2016 / 2017 Mazda CX-3 Review and Road Test | DETAILED in 4K

[@diegosuarez1403]

Got the 2017 CX3 in the same colour. Almost 7 years later still drives like new and no issues. Mazda makes reliable cars

[@StacyMontes71]

I absolutely love my 2016 CX-3. I have this exact Blueberry!!!! I had a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport and a 2006 Nissan Xterra. Hands down the Mazda has my heart!!!! This review is perfect!!!!

[@SWEETVENOM100]

@Alex on Autos, pls don't ever ditch the multi angle Camera views. When I watch other reviewers, I always get annoyed because I can't see his driving style or the road or him narrating. With your videos I can relate to my driving environment/ driving style. This helps heaps when considering a future vehicle. Keep it up! Cheers from Canada

[@mariowhyte2816]

Maaaan I can't get enough of your reviews Alex!!! My wife got into an HRV and she loves it. I recommend my friends and family to watch your videos before they buy anything. your reviews are great for comparison purposes and so she got the HRV over the CX 3 because of the simple fact that we get more cargo room for baby stuff and that rear seat simply swallows the rear facing seat and still seats two adults on either side of it without compromising front seat comfort for driver and passenger. Thanks again and keep up the good work!!!!

[@justinguan9459]

Recently got a CX-3...highly recommend it! This review helped me make my decision. Thanks for the great reviews, and keep up the amazing work!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Any problems so far? Hows the gas mpg?

[@justinguan9459]

buildmorefarms100 No problems at all! Right now the average is around 31.8 mpg. I do a little more driving on the highway than in the city. It's much better than other cars I've driven, but to be honest I was actually expecting around 33 mpg.

[@Brian_0523]

Justin Guan how bad is acceleration when merging into fast traffic?

[@Thechosen77]

Nice I’m looking at a 2017 with 36,000 miles for $ 10,700 in mexico, it looks really nice I hope I buy it

[@tahsin28]

U got a cx-3 instead of a 3? Inhunan.

[@marioplus321]

Nowadays Mazdas are among the most beautiful cars in the world_

[@ZachTheTechie97]

Thank you Mazda for not going to the CVT and still getting fantastic MPG numbers. Props to you. Only if the competition can do what you do *cough* Honda *cough* Subaru *cough*

[@KrishMod520]

Family of four here. All average-sized, me being the tallest. We all can sit comfortably in this car with enough leg room. I personally LOVE this car to death. Compared to Honda HR-V this is the best Japan made car in the class. Truly an engineering innovation

[@mdwesquire]

From the time I saw that this thing was shorter than the Mazda3, I thought "why not just get a Mazda3 hatch?". I'm glad you addressed that at the end of the review.

[@Skilli-wo4xb]

mdwesquire Better Clarence

[@traviswieser]

No AWD in the Mazda 3 until 2019

[@emeraldeyes8688]

Just bought a 2017 CX-3 in black and I love it. Came across this video and it reinforces that I made a good decision. 👍🏻

[@MrMazda-ih8cw]

Did not know that the Scion iA and the Mazda2 were the same vehicle. Its true that we learn something new every day! Thanks!

[@eliceoherrera-flores6542]

Thanks for another great review Alex! I debated for awhile wether to buy the Mazda 3 or the CX3. Ultimately, liked the styling of the CX3 just a little bit more than the Mazda 3. So I purchased my GT CX3 FWD back in early September and have no regrets. I have a 40 mile commute each way in LA traffic and have been averaging an impressive 35 mpg. The backseats are definitely a little tight for adults but for kids there's plenty of room even with my 3 year-old's car seat. Overall, very happy with my purchase!!

[@Patrick94GSR]

Oh wow, the manual shift mode actually has it the "correct" way of pulling back to upshift, pushing forward to downshift! Coming from a manual gearbox, that's far more natural than pushing forward to upshift. That's also how most true sequential gearboxes are set up.

[@ST-421]

Exactly. Mazda does it the right way.

[@charleneleber1933]

I like the way you are so thorough and telling what every button is!

[@rondavis9918]

best reviews hands down. Looking at this for my Daughter...

[@miwnamoh]

It is a perfect car I have a CX-3 from 2017,bought it 3 years ago.

[@pedrof830]

Kudos to Mazda for not going the CVT or turbo route so many others have taken.

