During these winter days we are driving Mazda CX-3 Luxury Edition for a review. The Crossover market is booming, there are in fact many cars in this segment on the market and Mazda has an ace to play with the new CX-3.
The excellent work of the engineers of Hiroshima’s house in fact, has made possible the design of a car that gives quality, versatility, technology and elegance, all accompanied by a winning design. From every angle you look at this compact SUV it looks beautiful and does not go unnoticed on the road. Today I’m not driving a normal Mazda CX-3! In my hands I have the Mazda CX-3 Luxury Edition, a limited edition in Italy.
Mazda wanted to respond to market demands with an even more accurate edition of its car. At the Exceed version of the Mazda CX-3 in fact, are added the i-Activesense package, the satnav, the seats in brown nappa leather with inserts in black suede, 18 ” wheels and a fantastic color Gray Machine that we had already seen on MX-5 test. This layout is elegant and helps make the Mazda CX-3 a premium car.
There are many touches of class inside this car, just think for example to the electric adjustment of the seats with memory of both the front seats and the Active Driving Display. The seats in this combination of brown nappa leather and black suede are really beautiful to look and pleasant to touch. Inside, everything follows the dictates of Mazda with perfect ergonomics and quality in every detail.
The raised driving position typical of Crossovers is pleasant. At the center we find the usual MZD Connect infotainment that we have already reviewed, combined with an excellent BOSE sound system. The control buttons in the console is in a slightly too far back position. The steering wheel has an ergonomical shape and allows you to control every aspect of the car from audio to cruise control.
Turning to the exterior, the design is really pleasing to the eye and the Mazda CX-3 curves make the car looks sporting even with a small off-road soul. Here, too, the technology is at high levels with LED lights, parking sensors with cameras and radar for adaptive cruise control and other functions of the i-Activesense system we have already reviewed.
The engine is the 1.5L Diesel Skyactiv 105 hp that always amazes us for performance and consumption. This time, in addition to the automatic transmission I have the opportunity to try the Mazda’s four-wheel drive system. So let’s see how it goes on the road!
The driving is very comfortable, the raised position, the comfortable seats and the on-board technology make the experience really pleasant. The all-wheel drive of the Mazda CX-3 also increases the perception of road safety and allows an excellent behaviour even on slippery surfaces.
A little cons is the fact that you are not able to disconnect all the controls, in fact I managed to deactivate only the traction control and not the ESP, it would be interesting to let the 4WD technology work on its own without the use of electronics. The 18′ rims guarantee excellent cornering stability without making the car too stiff on rough roads. Mazda CX-3 can be appreciated in all driving conditions, from off-road, to the city also passing from the highway.
The on-board technology assists the driver in every driving phase, from parking with the radar and sensors, a long trip with adaptive cruise control, to night driving with automatic high beam. The owner of a Mazda CX-3 will also greatly appreciate the low fuel consumption of the Skyactiv Diesel engine despite the presence of the four-wheel drive. Overall then the Mazda CX-3 Luxury Edition is a great car. The ability to combine off-road skills in a package so elegant and pleasant design makes this Crossover very versatile. It does not fear either a weekend in the snow or the city atmosphere and, in this luxurious edition, it will never make you disfigure even in evening dresses!
Article: Edoardo Mascalchi
Pictures: Edoardo Mascalchi, Federico Schipani
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