2016 Mazda CX-3 AWD: First Drive

[@duderu4real94]

I’m 5’10 and I can fit into my CX 3, remember this one mans opinion. Most people here love this car.

[@timcongrove1305]

Agreed love it

[@m3metro]

As a former owner of the Mazda RX8, the CX3 is a dream. I like the engine "noise'/sound. All the fidley things about the infotainment center are moot, as thus is a drivers car. I could care less about radio stations and that knob. I plug in a USB stick, hit random and go. The coffee cup holders... I let that issue slide. It's a car. Not a cafe. I just use a smaller cup with stronger coffee. Manual mode using the shifter (not the paddles) that's where this car shines. An RX8, it ain't. But, I'll settle for the illusion. My only real issue with the CX3 is the heads up display. Don't need it. I don't need another distraction. After 32 years of driving, the only thing I need to inform me if my speed is my tachometer and my gut. This car is a driver's car. Passengers be damned. I'm not buying a car to make other people feel happy. I'm buying it to make me feel happy. If you're riding with me that means your only other option would be to walk. So be grateful. I've waited 4 years for a vehicle that was practical, sporty and fun. This is it. That infotainment knob... you'll adjust to once you realize how insignificant it is. The cup holders... meehh - you'll figure it out. The rest is pure driving pleasure.

[@TheMarlonsandifer]

Pretty negative review. Seems like once you got started with the negativity it just kept going. There wasn't many positive comments. Your review on this vehicle was definitely not in line with many other reviewers.

[@BoatClubCaretaker]

Glad I didn't watch this review before purchasing my CX-3, I would have missed out on owning a great car. While the review was presented well, I don't feel it was all that accurate (with exception of the awkward infotainment access)

[@darrellmarks6616]

The infotainment can also be operated by voice commands which most reviewers neglect to mention.....he's obviously a Toyota dealer.

[@chuckc6552]

This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. He is wrong about essentially everything.

[@m4k4ve1iCRO]

I challenge anyone to find single review out there (besides this one) that thinks Mazda infotainment system is anything less than decent.

[@elliottmanning4116]

If you don't need AWD, just get a Mazda 3 hatchback. It will be quicker, have better gas mileage and cargo space, essentially look and cost the same, and offers similar features. Or spend a little more money and get a CX-5.

[@mwells2683]

Bro it's a Mazda not a Mercedes. This guy expects top shelf noise reduction, technology, performance and interior layout in a 25k car? They are driving focused...the rest is gravy to the vast majority of those who purchase Mazdas.

[@TestDrivenTV]

No, we expect class-competitive noise reduction, technology, performance and interior layout in a 25k car.

[@mohdpazli]

+TestDrivenTV no you not.. i test drive both cx3 and hrv and also the chr... the noise of those 3 are on par.. chr and hrv you will hear the buzzing cvt.. cx3 you will hear the engine.. i will go with engine any day of the week

[@garylyons101]

It's good to know the negative and way up living with the CX3.

[@enpac1]

this guy hate mazda

[@joloui2035]

the base nissan rogue awd is a lot bigger has vents in the back, and is in canada about 26 000 + taxes...

[@dthompsont3796]

Ya, but when it hits 25000 miles, it starts to fall apart. I owned the new pathfinder, it was in the shop more than we could drive it. Constantly fixing problems all over the SUV including the entire 4x4 system from the engine back. I will never buy a Nissan again.

[@louislopez55]

I haven't seen where you reviewed the Mazda3 so I watched this review and the one you did for the Mazda 6 to get an idea of what you might think about the 3. I finally bought a Mazda3 hatchback (I-Touring) with the manual transmission and I think it's a fantastic car, everything I always wanted. I don't have a serious interest in the media interface as I am much more enthusiastic in the driving experience. On coarse pavement only the car is somewhat loud but it's a good trade off for the excellent suspension and tight handling. The car is a little loud upon start up but I think that is to be more pollution compliant with a cold engine. After a few moments it settles down and is quite quiet. The manual transmission is a joy and I'm glad I waited for it. I'll watch your videos to see when they repave the road to Tortilla Flat. I'm staying off of that crumbling and ridiculously rough road until they do. I don't know how you stand it! : )

[@TestDrivenTV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4m8e2igfKpmbc0

[@dominictierney]

Excellent honest review, one of the best I've seen for this little car. I've just bought one and it arrives in three weeks. Gone for the range topper (here in UK) as changing from a Nissan Juke - that was a disaster of a car. So many flaws.

[@Falco45able]

Maybe the info system is designed to deter you from using while driving other than steering wheel controls ..

[@5-0295]

What off road trails do you use?

[@jfazzuoli3813]

Great review as always. One thing you mentioned that is perplexing is the HR-V has a smoother engine.This is contrary to just about every review on the HR-V. The Mazda engine gets praise from other reviews as to how smooth and quiet it is. I have yet to drive either and was going to not even bother looking at the HR-V based on all the negative reviews, plus I hate CVTs.This coming from a Honda fanboy. Thanks to your review, I will drive them both before making a decision. Thanks!

[@TestDrivenTV]

+J Fazzuoli Thank you. And, well that tells you how smooth and refined the engine in the Mazda is when the HR-V is considered more so.

[@jfazzuoli3813]

+TestDrivenTV I test drove both back to back and went with the Honda. The Mazda felt fragile and the interior ergonomics are a hot mess. The Honda felt better built and the interior, although more conservative, had a more premium feel to me despite the faux stitching on the dash. Honda's minimalist approach to the interior reminded me of the Audi A3. I especially love the modern HVAC controls and lack of dials/buttons. The R18 engine of the Honda was certainly more refined and the CVT was very good for a CVT and made the most of the low torque/hp. It did not feel any slower than the CX3. The handling was also very good and was not far off from the CX3. Honda's magic seats and interior space sealed the deal for me.

[@67wildwolf]

Good review. Right up and until you did the off-road part. Modern crossovers unless they are Subaru's or Jeeps should stick to the pavement even if they have all wheel drive

[@TestDrivenTV]

+Frank Simpson We test them all off the pavement as this is how they are marketed to us. Some do better than others, which is part of our job to illustrate.

[@67wildwolf]

TestDrivenTV LOL sorry but you should know that car sales men and those that market them blow smoke a lot

[@TestDrivenTV]

True that, but as reviewers who cut through the smoke - it's our job to do just that ;)

[@jesperbbb]

Arent there a mobile tray built in the armrest?

[@m3metro]

Yes. There is a slot for a phone in the armrest. My Nexus 6 fits perfectly.

[@timcongrove1305]

I have no problem with it

[@Laurdeezy1]

Great review, Sam! This is the most honest review for this model that I have seen! I appreciate you going over the infotainment system the way you did. This one has been officially removed from our list for a new vehicle for our family!

[@kathiekopel3349]

9 n

[@werbrown]

Great review, lots of important information, thanks.

[@BoatClubCaretaker]

And it's great for those that don't want a mass produced "me too" car. Hey, I just bought a Rav 4, hey, me too.

[@edwardgrimenstein2164]

Nice job, Sam! And thanks for not drinking the Mazda Fan Boi Kool Aid like so many of your contemporaries. Mazda has its niche, but it is a narrow one. Keep up the good work.

[@takuan650]

Good review. No sugar coated bullshit here.