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2016 Mazda CX-3 Details Released

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Mazda‘s long-awaited compact crossover SUV (also referred to as a mini-ute) debuted at the LA Auto Show in November 2014 and has been in production for a 2016 model year release. The automaker has released details on this exciting little brother to the popular CX-5.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the premiere of the compact crossover. It’s the fifth vehicle introduced in the United States that follows Mazda’s KODO-Soul of Motion design, and it’s intended to appeal to “active urban dwellers,” like many new vehicles these days.

“The 2016 CX-3 is the next evolution of our mission to meld style, driving enjoyment and efficiency into a vehicle that demonstrates drivers don’t need to compromise to get what they want,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American. “CX-3 was designed to deliver all of the fun and technology of our larger models but at a price in the market where it will be a draw for buyers of all backgrounds.”

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview rear exterior

The 5-door subcompact crossover is shorter and lower than the CX-5, with a 101.2 inch wheelbase. Its front has a pronounced, wide-wing grille with seven stacked fins, flanked by narrow headlamps with available LED illumination. Its front fenders squat below the A-pillars and the blacked-out D pillars make the body look longer than it is.

The bold, aerodynamic body essentially is a narrow, pointed nose extending to a hefty rear end. Its dimensions are 168.3 inches length x 69.6 inches width x 60.7 inches height. The special Ceramic Metallic paint color, originally developed for the next-gen MX-5, is available.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview grille performance

All trim levels come with a standard SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower can reach up to 146 at 6,000 rpm and torque reaches 146 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm. Front-wheel drive comes standard, though predictive i-ACTIV AWD system is optional on all levels. No fuel efficiency ratings have been released at this time.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview headlight

The 2016 CX-3 has three trim options: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

  • Sport, the base, has a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine, six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift Sport mode, 16-inch steel wheels, and optional i-ACTIV AWD.
  • Touring is much like Sport but with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, heated exterior mirrors, and mirror-mounted turn signal lamps.
  • Grand Touring, the top tier, has standard 18-inch alloy wheels, power moonroof, leather/Lux Suede® seats, LED headlights and running lights, adaptive lighting, navigation system, audio system, climate control, and heated seats.

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview interior

The interior is filled with soft-touch materials and red accents; it fits five people comfortably. Its control console is driver-oriented (Mazda’s “Head-up Cockpit”) and features a number of cutting-edge technology like push-button start and seven-inch color touchscreen. Mazda Connect infotainment system includes Bluetooth access, audio streaming, USB ports, and a Commander control knob.


2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview safety seats

No safety specs on the CX-3 have been released yet, but the crossover offers many optional safety tech features, including lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, rear camera, Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC). The lightweight SKYACTIV-BODY is intended to improve collision safety.