infotainment system menus while the CX-3 is in motion.
As for space, this turns out to be the CX-3's Achilles' heel. If passengers at the front even have room to spare, those traveling in the back are presented with narrow access and limited legroom. The 350 l luggage compartment also reveals its limitations and proves to be scarce for a young family going on the weekend.
Despite having a false bottom, the 350 l of the luggage compartment end up "knowing little".
At the wheel of the Mazda CX-3
Once seated behind the wheel of the CX-3 we quickly realized that despite Mazda dubbed it a “compact SUV”, it is little more than a B-segment with plastic shields and a little more ground clearance, offering a driving position. much lower than models like the Volkswagen T-Cross or the Citroën C3 Aircross.
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However, contrary to what you might think, the fact that the CX-3 has little SUV turns out to be a good thing. Because it is closer to a “conventional” model, the dynamics benefit, and the extra height to the ground turns out to be a bonus to avoid problems on roads with potholes.
With a relatively firm (but comfortable) suspension setting, the CX-3 doesn't deny the bet on dynamics. With an incisive front, a rear that, at the limit, becomes “loose” and a precise and communicative steering, it is even fun to drive the CX-3 on a road full of curves. On the highway, stability is a constant.
Supporting the chassis' dynamic capabilities doesn't come up with any driving programs as the only thing you'll find is a well-matched engine/gearbox. Helping the “party”, the six-speed manual gearbox has a deliciously mechanical feel and a short stroke, making it very pleasant to use (you find yourself making reductions just because).
As for the new Diesel engine, this one shows itself to be linear, increasing in rotation, having a wide range of use. Despite being somewhat noisy, we quickly got used to its clattering and allowed ourselves to be won over by the high rhythms it allows us to impose and the reduced consumption it gives us back (about 5.2 l/100km).
Is the car right for me?
Comfortable, well-built and with a low-key look (without being boring), the Mazda CX-3 SKYACTIV-D 1.8 is the ideal choice for those who like the comfort (and peace of mind) offered by a few more inches of ground clearance but he doesn't want to give up on the dynamics, even being fun to drive.
However, as there is no beauty without a hitch, the CX-3 presents space (or lack of it) as its main Achilles heel, not being the right option for those who need to take “this world and the head of the other” always who leaves the house.
Another of the points that plays against the CX-3 is the fact that, in technological terms, it presents itself with “only what is necessary” not being the right choice for gadget lovers. The Diesel engine turns out to be a pleasant surprise, making use of the superior displacement compared to its predecessor to avoid the “turbodependence” usual in smaller engines.
Finally, after a few days at the wheel of the CX-3 SKYACTIV-D 1.8, the truth is that we are convinced that, for those who need to do many kilometers, the Diesel is still needed, especially when it offers such a wide range of use as that of this 1.8 l and a remarkable linearity.