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By Ross Kiddie Mazda CX-3 GSX When Mazda launched its CX-3 crossover/sport utility vehicle in New Zealand four years ago, I was so smitten with it I described it as being one of the company’s finest vehicles, it was certainly one of my best drives for 2015. Four years down the track, not a lot has changed, there’s now an upgraded CX-3 and it still exudes the feel and vigour that made the first generation model so memorable, only more so. Like before, the CX-3 lands in six grades with four-wheel-drive options along the way. All share the same naturally aspirated 2-litre engine, but there is now the option of two high grade models Limited and Takami, the latter is a range of high grade models that are filtering all through the Mazda line-up, and I can report from previous experience with Takami grade it is something that gives those models special appeal. All that aside, the CX-3 this evaluation focuses on is a mid-spec front-drive GSX and it lists at $36,695. For the record, the entry-level GLX sits at $31,995, while the Takami tops the range at $41,695. Even in GSX form the CX-3 wants for little, it has all of the ingredients that make you feel comfortable, and there is enough gadgetry to keep the technophile happy. Bear in mind that in this specification it also gets an i-Activesense safety upgrade which includes blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, smart city brake support reverse and radar cruise control. Mazda’s safety suite of technologies easily qualifies for a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment program rating. While I consider the CX-3 to be a true SUV, it is small and its size won’t appeal to everyone, it is a bit tight in the rear seating area but for me that’s never been an issue, the car feels so right to drive, and for a small family it will easily suffice as it makes good use of its compact proportions. There is also a purposeful amount of rear cargo space – according to Mazda – 264-litres to 1174-litres. What I like most about the CX-3 is its normality. Everything is traditional, there are no tricks with the engine and the gearbox is a torque converter automatic. While it appears simple on the surface, you also have to take into account that the driveline incorporates Mazda’s SkyActive technology which promotes economical fuel usage without compromise. This has been the direction Mazda has largely focused on as a car maker; it isn’t hugely into hybrids or electric vehicles, but it simply makes internal combustion engines work with amazing efficiency. As a result, the CX-3 is rated with a 6.3-litre per <strong>10</strong>0km (45mpg) combined cycle fuel usage figure and that is easily achievable. Without trying, the fuel usage reading on the evaluation car’s digital display was constantly listing around 7l/<strong>10</strong>0km (40mpg). At <strong>10</strong>0km/h the engine is relaxed (2<strong>10</strong>0rpm), sipping fuel at the rate of just 4.5l/<strong>10</strong>0km (63mpg) instantaneously. If you think this economy comes at the expense of performance you need not be worried, Mazda claim power outputs of 1<strong>10</strong>kW and 195Nm from the 1998cc engine. The CX-3 is free-revving and spirited, it’s lively to drive, and because it isn’t carrying too much weight (1297kg) it feels agile and nimble, and will return a 9sec standstill to <strong>10</strong>0km/h acceleration time. Along with the solid response from under the bonnet, the CX-3 is a hoot when corners arrive. It steers with beautiful feel and feedback, it can be driven enthusiastically such is its poise and composure, all of the time the suspension provides occupants with a comfortable, Page 35 Price: Mazda CX-3 GSX, $36,695 Dimensions: Length, 4275mm; width, 1765mm; height, 1535mm Configuration: Four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, 1998cc, 1<strong>10</strong>kW, 195Nm, six-speed automatic. Performance: 0-<strong>10</strong>0km/h, 9sec Fuel usage: 6.3l/<strong>10</strong>0km controlled ride as well as absorbing the road undulations without upsetting steering response, nor body balance. If you weigh up all of these ingredients, the CX-3 is a lot more than meets the eye. It is built with all of the fun factor that is Mazda’s ideology, and that is why I rate it so highly as a driver’s car, it is so involving. It is also well appointed, and given this is the CX-3’s second makeover it wants for nothing inside. GSX buyers have the choice of a leatherette/cloth trim or leather for an extra $1600. Elsewhere there is keyless entry and ignition, satellite navigation, intuitive display screen readouts, sport drive mode and my favourite inclusion, the standard fitment of a CD player, which is great for us old dinosaurs who haven’t fully adapted to the new digital music technology. I’ve written many times in recent reviews about the quality of product that is coming out of Mazda factories, the upgraded CX-3 would be very much a preferable choice, and if I do get the chance to buy a new car to see me through my impending retirement, then something out of this Japanese stable will be right at the forefront of any decision.