[@arthurs7882]

+pedrof830 A 1.6T or so with 20-30 more ponies than this would be welcome.

[@pedrof830]

Arthur S No turbo for me, thanks!

[@TheAdventureAuto]

+Arthur S Ponies are just a number. High compression will give you better overall efficiency than a turbo. My Veloster Turbo had a 1.6T with 201 HP and the 2.5 from Mazda is actually quicker and gets 8+ mpg better. I really need to change my username at this point. Skyactiv has totally changed my outlook.

[@arthurs7882]

I know our EPA sticker says 39 highway, but I doubt it. I get 30 tank average and am content.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

+Arthur S I get mid 40's hwy and average city/hwy after 28000 is 36.3. I drive spirited and do 65-75 on hwy. You must do a lot of idling :-D

[@drewdavid9672]

Just stumbled onto this. Haven't seen reviews quite this thorough...nice job

[@Robert-zw7uf]

Fantastic thorough and informed review of the Mazda accented by comparisons with other options. Thanks again! Love your exclusive "trunk space rating".

[@Alvan81]

Great review Alex (as usual). What I love about your reviews is that you are Fact/Specification/Features based and then you give your Opinion. As a result, you are always clear about when you are giving your opinion which we all value. I used your reviews to help me understand the myriad of CUV offerings in the CX-5, CRV, class. ( I'm too tall for the smaller ones.) Very quality and very professional.

[@techexplorer9382]

The CX-3 is a very nice vehicle for its segment ! Thanks for the review . Joe

[@huetuber1204]

You’re an excellent speaker. Public speaking is not easy. Great presentation.

[@ctsfiddler]

Alex, you really do your homework, good job. I enjoy all your reviews.

[@ScottE5]

Another great review. Alex, you're on a roll, much like Mazda. If you don't need a ton of cargo space, this thing is by far the most appealing jacked-up hatchback in the segment. So, when does its racier brethren make an appearance here? Would love to see your take on the MX-5 Miata.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+ScottE5 I hope to see that soon, rumour tells me they are starting to show up near me.

[@ScottE5]

Thanks Alex. I'll be on the lookout...

[@belowdelancey1025]

Alex on Autos I have to pay some compliments for your level of professionalism and extreme detail in your reviews. I had a thought/suggestion. When it comes to your trunk/cargo assessment, it might be useful to also attempt a "bike fit" test. I think whereas the average person looking at small compacts can buy a roof rack, take a wheel off, etc, it is still a very real life scenario to have to quickly toss a bike or two (if you're a small family) in the trunk. And helps visualize what else may fit. Again just a thought, your videos are already stellar as is.

[@arthurs7882]

That interior is gorgeous! I have a Mazda3sT...so the second highest trim. Those color accents are much nicer than my monotone interior.

[@MegaGasek]

Excellent review! I am torn between the M3 Hatch and CX-3. Cx-3 for looks and Hatch for practicality (Can carry 2 bikes inside, skis, snowboards, sits people comfortably)... AWD for me is a farce.

[@MegaGasek]

+Remus Muresan My opinion is from what I read and from seeing so many awd cars on the ditch during my ski trips... I heard that drivers get overconfident and end up doing things that a driver without awd wouldn't.. true, I don't drive an awd car...

[@jrwaters943]

Good review. With that said, the aluminum trim you mentioned on the doors is real not faux. It gets cold to the touch like only real metal can.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Justin Waters That info was from Mazda, we asked before filming and they said it was not real.

[@jrwaters943]

+Alex on Autos Thanks for the reply. That's so odd because we've had a few sub-40 degree mornings and the the trim is cold to the touch. Either way, it looks and feels like the real thing so I guess that's good enough for me. Keep up the good work on your reviews!

[@MikeReimers]

I like the comparisons at the end. Comparing price points, available options, overall values to its competitors are the whole reason I watch reviews in the first place. Really helpful information

[@kikimoraWTF]

bought my car on the 10th of february, bought petrol once from that time(its the 10th of march) and i still have petrol for another week , its an awesome car

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Pete, that is true but the basics of what the Renegade was designed for are still there in the 1.4T model. It is heavier because the chassis was designed for off road use. The suspension is also softer, steering less direct, etc. Even though they took that vehicle and made it very on road worthy, it's not a "sporty" crossover in any form.

[@AlphaYTang]

+Alex on Autos Isn't the Subaru Crosstrek also a competitor to the CX-3?

