Search CarGuide.PH

June 30, 2016

First Drive: 2016 Mazda CX-3 2.0 FWD


There are two ways you can make a successful small crossover: you can simply do what the others are doing, perhaps improve a thing or two in the recipe, or you can take an entirely different approach and chart your own path. There’s no question which direction Mazda is taking with its CX-3. Like how they’ve weaved their magic in the compact car segment with the Mazda3 and the sub-compact car segment with the Mazda2, the CX-3 focuses on the brand’s two key strengths: great to drive and look good doing so.

Mazda doesn’t shy away from saying that the CX-3 is based off the Mazda2, and yet there’s more here than meets the eye. Understanding that raising the chassis would alter the center of gravity and consequently the driving dynamics, engineers have gifted the CX-3 with firmer bushings and re-tuned springs/dampers. Plus, to suit the crossover’s ability to travel long distances comfortably, the steering ratio’s been slowed by 7 percent. These changes go hand-in-hand with a platform with the same torsional rigidity as the larger Mazda3.



On top of that sits a body that’s appealing to the eye—incredibly taut and undeniably Mazda. Instead of going cutesy or oddball as others in this segment have, the CX-3 relies on the KODO design language, albeit improved and tweaked since the formula first appeared in the CX-5 back in 2012. Side-by-side next to its bigger brother, it’s sharper and more coherent. The trademark design cues: long hood, cab-rearward design, small overhangs, and tight rear proportions are all here. But because it’s dimensionally bigger than the Mazda2 hatchback, designers have a bigger canvas to apply the intricate creases and surfaces to make the CX-3 look even more handsome.

Stepping inside the CX-3 opens up to a cabin that doesn’t digress from Mazda’s tried and tested formula. The dashboard is low and flat with just the 7-inch infotainment screen in the middle breaking the expanse of the soft-touch upper panel. The well-organized instrument cluster, though easy-to-read, is starting to look dated with its monochromatic digital display. Apart from that small hiccup, the other ingredients in the CX-3’s ergonomics formula are spot on. The steering wheel offers great adjustment, the pedals are aligned perfectly to the driver’s feet, the seats are well supportive, and the controls are all clearly marked and easy to use. Even the exterior visibility is great—a surprise given the small looking greenhouse.




Imagining that the CX-3 and Mazda2 have the same interior space given the same platform and wheelbase is partly right. Thanks to higher hip points, the CX-3 gains more legroom (20-mm up front and 30-mm at the back) compared to its hatchback twin. These numbers don’t sound much—and they aren’t, but it does make sitting in the rear seat considerably more comfortable. It’s the same story for those looking for voluminous luggage space. It can carry a weekend’s worth of luggage, but it’s nowhere near the expected storage and versatility expected. Apart from that, large cup holders and door pockets, a decently sized center console and glove box all offer the oddment storage needed.

So while functionality isn’t the CX-3’s strong suit, it does present a more premium feeling interior. The materials used are well above for the segment with nicely grained plastics and textured metallic accents. The Alcantara/leather combination seats, and red soft-touch kneepads and door trims do a lot to impart a sporty vibe while breaking the monotony of the all-black interior.




Further digressing from the Mazda2 formula, the CX-3 doesn’t use the hatchback’s 1.5-liter unit, but instead opts for the tried-and-tested 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G 4-cylinder engine. Also found in the Mazda3 and CX-5, it curiously loses 9 horsepower and 8 Nm in this particular application. On the road though, this difference is negligible. Like its other Skyactiv-equipped siblings, the CX-3’s drivetrain works in unison to deliver a truly engaging driving experience. Getting it to go fast requires more coaxing from the throttle, but once the rev happy engine hits its sweet spot, it comes alive. The 6-speed automatic is responsive in both urban or highway settings, though paddle shifters would have been welcome when tackling hilly turns. In this particular multi-country, 1,400-kilometer drive, it does 13.69 km/L—pretty good considering the convoy’s breakneck pace.

There’s a lot more to love in the CX-3 apart from the drivetrain. Like the rest of its Skyactiv kin, this is one fun car to toss around. It starts with a steering that’s high in on-center feel, making it great for highway cruising and corner carving. It’s obedient too, rotating through curves without the need to saw the steering wheel. Into the corner, it responds with progression, transferring weight from side to side, fore and aft beautifully. There’s also minimal body roll. The ride is decisively on the firm side, but it’s still pretty good considering it’s riding on low profile 215/50R18 tires. All this comes as a big surprise given the CX-3 rides on a “cruder” torsion beam axle at its rear end. A small caveat with this crossover is the deceptively low ride height. With a ground clearance of 155 millimeters, it can scrape its belly even over poorly designed driveways.




