ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
JULY 1 - 7, 2016
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MAZDA CX-3: It is sleek and stylish.
Mazda’s popular new CX-3 SMALL SUVs are all the rage at present and Mazda’s stylish new CX-3 is sitting high on the popularity list. Interestingly, both 2WD (front drive) and 4WD CX-3s are coming to us downunder. Mazda Australia feels some owners will want the added traction of all-wheel-drive for use in slippery conditions, such as in snowfields. Perhaps even in gentle off-road running when exploring forestry trails and the like. Two familiar Mazda model names, Neo and Maxx, are used for the CX-3, but are joined by two new ones; the upper-middle CX-3 sTouring and Akari. Prices start at an impressively low $19,990 (plus on-roads) for the CX-3 Neo
By EWAN KENNEDY 2WD petrol manual and go up to $37,690 for the topline Akari with AWD diesel with auto. The Mazda Kodo design theme has been around for some time and has worked extremely well globally from a sales point of view. So it comes as no surprise that the CX-3 follows its bigger and smaller brothers in its shape. The grille works very well, the body height is just right and has a neat profile, the rear has a semi-sleek look that, like many in this class, takes away some usability for long tall loads.
Becoming increasingly familiar to us is the new Mazda compact instrument layout. It has a large central dial with smaller rectangular displays on either side of it. It’s neat and stylish but it can be difficult to see the smaller displays at times. A somewhat basic head-up display is fitted to the upper CX-3 models. While it works reasonably well, it’s not as good as the systems being used by most other makers. However, the Mazda readout doesn’t disappear as soon as you put on polarising sunglasses - big plus from me. Our sTouring used a 7.0-inch colour screen to show satellite navigation, voice
activation, read-out text messages, Bluetooth, and internet connectivity. The navigation system uses data from SD cards and can display the current location on a map, or display routes to take to a destination. Via a smartphone you can use internet for content. The connectivity system also enables the use of Mazda apps. The Fuel Economy Monitor (FCM) shows if you’re driving in an eco-friendly manner. Maintenance allows drivers to check when their next oil change is due. Power comes from either a petrol or diesel engine.
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