-We can’t say we’ve ever legitimately yearned for the debut of a new compact crossover, but things are somewhat different when it comes to the 2016 Mazda CX-3. With knockout styling, a lush interior, and an engaging chassis, it’s hard not to be smitten by the tiny Mazda crossover. Having poked, prodded, and tested the CX-3, the only question mark left hanging over it is the price—and that key metric has just been revealed.
When it goes on sale later this year, the CX-3 will start at $20,840, which at first seems quite a bit more expensive than competitors such as the Jeep Renegade (base price: $18,990), Honda HR-V (base price: $19,995), and the Kia Soul (base price: $16,015). But look a little closer, and the Jeep, Honda, and Kia all come standard with a manual transmission; that’s great for Save the Manuals fans, but tacking on an automatic (the CX-3 comes standard with a six-speed automatic) for a more equal comparison ups the Renegade’s price to $21,685, the HR-V’s to $20,795, and the Soul’s to $18,015. Given how the Kia can’t be had with all-wheel drive, and other competitors like the Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax, and Fiat 500X all have higher base prices no matter the transmission, the CX-3 is right in the thick of the compact-crossover melee.
-That’s a win for consumers, because the Mazda comes very well-equipped. The base Sport model has Mazda Connect, the same slick infotainment system as the 10Best-winning Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, complete with a 7-inch touch screen. It also comes with push-button ignition, a backup camera, and power windows and locks. Stepping up to the $22,840 mid-level CX-3 Touring nets leatherette and cloth seats (heated in front), a center armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, blind-spot monitoring, and heated side mirrors. Touring buyers can opt for the $1410 Technology package that brings a sunroof, adaptive headlights, a head-up display, Sirius XM satellite radio, and a not-super-technical-sounding rear cargo cover.
-
At the top of the CX-3 heap stands the $25,870 Grand Touring, which includes not only the Touring model’s Tech package goodies but also leather-and-suede two-tone seats, paddle shifters, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, and full-LED exterior lighting. An available $1920 i-ACTIVSENSE package brings safety gear such as automatic high-beams, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
--
- -
- 2016 Fiat 500X AWD Tested: How Do You Say “Do-Over” in Italian?
- -
- Get Up Everybody and Sing: The Best New Cars for Growing Families
- -
- Mazda CX-3 Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More
- -
-
Every CX-3 model comes standard with front-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic, and a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder; it’ll cost $1250 to add all-wheel drive to any Sport, Touring, or Grand Touring. By our math, loading up a CX-3 to the hilt won’t break the $30,000 barrier, something of an accomplishment in a segment that sees even mid-level cars with prices beginning with threes.
-Stir in the CX-3’s fun-to-drive factor, excellent fuel economy, style, and premium-feeling interior, and the little Mazda’s value factor swells even farther. Now all that’s left for us to do is put the CX-3 up against its competitors in a no-holds-barred tiny crossover throwdown deathmatch (otherwise known as a comparison test). Stay tuned.
-
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/1Spw7BC
via Agya
