The 2017 Mazda CX-3 serves up loads of practical utility, making it a vehicle you can take anywhere. Thanks to its compact size, fitting in all kinds of tight spots, like what you find in cities, isn’t much of a problem. The large rear hatch and fold-flat second row make transporting big items, or just plenty of cargo, convenient. Plenty of interior amenities, cutting-edge technologies and more help round out a complete offering.

Mazda makes the 2017 CX-3 in three different models called GX, GS and GT. As you move up the line, the number of standard features increase.

Performance

All CX-3 models are powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder engine. It pumps out 146 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque, for strong and exhilarating performance. Thanks to direct injection, fuel is maximized for excellent efficiency.

You can pair this engine with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, plus either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The latter of the two reads road conditions 200 times every second, so it’s always adjusting to any changes.

When going through turns, the CX-3 handles beautifully. This is due in part to the Skyactiv-Chassis, which was designed from the beginning to feel nimble at any speed. Mazda created it to be lightweight, making it feel more direct and precise. A Skyactiv-Body provides excellent rigidity, thanks to ultra-high-tensile steel applied in strategic areas.

Safety

Despite being a smaller crossover, the 2017 CX-3 is loaded with safety innovations to protect anyone riding inside. Aside from the reinforced body structure, the vehicle uses several airbags to create an extra layer of cushioning, and protect against crash forces.

You can add LED headlights with an adaptive front lighting system. Not only does this setup illuminate the pathway ahead exceptionally well, it does a great job of showing what’s around a turn. As you move the steering wheel, the headlight beams follow, helping drivers to see potential hazards sooner.

With the optional advanced blind spot monitoring system, the driver is alerted when objects like another car are next to the CX-3, but sit outside the field of view. If the driver still turns on the turn signal to change lanes, the warning light starts blinking and an audible alert sounds out. Mazda designed the system to also warn if a fast-approaching vehicle is present, since it could quickly enter a blind spot.

Using radar, the rear cross traffic alert system can detect approaching vehicles when you’re backing out of a driveway or parking stall. This optional technology flashes a light on the corresponding side mirror as the direction of the approaching vehicle, plus uses an audible warning to get your attention.

Onboard Technology

One thing that greatly enhances your experience driving in the Mazda CX-3 is the infotainment system. An HMI Commander located in the centre console lets drivers navigate through the menus, without using the touchscreen. Bluetooth allows for hands-free phone calls, plus audio streaming. The navigation system works with voice commands and helps with advanced lane guidance.

You can increase the entertainment quality of the crossover by selecting the Bose 7-speaker sound system. It has 7 channels of custom equalization, plus digital signal processing, for unrivaled quality.

Contact us today to schedule a test drive, and experience the 2017 Mazda CX-3 firsthand.