Mazda Philippines has yet to announce the final specifications and time table for the CX-3’s launch, but this drive in the Thai-assembled unit serves only to heighten anticipation. The time is right for someone to come up with a small crossover that’s cleverly packaged, good looking, and fun-to-drive. As usual, Mazda has heeded that call with the CX-3. It sacrifices a bit in terms of functionality, but more than makes up for it with driver engagement. This is how Mazda makes its cars nowadays and it’s a formula that the driver in anyone and everyone will love.


127 comments:

  1. I gotta give it to mazda this time. Doesn't seem to be anything that can compete with it since the HRV is a bit overpriced. But then again the older and bigger options such as the Subaru XV and Mitsu ASX are still on sale. We'll see. Hope this is priced well. Congrats mazda fanboy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually go for the top variant models, maybe its just me because I don't like/need a big car. The XV has gotten quite old, and a face lift is near.I still like the exterior but the interior looks dated. The ASX on the other hand is a good car as well, but if I have to choose between the new CX-3 and the ASX, I would pick the CX-3.

      Delete
    2. I like the Honda HRV's interior a lot, but the Mugen variant is overpriced.

      Delete
  2. I reckon this will be price between 1.3M to 1.4M Php

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow at that price its going up against then lowest end of the crv. Its going to be a niche vehicle at that price

      Delete
    2. The lowest trim of the CX-5 starts at 1.4M and not to mention the rest of it's competitors too so it probably would be priced lower, im hoping it's between 1M-ish to 1.3M since that's the average price range of the crossover segment.

      Delete
  3. Where's the Honda fanboy now? I bet he's so mesmerized by the Mazda CX-3 and is now biting his tongue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cramped interior, low ground clearance, same old design as the other mazda models... what's there to be mesmerized about?

      Delete
    2. a smaller cx5.Is this something to get excited about? Lowering standard that much.

      Delete
    3. im here!.. the honda fanboy!.. go honda!..

      Delete
    4. ^
      Pathetic mazda fanboy pretending to be a honda fanboy. Pitiful.

      Delete
    5. Same old design as other mazda models? It still looks a lot better than the competition. Interior is cramped yes, but ground clearance is average, it only looks low. And @6600 rpm, vtec just kicked in. Also Honda's CVT vs Mazda's 6 speed auto, I'd pick the auto anyday.

      Delete
    6. sorry guys...vtec took time to kick in! im here now! GO HONDA!!!!

      Delete
    7. Honda's CVT is ridiculous and sluggish

      Delete
  4. Exterior looks good but i bet its going to be cramped as hell in there. The cx5 is cramped compared to other compact suvs how much more this

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its a shame that despite the public clamor over the Mazda 2,3 MX-5 and CX-3, most of them would opt for practical choices of Vios, Innova, etc. Well, that leaves the most enthusiastic ones with some of the coolest cars in the affordable car market. Mazda after all, is not for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  6. The style is getting to be too ubiquitous. All Mazdas look the same. But it's a beauty.
    Mazda should have brought this in earlier. It's lead time is now tight. Their bigger rivals Nissan and Toyota are readying their Nissan Kick and the stunning Toyota C-HR will surely capture the imagination of subcompact buyers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mazda is for the sporty. It's ride is too hard and harsh for the majority. I often hear the word numb when people review a Toyota. At the end of the day, we still want a comfortable ride at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mazda is not for everyone. Toyota and Honda are for the masses, who needs a dull and comfortable ride. Anyway, I would pick the new Civic RS over the Mazda 3 if only the Civic is equipped with a conventional 6 speed auto and if it is priced the same as Mazda. It's simply overpriced.

      Delete
    2. I wouldn't pick the Mazda3 due to the lack of a manual transmission

      Delete
    3. You would choose a manual over an automatic in Manila traffic? lol. I've graduated from manuals, when I tried an automatic, there was no going back. It's okay if you live in the province though, automatics are more convenient.

      Delete
    4. Manuals are for self proclaimed enthusiasts only or to those who live in the province. Kung city driving, sira ulo ka pag gusto mo manual.

      As regards to the cvt vs auto, if Honda had used a conventional auto, it would have probably resulted to the same fuel consumption of the 1.5L ecoboost ford focus, which is to say a total f***in gas guzzler. So the CVT is a wise choice.

