The top-of-the line variant is equipped with smart entry; dual A/C; eight speakers, 17-inch alloys; the highest ground clearance in its class; and count them, 13 cup holders! Apparently, hydration is a big deal in Indonesia—the country where the Rush is built. There’s also an AC power port on each row, so that every passenger can charge their devices. The high-tech stuff comes in the form of traction control and hill-start assist. And the brake lights are LEDs with an emergency stop function. The head unit is of the touchscreen variety, with a setting that can mirror your smartphone. The Rush is easy to maneuver, thanks to its tiny turning radius. When it comes to safety, it has traction control; hill-start assist; six airbags; and an exceptional crash rating. It really feels like a high-riding Vios, though. It is pretty cool to see the subcompact sedan’s engine sitting longitudinally—there’s so much space for working under the hood, by the way—and the likeness goes all the way into the interior. The dashboard has the same kind of faux stitching on the dashboard. Other niggles are the tilt-only steering column, and the basic four-speed automatic.
For 2018, low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard across the CX-3 lineup. Mazda says it has revised the CX-3's suspension to improve handling and ride quality and added more sound-reducing materials to make the CX-3 quieter. Small changes have been made to feature availability.
PROS Attractive and comfortable interior Engaging driving experience Impressive fuel economy for a crossover Good selection of available driver aids and active safety features
CONS Suspension tuning may be too firm for some Tight rear seat Below-average cargo space
The 2018 Mazda CX-3 ranked #2 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mazda CX-3 has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Great gas mileage Upmarket interior
Cons Limited cargo room Small back seat Below-average predicted reliability rating
One spirited drive behind the wheel of the CX-3 will have even the keenest driving enthusiasts singing its praises. We’ve come to expect playful driving dynamics, eager powertrains, and driver-focused interiors from Mazda—it’s the zoom-zoom brand, after all—and this subcompact crossover doesn’t disappoint. Once its practicality is under the microscope, however, the CX-3’s shine starts to fade. It’s small. Shoppers who prioritize cargo space and room for passengers would be better served by many of the CX-3’s rivals, or even a Mazda 3 hatchback. Even so, the CX-3 is on our short list of great crossovers, even if it’s solely for its corner-carving expertise and its fun-loving character.
Pros Sweetest-driving mini crossover around, class-leading fuel economy, eye-catching style.
Cons Cramped rear seat, limited cargo capacity, dawdling infotainment responses.
