Hyundai Kona v Mazda CX-3 2017 Comparison
The Kona, Hyundai's much anticipated compact SUV, makes quite an entrance - but can it top segment favourite, Mazda's tried and trusted CX-3?Same, same but different
Like the Hawaiian ocean wind after which it is named, the Kona, Hyundai's first shot at a compact SUV, has breezed into the local market where it goes head to head with Mazda’s popular CX-3. No doubt the CX-3 is the established star of this hot-selling market segment and its new rival from Hyundai is the Polar opposite in its design personality, so we were keen to dig deeper than looks to see which of these pint-sized SUVs is the better pick.
Both Hyundai and Mazda’s compact SUV offerings include the choice of front or all-wheel-drive grip and multiple trim grades.
The CX-3 runs either a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol or a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, both with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the Kona is a petrol only proposition, with the choice of a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission or a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre matched to a six-speed automatic.
A divide forms - do you want diesel or dual-clutch?
Tested in their top-spec variants (Highlander and Akari), we’re out to determine which of these rivals offers the best value and driveability, as well as delivering on the demands of an SUV in a city-car footprint.
Clearly their styling is worlds apart, inside and out. The funky design and personalisation of the Kona will appeal to buyers after something unique, while Mazda is a trusted quantity. Conservative versus courageous. Another differentiator.
Ergonomically these two are on par. Accounting for differences, front cabin amenity is still line-ball, with reversing cameras, cruise control, USB and 12-volt charge points, electric adjust heated seats (with two-position memory for the CX-3), single zone climate control, head-up display and multi-function steering wheels. The Kona ups the ante with ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Oddment storage is similar, except the Kona opts for a lidded centre console compared to the Mazda’s open plan arrangement.
Dimensionally, there’s not much in it. The Mazda is slightly longer, the Hyundai slightly wider. And the Kona has the longer wheelbase and better ground clearance (170mm v 150mm).
Thus, as a small family car, it’s the Kona which excels. That extra width makes it the choice location for second row passengers - better head, leg and considerably more knee room. It also features a centre armrest with two cup holders, but surprisingly neither vehicle has second row directional air vents.
With seats up, the Kona’s boot wins in overall capacity (301L v 264L), but fold them flat (or not so flat in the Mazda’s case) and the CX-3 is bigger (1174L v 1143L). Both feature four anchor points, the Kona adds a cargo net and bag hook, and both feature concealed storage beneath the base (clever moulded sections for the Kona, while the Mazda’s can be completely removed). A lower load height (by 10cm) and bigger boot aperture make the Kona easier to live with.
As for towing, we’re talking 1250kg (braked) for the Kona, compared to the CX-3s 1200kg.
In terms of warranty and after sales support, it’s a win for Hyundai – a five year/unlimited km warranty, ten year/unlimited capped price servicing, with intervals of 12 months/15,000kms. The Mazda offers just three years/unlimited km warranty, with service intervals every 10,000km.
Manufacturers’ claimed combined fuel consumption averages are identical at 6.7L/100km.
For the Kona, it’s drive train which stands out. The punchy turbo-petrol engine (130kW/265Nm) delivers better throttle response and more decisive gear selection thanks to a slick seven-speed DCT. Also more engaging at the wheel, it’s hands-down the driver’s pick of the pair.
And the Kona’s rear locking diff and hill descent control suggest it’ll be the more competent should you stray off the beaten track.
Both vehicles feature autonomous emergency braking. For the entry-level Kona, AEB is part of a $1500 Safety Pack, whereas it's standard for the Mazda.
Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are common, the Kona adding lane keep assist and driver attention warning (not offered on CX-3) to its safety suite. Depends on your trim level as to whether it’s standard or part of an option pack. Confused? The Kona offers more and is priced accordingly.
The Kona is a firm ride by comparison, its stiffer set up more susceptible to poor road surfaces. But it’s hardly a deal breaker. And, with no inbuilt satellite navigation (relying solely on phone connectivity), at times, you’ll be lost!
Nevertheless, there’s no burning need for improvement here.
On paper and behind the wheel, the points favour the Hyundai Kona – particularly where warranty and after sales support is concerned - but also its excellent drive train.
So ‘mahalo ia ‘oe’ (that’s Hawaiian for ‘thank-you’) it’s a narrow, but undisputable win for the vehicle named after an ocean breeze.
2017 Hyundai Kona Highlander pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 130kW/265Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 153g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA
2017 Mazda CX-3 Akari pricing and specifications:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 109kW/192Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP
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