Friday
19
April
New Mazda fits SUV bill perfectly
05/07/2015 @ 10:17
SUV buyers are normally attracted by design, size and driving characteristics and this new Mazda fits the bill perfectly.
The 18-strong model line-up has something to suit every pocket and Mazda bosses believe the combination of stylish good looks, SKYACTIV technologies,
advanced levels of connectivity and improved safety measures mean the CX-3 will pick up sales from Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and Mini Paceman.
There's almost too many models to chose from with 11 petrol and seven diesel engines in the range with even the entry level models gaining equipment not
normally expected to come as standard.
SE models feature 16-inch alloys, plus heated and powered folding mirrors, while SE-L models add rear privacy glass and front LED fog lights.
Sport Nav tops the range and is the first car in class to gain LED headlights and rear lights, 18-inch alloys and chrome door sills giving DSL road presence and
making the model instantly recognisable as a Mazda.
Stylish bodywork is matched inside the cab. Mazda has moved forward in quality terms in recent years and the CX-3 ups the game even further thanks to a 7-
inch colour touchscreen, Dab radio, Bluetooth and a multifunction steering wheel as standard.
SportsNav takes things even further, adding three years free European map updating, a Bose sound system, keyless entry and my personal favourite - an active
driving display heads-up display system in front of the driver.
SE-L models benefit from heated front seats, automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers while SportsNav has the option of half leather trim which gives
the model a really quality feel.
Improved safety levels come alongside the new design. You get curtain airbags, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring and dynamic stability control while top-
specced models add lane departure warnings, smart city brake system as well as parking sensors. All models gain cruise control.
Mazda chose the mountain roads of the Scottish Borders to unveil their latest arrival and the CX-3 more than matched the difficult conditions. A former ride than
some of the competition but the pay-back means probably the best body control in sector.
The CX-3 will by no means be the cheapest car in the SUV sector with prices ranging from £17,595 to £24,695 but there's a premium feel about this new arrival
and lots of the standard equipment will cost you extra on rival models.
Mazda suits recognised the shift to SUV and realised that buyers will look elsewhere unless they had a competitor - and this model is a real competitor.
There's space for five at a push and plenty of rear leg room. Front seating is as comfortable as it gets and the boot has a clever option to higher or lower the floor
area, depending on how much luggage you need to carry.
Expect the 120PS two-wheel drive SE Nav to be a top seller at £18,195, with CO2 levels at 137g/km, a top speed of 119mph, 0-62mph in nine seconds and
combined fuel figures of 47.9mpg. Diesel models promise over 70mpg.
I'm a big fan of Mazda's SKYACTIV system. It's no coincidence that the company's fortunes have taken off since the arrival of the power train and with five level
grade structures to shoes from there's just about a model for everyone.
So will it sell? Yes I think it will, and it may well exceed Mazda's target of 50,000 units because it really does look the business and with lots of equipment as
standard has enough of an edge over the opposition to secure sales.
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