2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring FWD
Test Drive
Written by Marco Carvajal
Photographs by Katerina Krjanina
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring is a Subcompact Crossover also considered a Compact SUV, or CUV
2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring FWD5 seats Front-wheel driveEngine SKYACTIV®18-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVTTransmission SKYACTIV®18-Drive 6-Speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and Sport modeHorsepower 146 hp @ 6,000 rpmTorque 146 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpmFuel Tank Capacity 12.7 U.S. gallonsFuel Economy 29 city/ 34 hwy/ 31 combined Estimated MPG |
Introduction
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring is a Subcompact Crossover also considered a Compact SUV, or CUV. As I start to drive this CUV I am discovering all what Mazda has created on the CX-3. The art of creating cars is not an easy task, but Mazda has done a great job during a few decades, creating cars for a low price but with a beautiful design interior and exterior, with many helpful features. Those consumers who know Mazda well have learned to love the value of their cars. It seems that the CX-3 is not an exception to the success of most Mazda cars.
Those consumers who know Mazda well have learned to love the value of their cars
The distinctive peculiarity of Mazda cars is a reflection and transference of the whole life and power of the car through its design and lines, creating soul of motion, even before you start it. Speaking of CX-3, it performs well-balanced proportions, showing both agility and strengths.
To perform more, than its predecessors, the all-new 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring presents a list of new features and conveniences to provide an instant response when particular system is needed.
The 2017 Mazda CX-3 was rated as “Top Safety Pick Plus” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its Smart City Brake Support and Adaptive Front-lighting System. It was also included in 2017 Best Vehicle Brand Awards and always get high marks for interior comfort, tech, and design.
Engine
The SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY permits to maximize fuel economy and driving dynamics, providing quality driving experience at the same time. SKYACTIV®18-G 2.0L engine performs great fuel efficiency, showing agility at low speeds and constancy at higher speeds, with impressive 34 EPA-estimated HWY MPG1. This is a powerful engine with a lighter body, if compared to conventional engines it shows higher compression ratios.
- SKYACTIV®18-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
- Horsepower 146 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque 146 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Fuel Economy 29 city/ 34 hwy/ 31 combined Estimated MPG
Prices
| Model | Price |
| Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring | $24,990 |
Exterior features
- Roof-mounted “shark fin” antenna
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED headlights with auto leveling
- LED Combination taillights
- Auto-off headlights
- Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
- LED fog lights
- Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps
- Heated side mirrors
- Body-color door handles
- Silver side body garnish
- Silver front grille garnish
- Rear roofline spoiler
- Variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Intermittent rear wiper/washer
Wheels and tires
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- P215/50 R18 all-season tires
- Temporary spare tire
Exterior dimensions
- Wheelbase (in) 101.2
- Track, front (in) 60.0
- Track, rear (in) 59.9
- Length, without license plate holder (in) 168.3
- Width (in) 69.6
- Height (in) 60.9
- Minimum Ground Clearance, Laden (in) 6.2
Interior features
The interior design will surely surprise you, with a composition of color and textile, bringing a sense of sporty exquisiteness. From seats to devices, CX-3 was created to make one feel like home. Automatic climate control with pollen filter, Leather-trimmed, heated front seats (3 levels), comprehensive audio system and many other conveniences will provide a feeling of comfort and confidence. Even foot pedals are designed to lessen foot fatigue on longer drives.
Comfort and convenience
- Active Driving Display
- Automatic climate control with pollen filter
- Power windows with driver’s one-touch down/up feature
- Power sliding-glass moonroof with one-touch-open feature and interior sunshade
- Power door locks with 2-stage unlocking
- Push button start
- Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls
- Front and rear overhead lights
- Heater/defroster with rear heater ducts
- Rear window defogger with timer
- Remote fuel door release
- Manual day/night rearview mirror
- Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System
- Remote rear hatch release
- Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters
- Tilt and telescopic steering column
- Dual covered visor vanity mirrors
- 12-volt power outlet
Storage
- Glove compartment
- Overhead console with sunglass holder
- Center console armrest with covered storage bin
- Front Cupholders
- Front armrest
- Front and rear door bottle holders/storage
- Front passenger seatback pocket
- Cargo area light
- Tonneau cover
Seating and trim
- 5-passenger seating capacity
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seats
- Leatherette-trimmed dashboard trim panel
- Bright-finish door handle pulls
- Lux Suede door trim with red arm rests
- Red center console knee pads
- Heated front seats (3 levels)
- 6-way manual driver’s seat
- Leather-trimmed sport seats with Lux Suede inserts
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped parking brake handle
- Carpet floor mats
Audio and infotainment
- 7″ full-color touch screen display
- Bluetooth®4 hands free phone & audio capability
- Bose® 7-speaker audio system
- HD Radio™
- Multifunction Commander Control
- MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System2
- Infotainment system voice command
- Radio Broadcast Data System program information
- Aha™ internet radio integration
- Pandora® internet radio integration
- Stitcher™ internet radio integration
- SMS text message audio delivery and reply
- E911 automatic emergency notification
- Mazda Navigation System
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
- Auxiliary-audio input jack
- USB audio input
- Steering-wheel-mounted audio, cruise and phone controls
Instrumentation
- Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display)
- Full instrumentation including, tachometer, and fuel level gauge
- Black gauges with white lettering and silver surround
- Ambient temperature & digital clock
- Trip computer
Safety
- 3-point safety belts for all seating positions
- Front safety-belt pretensioners with force limiters
- Advanced front air bags5 with seat belt-use, passenger-weight sensors
- Front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection21
- Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rearview camera
- LATCH child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
- Side-impact door beams
- Fold-away brake pedal assembly
Security
- Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
- Keyless remote panic button (on key fob)
- Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Child-safety rear door locks
Conclusion
The all-new 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring FWD can be proud of engine efficiency and responsive the SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed manual transmission, which is inspired by the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The SKYACTIV®18-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine is light and powerful at the same time, providing 29 city/34 highway/ and 31 combined Estimated MPG. Speaking of its design, it is both sporty and refined, combining sport, comfort and strength at the same time. It has 5 seats, so it is a good choice for a family trip, as a lot of attention is paid not just to comfort, but safety as well.
Those consumers who know Mazda well have learned to love the value of their cars. The CX-3 is not an exception, the price of the new 2017 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring FWD starts at $24,990.
Among benefits of this car it also should notice about available Active Driving Display, which helps to accept information faster and be more careful on the road. Standard on every CX-3, the MAZDA CONNECT™2 entertainment system will become a good help with its multifunction commander control, and many other functions to enjoy the CX-3 without limits.