      Delete
    5. I live in the city with an hour commute in traffic and only 15 mins if hindi. Autos make me sleepy when driving like driving a toy car

      Delete
    6. You need to have yourself checked by a doctor. Driving autos shouldn't make you sleepy. It must be a serious condition because no person will become sleepy given the unpredictable buses and jeepneys surrounding you, add to that those motorcycles who appear out of nowhere. Me? I prefer to drive an automatic because manual driving irritates me. I want a relaxed drive. Iinit na nga ulo mo sa mga abusadong drivers sa paligid mo, dagdag pa sa problema yung constant shifting at timpla sa clutch at accelerator.

      Delete
    7. Plus i had a bad experience in my wifes last at alterra only took 5 years for the at to get busted at a cost of about 200k replacment

      Delete
    8. ^
      What's the history of your AT? Did you change the fluid before?

      Delete
    9. Hehehe...sira pala ulo ko 'coz I live in the city and I drive an MT...ingat sila sa akin...

      Seriously 'though...there are several reasons for choosing an MT over an AT, like cost of maintenance as one.

      Delete
    10. At is good for maybe the first five years after that city driving will take its toll and its expensive to have it repaired or worse replaced

      Delete
    11. You people are a bunch of clowns. Anyone who believes that you'll need repairs for an automatic in five years are retarded. I've been driving a 5 speed auto honda for 7 years and I followed the scheduled fluid replacement. It still runs as good when I first got it from the casa. On the other hand, we had to replace the clutch of our manual lancer 2004 back in 2010.

      Delete
    12. HONDA JAZZ on the 4th visit (2years) PMS more or less Php 19k.

      SUBARU XV/Forester...on its 40km PMS Php 30k++.

      It includes transmission fluid replacement for both.

      Delete
    13. Your point being?

      Delete
    14. I'm a clown and you're the genius...

      Don't get me wrong, I like driving AT as well, it's just that comparing the cost of maintenance MT is still cheaper to maintain than AT.

      Delete
    15. By the way, looking forward on owning the CX3 if price and budget permits...

      Delete
    16. So when you posted the PMS prices, your point is AT is more expensive to maintain? Alright. I'll base my answer on your point.

      As I recall you only need to change the fluid every 3 years or 80k mileage. Honda charged me around 3-4k pesos for the AT fluid. No one is stupid enough to believe that all that 19k pesos for the PMS is for the transmission only. Maybe they changed the oil, air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid, etc. Well as you said, you are a clown. But I am humble enough to say I'm not a genius either. I'm just a common man sir.

      Delete
    17. You really are a genius, humble and common man! Imagine you were able to figure out that the total cost of the PMS is not solely on the AT FLUID alone, I would bet that most of the readers here do not think like you do.

      Delete
    18. ^
      Smartass. Enough of your childish sarcasm. Stop being a clown. Argue like a real man.

      You were simply implying that all the expensive PMS was attributed to AT maintenance. Why in the world did you need to post your PMS expenses in the first place when all we were talking about is the auto transmission? What in the hell were you trying to prove? I was just clarifying it because the vagueness of your statements were clearly designed to mislead inexperienced car owners or would-be car owners into believeing AT maintenance is really that expensive.

      Now on to the main issue. Is AT maintenance all that expensive compared to MT? Not really, the difference is minimal. Unless you're negligent or you drive like a maniac, your transmission won't require major repairs. Yun lang naman advantage ng MT, if may part na sira, it will be a whole lot cheaper to repair/replace. Sa automatic, sasakit ulo mo pag may nasira. But to say you'll need repairs in 5 years? Complete hogwash.

      Delete
    19. It is only natural na mas mahal ang price at maintenance ng AT sa MT. You have to pay extra for convinience, not only in cars but almost in everything naman.

      Delete
    20. That's true. But the only maintenance you'll need to do for the first 10 years is to change the transmission fluid. That's all. No repairs. Therefore, the argument that you chose MT over AT because of maintenance is utter bullcrap unless you plan to keep the car for more than 15 years. That's based on my experience. However if you chose less known brands such as Tata or Foton, prepare to shell out some cash early in its life.

      What I find ridiculous though are those statements that AT will need repairs in 5 years. Ano tayo? Nasa 1980's? Maybe after 15 years of use, dyan na maglalabasan ang mga sira.

      Delete
    21. Me, smart? Nah...!!! As what you have said, I am just a clown and sira ulo who lives in the city and drives an MT.