[@taypuc31]

+A Tang No. The Crosstrek is HUGE compared to the CX-3

[@ZachTheTechie97]

+taypuc31 Agreed. In fact, I'm probably going from the Crosstrek to the CX-3. My Subaru was returned to the dealership after 1 year for being a lemon.

[@amandahsu9204]

Alex on Autos

[@motorcityman401]

Renegade is made by FIAT in Italy, NOTHING Italian made is reliable.

[@djizzah]

wish toyota would get their act together and start making good looking cars like trhis

[@Robstafarian]

I paused about a minute in, when I realized that the CX-3 could be purchased with all wheel drive: sadly, the base CX-3 with all wheel drive is $1,500 more than the base Subaru Impreza (with an automatic transmission, since the all wheel drive CX-3 is not available with a manual transmission).

[@zaitcev0]

I watched this video when it was posted, even commented, but I did not realize that I missed the point until I watched a SavageGeese review for CX-3 that was posted recently. Maybe it's the standard structure of the video. It did get top marks for handling, but it's not mentioned that the 6sp auto in CX-3 does rev-matching and rev-holding, and does not force up- or down-shifts.

[@ranualfhunter1869]

A great review, very informative and with a lot of detailed information and comparison to other makes and models of competitors, keep up the good work.

[@didiattoz]

impressive review indeed as usual Alex always deliver so much things we should know about this particular car, i agree with most people here, one biggest problem about the car is the size...but in terms of that, if i had money on the line then i would choose this car rather than HRV, Alex would you please do full review to Mazda 2 Skyactiv GT model and compare it with other hatchback in the same class, thank you so much!

[@Onion_Knights]

the most detailed car introduction ive ever seen

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Great review Alex. I agree 100% on the Mazda 3 being a better vehicle. I dug deep into the specs to see how this could be a better vehicle, but it just isn't. Even the ground clearance is the exact same as a Mazda 3. Just doesnt make sense to me why they wouldn't do more to make this stand out in CUV type ways.

[@LAKings4TheCup]

The Adventure Mazda styling and more importantly AWD is what is has over the regular 3. That being said the regular 3 is better on almost every other aspect so you’re right for the most part.

[@dthompsont3796]

I literally would only choose this because of the AWD

[@FoundingYouTuber]

We are looking at buying a sub or compact SUV. As some have said, these are NOT sport utility vehicles, they are cars for moving about town with space in the back to haul groceries or the latest antique find at an estate or garage sale. What these are NOT: - A vehicle to regularly tote around more than two people. - A family car, that is, a family of more than two. - A vehicle to carry more than the spouse, and a child seat in the back. - A vehicle to haul more than one small child in the back. - An off-road vehicle. To be sure, when you see these selling used on Craig's List, almost all the sellers say that the reason for getting rid of the vehicle is it is too small for their growing family.

[@lee-ridgeway]

Are you planning to test drive the new Volt any time soon? Would really love to hear your thoughts. Thanks, Alex! Great reviews as always.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Christa Lee Hopefully in December

[@johnfachy393]

Very informative video, well done! Thanks for posting!!

[@cadsux]

Great job, as usual. As someone who has owned 3 Mazdas, I was really looking forward to the CX-3. When I test drove one I thought it was fine, but felt the cabin was a bit noisier, the seats a bit narrow, and the lane departure warning "rumble" effect unnerving. Also, I found the price for a GT rather expensive, considering it's similarly priced to a Mazda3 hatchback. I'm curious as to why the Nissan Juke and Mini Countryman wasn't included for this comparison.

[@Knightlore10]

There's a strong pull in me towards this but its the same impulse trigger that draws me towards a Ducati when I buy a bike. I think the Mazda is a drivers car but I may have to shell out more to keep it maintained.

[@pedrof830]

This new Mazda subcompact platform is so good, that it's a shame we're not getting the Mazda 2 in the states, perhaps they thought it would take market share from the more profitable 3.

[@Tully3674]

Great review and the car is a terrific value for its price.

[@lacross81]

jeep renegade cost around the same, and it has a broken transmission.

[@santocad]

Alex, very detailed reviews. Great work!!! What do you think of the Subaru Crosstrek XV for 2016? Do you have any plans on reviewing that vehicle? Keep up the great reviews!

[@paoloochangco6072]

you sold us man. good job!

