Before going further, you can read our first update of our long-term test of the Mazda CX-3 GT 2016.
Since the mighty little Mazda CX-3 showed up at the Auto123 office, the keys became a hot commodity. This compact little crossover gets some serious attention, and for all the right reasons. From its dashing good looks to its uncanny ability to drive just like a car, not an AWD people carrier, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is one hot number.
After experiencing the CX-3 in not-so-fantastic weather (read: snow, ice, extreme cold), I’m happy to report the little crossover took it all in stride. Due to its smaller size and wheel placement closer to the outer corners, the CX-3 feels a bit like its on rails even when its skittering across slippery surfaces. The added ride height adds to the sense of security and confidence on the road, and also means the CX-3 has no trouble traversing uncleared snowy parking lots and/or roads.
The CX-3’s 2.0L SKYACTIV engine really is a fantastic bit of kit, and every bit as much fun to drive in the winter as it is in the summer.
Of course, in the winter months it’s more about handling than it is about speed, and Mazda’s compact crossover is an agile driver in the colder months. Thanks to a set of good winter rubber, the CX-3 is more than capable of handling the worst storms, and in fact did handle quite a large sum of snow while I was behind the wheel.
Much to my son’s delight, the Mazda CX-3 made it to all required destinations without much effort. Brilliant.
Now, speaking of my son: Here’s where the Mazda CX-3 really wins in my books. While I know some have complained that the CX-3 is in fact too compact, and too small; that the trunk isn’t spacious enough, and that the back seat is too cramped.
Well, for me personally the CX-3 is the ideal size. Since my vehicle only has to accommodate myself and my now 4-year-old son, I no longer have to worry about large bulky baby seats and strollers and bags upon bags of “what ifs” and “just in cases” for a baby/toddler. My fully opinionated and attitude-filled child now sits in a first-stage booster seat which is much smaller than his previous seat and it fits beautifully in the CX-3. There’s plenty of legroom in the rear for him, which also means he doesn’t kick the front passenger seat even if there’s someone sitting there comfortably.
As far as trunk space goes, I think there’s plenty. And I adore the load height and depth of the trunk because it means I don’t get winter guck on my pants leanig over to reach stuff that’s slid back against the backseats.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a highly practical and fun-to-drive compact crossover. I realize it’s not made for everyone’s lifestyle nor the size of their families. But for a single parent like myself, it’s absolutely ideal, and I’d not hesitate for a moment in bringing one home full-time.
