CX-3 to be most efficient Mazda
All-new Japanese small SUV to sip less than a Mazda2Mazda has released more details of its next best-seller, the upcoming CX-3 small SUV, including fuel consumption of less than 5.0L/100km for the diesel version.
In fact, Mazda Australia says its first 1.5-litre turbo-diesel model will return combined ADR fuel consumption in the "high fours", which will make it more efficient than its most frugal current model, the new Mazda2 powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
The most efficient Mazda2 consumes 4.9L/100km, but all other models are rated at closer to 5.5L/100km, while the bigger, heavier and larger-displacement 2.0-litre petrol-powered CX-3 will still consume less than 6.5L/100km, says Mazda.
Of course, these figures apply to the entry-level front-wheel drive manual version of the CX-3, which will also be available with all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic powertrains when it arrives Down Under around March next year.
As well, at least three equipment grades will be on offer, making it the most comprehensive small SUV range ever offered in Australia, with potentially up to 18 model variants on offer.
As such, Mazda believes the CX-3 will become Australia top-selling compact SUV – even in the face of 18 current rivals and up to eight new additions next year – but admits it will cannibalise sales of the Mazda2 and 3 because of its price overlaps.
The new CX-3 details were revealed today by Mazda as part of a world-first media drive of the all-new model in Anglesea, Victoria. Australia is the world's fourth largest market for Mazda and will also be one of its largest CX-3 markets.
Two Australian-spec CX-3s were shipped Down Under last week for media, dealer and customer events ahead of their local launch in three months, when ours will be among the first countries to receive the baby SUV.
The CX-3 makes its Australian debut just weeks after its world premiere at the Los Angeles motor show last month, and was accompanied by its chief engineer Michio Tomiyama and chief designer Youichi Matsuda.
Australian CX-3s will be produced in Japan – currently the only source for the model globally – and Mazda Australia says sales will be limited by supplies.
Other figures revealed today include performance outputs of 77kW of power at 4000rpm and 270Nm of torque over 1600-2500rpm for the diesel, and 109kW/192Nm for the petrol engine, which is essentially a detuned version of the base Mazda3 engine.
Mazda also revealed the CX-3's cargo space is a tiny 264 litres (VDA), which is just 14 litres larger than the Mazda2's and about 100 litres short of the boot capacity of other popular small SUVs like the Holden Trax.
The CX-3 rides on the same 2570mm wheelbase as the Mazda2 and offers the same tight 10.8-metre turning circle, but is longer (4275mm), wider (1765mm) and taller (1550mm) overall.
Australian kerb weight, acceleration, pricing and equipment details are yet to be announced, but the CX-3 is expected to range in price between about $22,000 and $32,000.
In line with its higher pricing, it will also come with more standard equipment than the equivalent Mazda2, the flagship version of which was the first in its class to feature a head-up display, meaning alloy wheels and cruise control could be standard at base level, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert could feature in the top spec.
Like the Mazda2, all CX-3s should be available with Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) low-speed (4-30km/h) autonomous emergency braking for an affordable $400, but it remains to be seen if Mazda Australia offers other advanced driver aids like lane departure warning, radar cruise control and automatic high-beam.
Naturally, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, emergency stop signal, hill launch assist and twin front, front-side and curtain airbags are standard across the range.
Every CX-3 will alsoy come with push-button starting, air-conditioning, trip computer, tilting/telescoping steering wheel, power windows/mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment, black/blue seat trim, a 60/40-split rear seatback and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with steering wheel controls, USB/3.5mm audio input and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.
The most expensive CX-3, which could be called the Genki, will add bigger alloys, fog lights, chromed exhaust outlet, climate-control, automatic headlights and wipers, black seat trim and soft-touch black with red stitching for the centre console, front door armrest and dash panels.
Sadly however, if the Mazda2 is any guide, the Japanese brand's intuitive MZD Connect system – comprising classy 7.0-inch colour touch-screen, centre console controller, satellite-navigation and reversing camera – will not be available in entry-level CX-3s.
That means that, as with the base 2, a rear-view camera could be a $200 mirror-integrated accessory option, while parking sensors and a centre armrest could also be dealer-fit options.
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