[@thedon378]

bought one today :) my first car at 18. wish me luck fellas

[@zaitcev0]

Renegade has an on-road version with 1.4t and manual, which is significantly different from Trailhawk (this was obliquely mentioned in tail section).

[@hainguyen4707]

Amazing review! So so informative and covers pretty much everything. Thank you!

[@xxgg]

Will they every offer a software update to allow Android Auto/Apple CarPlay?

[@EvanderSmart]

Like the aggressive style

[@ankh428]

I need this car in my life! Some day CX-3, some day. By the way awesome review!

[@redapplepie100]

Great review. You really know your stuff!

[@YoureNowOnTV]

17:04 HRV ? Hmmmm I guess he meant CX3 back when this was shot?

[@industrialgirl]

Thank you for the very in-depth review! It was excellent!

[@1717jbs]

Another great review. Thanks.

[@TheKiing81]

i love this thing...i want one....

[@EverythingAutoDealer]

Alex, I've never seen such great reviews. You're no nonsense approach is Exactly what I am looking for. I come away with more information in your reviews, than any other. I want to thank you so much for that!! My question for you on this vehicle is that I have a bad back. Lower back pain is a problem for me, so I need a comfortable seat, with some cushion to it. In your opinion, would this drivers seat be comfortable for a person with lower back problems on a long trip, say, Los Angels to Mammoth, or Tahoe. My wife and I drive Allot of miles, as we like to travel. Again, thank you So much for your reviews. My wife test drove a Kia Optima based on what she saw in your review, where she would have never considered a Kia. She loved it and bought it. It is a Very comfortable, practical car, with allot of whistles and bells. Take care, and thank you for your time! I look forward to more of your excellent reviews!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+EverythingAutoDealer Comfortable seats would be hard to find at this end of the spectrum in that way. The CX-3 lacks lumbar support of any real sort. I would say that the HR-V is a little more comfortable, the CR-V is still better. I found the Encore to be compact but comfortable as well.

[@EverythingAutoDealer]

Alex, I can't thank you enough for your advice. I know you must be Extremely busy, so thank you for your time in answering my question. Take care, love your reviews. You've got it down to what car buyers want to hear, and need to know. I was an auto Service Manager, and District Service Manager for 38 years, and I find your info to be Right on. Thanks for all you're reviews!

[@instars3k]

about back pain, I can cay that most comfortable seats that I ever experienced is in Opel Astra

[@seanof30306]

Hey Alex, I really enjoyed your review of the CX-3. I'm seriously considering buying one, and you gave me a lot of good information. I wonder if you could answer a few questions for me: 1) I'm 6'5", and often feel like Herman Munster when sitting in a car. I currently drive a 1996 Jeep Cherokee I bought new. I'm only putting it out to pasture because it's finally about worn out. A few years ago, I went so far as to go to a fabricator and have the seat brackets cut and re-welded to lower the seat 1 1/2". It doesn't sound like much, but it made all the difference in the world to me. In your review, you mentioned the driver's seat had a height adjustment. In your opinion, is there enough adjustment there for someone as tall as I am, or do you think I'd have to have the seat lowered? 2) When discussing the AWD, you said it was not designed for off-road use. I never off road. I use my Jeep's AWD for snowy and wet weather. Would the CX-3's AWD suffice for this? 3) I'm wondering about the available navigation. I use navigation every now and then, and have been quite satisfied with the navigation app(s) on my android phone. I plan on keeping this car for a long time, and wonder whether locking in to the navigation technology available in the CX-3 makes sense when the navigation apps available for the phone get so much better all the time. What do you think? Thanks, SP

[@RM-jj4ut]

Came here from TFL car... Loving your reviews so far!

[@grahamjefferson4854]

I want to like the CX-3 but the odd hood length in comparison to the rest of the car, too-big lip moldings and the way the rear quarter window areas are designed really keep this from looking cohesive in my opinion. I feel that the 3 has the same lengthy front end issue. The 6, CX-5, and new CX-9 wear the Kodo design language beautifully though. I like it much more on their larger vehicles. Perhaps if the passenger compartment was a bit longer and taller it would look better and solve the cramped rear seat issue. I also don't see the purpose for this car in their current lineup, since the CX-5 solves all of these issues and the 3 hatch is ultimately more practical while costing less.

