MyCarlady’s 2016 Mazda CX3 Grand Touring Test Drive Review
Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels and AWD option.
Prices start at $20,000 with lots of safety, sizzle and design features.
POWER: 4 cyl SKYACTIVE 146 HP 2.0L 6 speed Automatic with 146 Ft # Torque at 6000 RPM.
HANDLING: It is responsive and steady, quick and agile feeling with no obvious body roll or sloppy cornering with the Traction Control and especially in the AWD, off-road.
I was suitably impressed with the pick-up and smooth transitions from 0-60 in 8 seconds, not bad, but loud on acceleration.
The interior is neat and well appointed with a quality feel: laminates, leather, suede and brushed aluminum accents in a red/black combo including the accent stitching for the Grand Touring.
Head room is tight for the 6′ crowd, even with the cutout roof lines, not helped by the sloping rear roof line. Taken from the Land River Evoque’ this is one style cue we can all do without.
On my quick off-road patch (flat), the CX3 AWD made short work of the loose gravel and sped along without any concern. I can’t imagine doing any kamikaze rock climbing in it, but snow and rain and unpaved travels will not deter you in this ride.
Style: I like the look inside and out, with subtle body lines for definition it looks more AUDI A3 than Honda HRV. I can see competition from the Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500 although those are quite boxy. The Nissan Juke is an admiral competitor in the AWD arena, but the Mazda CX 3 GT is less expensive.
FEATURES: Loads of them! Traction control, front and side curtain airbags, Back-up camera and LED lights are standard. Navigation, Moonroof and Bose stereo are options, along with the leather (other than in the GT).
MPG: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg city/35 mpg highway for a 31 combined in the FWD and 27 city/32 highway, 29 combined for the all-wheel drive.
Dealers have reasonable inventory for a product that just rolled our this week, but expect no incentives or rebates.If you want a deal on a new 2016 Mazda CX 3, get over to Henderson Mazda in Henderson, Nevada and get your FREE first years DMV registration paid, that will save you at least $500.00
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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 25+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Contact Sarah Lee for more information: sarahlee @ mycarlady.com Join the MyCarlady newsletter to be kept up-to-date on this and other important car information.
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