[@letsgonow5641]

Nice review Alex..slightly lengthy otherwise great..I love this vehicle..though i think Mazda might of missed a few customers by going a touch too small..

[@RedMango55]

If CX3 is too small, get the CX5. Not sure why people complain that it's too small. I personally prefer a small car. lol

[@letsgonow5641]

@@RedMango55 I do to but now they have the CX 30 which is about right for most people. If i could get a good deal on the CX3 i would grab one .

[@RedMango55]

@@letsgonow5641 Used car prices are insane! I want one too.

[@bobplantz408]

You compared the CX-3 with the Mazda3 at the end. Have you had a chance to compare the 2.5L with the 2.0L in the 3? I would be interested in the manual transmission. One downside for me is that you have to get leather seats to get a 2.5L with manual. I actually prefer cloth seats. But my main concern is the handling feel. I'm sure the 2.0L has plenty of power for me. (I'm currently driving a 2005 Prius.) I ask because when I bought a new 1995 Ford Contour I got the V6 (and manual). I didn't even drive the 4 cyl. But after a couple of years, some of the auto press said that the 4 cyl. handled better, and still had plenty of power.

[@Gliese380]

i'm torn between this and a mazda 3 sedan

[@vishwanathkr22]

Wow, what a review!!

[@serious.business]

I have this car. Put it in sport, switch to manual, and you can get 0 - 60 in 6 - 7 seconds (if you know how to shift).

[@danvasse8075]

The Mazda CX3 is not about space for passengers. This vehicle is more like a 2+2. People who buy this car cares nothing about who is sitting in the back or else they would buy something bigger. Buyers buy these size vehicles basically for themselves and a passenger. Maybe small kids are involved. I am buying one but only because I am single, no passengers and it is my car and I just love it. If you end up in the back and you don't fit quite well get out and take Uber or Lyft.

[@Longdic17]

nice presentation.I like the design both exterior and interior...what I would like to know is, does it come with park assist?

[@matzel27]

I love the looks but feel it would be too small for me. If only this was built on the Mazda3 platform...

[@shiqz7]

Great review Alex!

[@islandgirl103]

Nice review Alex. Since you mentioned the Buick Encore, will you get a chance to drive the new Encore sport touring model with the bigger engine? Also, have you driven the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the 2.4 liter engine?

[@tallerhumano]

Great review Alex, about the comment of CX-3 vs 3 HB, I agree that 3 HB would be a bit better for cargo and power, but what's your take about riding comfort? CX-3 is a bit higher, larger suspension, which would you choose for rough urban streets?

[@Therealistjohndough]

When you go into the length comparison portion of all your reviews, could you add the actual length of the vehicle in review?

[@DECKARD263354BR]

Just wondering if a road bicycle would fit inside with the wheels kept on and the seats folded down ?

[@DimachkaS]

Great review! Dont drive with ur high beams on :)))))

[@sebastianlim2499]

i would buy this rather than the HR-V only if it is bigger

[@StacyMontes71]

That is my blueberry!!!! I absolutely love my CX-3!!!

[@redapplepie100]

Did they illuminate the door buttons so one can see them at night? This is a big problem for me in my 3 right now.

[@ThePowerOfJericho]

Great work on design by Mazda. The only thing left now is to upgrade their engines(for example they can make a 2.0L diesel engine with 140-150 or more Hp - The truth is that 105 Hp is to low!!!)

[@NoteFromSELF]

Great explanations. Thorough. Thanks.

[@Clove_Parma]

Like the glasses, very John Lennon.

[@YC_Talk]

Hi Alex, I'm wondering if the 2016 Subaru Outback is will be on your list? Besides the new generation Eyesight system on it quite interests us. I've watched your Foreseter's review and it's quite helpful, thanks.

[@mark_lewis]

The lower and midline trim levels have 16" not 17" wheels (17:20)

[@hnnotyy]

Mazda 2 was available they just discontinued it. I see them on the road.

[@djameltessa7914]

Excellent Review as usual....

[@aeusem88]

With all the praise from both critics as the public for the SKYACTIV technology, KODO design and the great handling of the Mazda vehicles, why isn't Mazda growing in terms of volume, like for instance Subaru is?

[@madridtillidie]

I honestly think it's marketing.

[@deurkl]

+aeusem88 Pricing? They're not cheap.

[@AlainCarAudioManiac]

What a wonderful review.

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

0-60 times between the CX-3 and Renegade have less to do with the engine and more to do with the weight. The renegade weighs close to 600 pounds more than the CX-3.

[@vicxng]

very detailed review. Thank you

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Why doesn't Mazda have power rear lift gates on their CX-3/5?

[@icoombs73]

All the major manufactures have an entry in this class, except Ford and Toyota

[@KVNVFamily]

HI Alex,Your reviews are the best in the entire KZbin. I watch them and enjoy them. Only one suggestion: Most of the people buy a used 2-5years old cars. If you could do review for used cars will be great. I just bought 2012 MB C350 4matic sedan (only 30 000km) and I wanted to find your review, but you don't have one. I really want to hear your thoughts about it.Thank youCheers,Krum

[@ThorMaxx]

I wouldn't say most buy 2 to 5 year old cars....

[@afourn44]

Reminds me of a Subaru Crosstrek, except more style and performance rather than Subaru's more...utilitarian approach.

[@joshuacooper2986]

Do you guys think this will be a good first car?

[@ZakElbas]

I love Mazda and the way they drive (I wish they were faster though). But that car is soooooo tiny in the back. I don't understand 9/10 score for back seat. The score should be at most 7 and that's being extremely generous.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Do Americans really love CUVs that much? Like you mentioned at the end, I just feel like the CX-3 makes no sense when there is a Mazda 3 hatchback in the same showroom. And while I have never driven a CX-3, there was one parked next to my 2005 Ford Focus sedan and it looked so much smaller than my car. Yes, it is based off of a subcompact, but I still would feel like since it technically is a CUV, it would be larger.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Elliott Manning Oh yes, it is the love that dare not speak its name.

[@watershed44]

+Elliott Manning I'm born and raised in the US, and I don't understand the interest either in these things. Then again I think the marketing folks would like you to THINK that the interest is there even if it isn't so much the reason, is because the car companies make more profit margin on these things.

[@jrwaters943]

I considered both, but went with the CX-3. Why? I think the proportions are better (the 3 hatch looks like a clown shoe) and I wanted AWD. 1 month in and I don't have a single regret.

[@matzel27]

+Justin Waters I think the AWD is a big factor for those living in the snowbelt.

[@MegaGasek]

+matzel27 Remember that all wheel drive is just for accelerating better in snowy conditions, won't give you extra grip, better handling or better stopping power. When I go on my ski trips here in Canada most often than not I see AWD cars on the ditch... I think people don't understand what AWD really is.

[@GrumpyShihTzu]

I only have two problems with your review. The handling and acceleration can't be rated "A" when the Nissan Juke is faster and handles better. Everything else is spot on.

[@2004cyrus]

GrumpyShihTzu that damn juke had a CVT, it's not faster. Juke doesn't handsome better I've test driven the heck out of both. Chose a Mazda and love it.

[@evolution211282]

cant wait comparism with suzuki vitara turbo

[@gee70usa]

Hi Alex am new Subscriber. likes the way you do your review on the cars on this KZbin channel. Question, when are you going to review the Mitsubishi Outlander, Outlander Sports, and Subaru Crosstrek?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+ToToh Gee We should have the crosstrek soon

[@gee70usa]

+Alex on Autos 👍

[@butipasila]

Hi Alex. Do you know why manufacturers make the nav SD card slots highly visible on the dash? Aren't they a magnet for theft, especially when the car is driven by valets? I know those nav SD cards cannot be duplicated/backed-up and are not cheap to replace (runs about $700 or more).

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Ted Schactimera Usually its because relocating it would be more expensive. Not much more, but every penny counts in a way. The updates are less than $200 at this time if you have to pay for them, Mazda does include 3 years of free map updates.

[@butipasila]

+Alex on Autos Thanks for taking time to reply. I was actually referring to potential theft on the original card. In order to replace it, the driver (potentially me, when I get my new car soon) would have to spring for a replacement SD card containing the original software (not the updates). I see there's no way to lock it using DIY since it's on the upper portion of the dash (like in the Sonata and Tucson, for example). I know the ignition key must be at least in the "II" position in order for anyone to steal the CD-ROM of my Toyota's nav.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Ted Schactimera Supposedly replacing it is in the sub $200 range I'm told. I have not heard of much theft of this type.

[@butipasila]

+Alex on Autos Thanks for the feedback. it's cheaper now