      Delete
    22. Ok. Maybe you're financially constrained and it's not your choice to drive a manual. Good luck in your life. Hope you can save up for a car that has an auto transmission.

      Delete
    23. I told you, you're a genius...!!!

      Delete
    24. If stick shift are for financially constrained I wonder why only the high end MX5 is the only Mazda available in manual

      Delete
    25. The base model of the Mazda 2 also has a manual variant.

      Delete
    26. And the MX5 can only carry 2 people. Ever heard of a niche market? Just because the MX5 is available in manual doesn't mean its better. I'll ask you the same kind of stupid question and try to answer it, why is the latest Ferrari models available only in automatic?

      Delete
    27. With 500+hp and ferrari dual clutch transmission driving the auto would not matter in performance. In budget csrs such as these with around 100+hp you need every ounce to overtake and bring some joy into driving

      Delete
    28. There you go. Budget cars and manuals go together. You pick manuals because you're poor.

      Delete
    29. Cars such as all Mazdas are considered budget cars in the US. My wife drives a Subaru Forester XV in automatic but I still like my Civic FD in manual, whats so poor with that? For all I know you are still waiting to save up for your first motorcycle and dreaming on your first car.

      Delete
    30. I think he is simply saying that the auto transmission is much better than MT especially for the traffic in main cities. Which I agree. Even car companies agrees by having more variant in AT and less and sometimes in none at all in MT.

      Delete
    31. ^
      Finally. Someone with a common sense. People here are really a bunch of clowns sir. Honestly, even hardcore enthusiasts would pick AT if they're stuck in traffic everyday. Yes manuals are fun but seriously, what is the purpose of a car? To get you from point A to point B. If you want to have fun, go to the arcade and play racing games. Don't be an asshole on the road.

      Delete
    32. I dont play video games anymore after learning manual. Its much more fun

      Delete
    33. Problem is you're endangering the safety of others. Stick to videogames boy. We don't need children with ADHD like you driving dangerous cars on the road.

      Delete
    34. Hindi pa naman ako naaksidente o nabanga since narunong magmaneho. Ikaw maglaro ka na lang ng videogames at mangarap na marunong na ka na sana mag drive

      Delete
    35. Nah. Videogames are not my style. I'm not some idiot manchild who can't seem to behave and constantly seeks "fun" in driving. Good luck with your mild behavioral issue, hope you can get cured.

      Delete
    36. Ang iba kasing mga keyboard warriors dyan mahilig mangaway kung anonymous. Dapat maka comment lng ka sa facebook account. Baka ang maghilig naman ang mangaway dyan wala naman palang kotse

      Delete
    37. AT better than MT or the other way around...each have its PROS and CONS, you just have to respect the opinion and reasoning of each and everyone.

      What is pathetic is there is this somebody here in this discussion who only not tend to respect others up to the extent to mock and call other motorists as CLOWNS and SIRA ULO only because he drives an AT vehicle as if he knows everything. Right GENIUS, HUMBLE and COMMON MAN?

      Delete
    38. Well as I've said in the other thread, I respect other people. If they're into masochism and prefer to suffer, then I have no problem with it. Some people such as you get a kick from suffering I guess. I admit, sira ulo was maybe too exaggerated and I may have overreacted. I think the proper word I was looking for is only "eccentric". Hey we all have our quirks, and it just so happens you like to make your life more difficult. I have no problem with that though.

      Delete
    39. I'm a control freak, and I prefer driving manual. Of all the vehicles my family owns, only mine has MT.

      ATs are really just for convenience. Even though, I get leg cramps driving through EDSA traffic with an AT, but no cramps at all when using an MT. Weird, yes, but it could be due to the fact that both my legs are working in an MT vehicle. In an AT, it's just my right foot going back and forth. I have driven my MT 6h straight with no rest except for a CR stop or 2, and no fatigue felt after. With ATs, even just driving for more than 1h tires me. Again, it could be due to my perception(and attempt) at having the AT vehicle do exactly as I want it.

      To those saying that driving an MT is dangerous: I have never caused an accident in my more than 15years of driving. The 2 ones I did have was someone ramming into me. Both vehicles were ATs, mind you. One was even barely a month old.

      For me, there are only 2 valid reasons for driving an AT. It's either you do it for the convenience, or you're a driving noob. :)

      Delete
    40. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  8. With advances in technology, has anyone thought of a manual that has a stop/go mode for traffic. I'm sure that would solve many of the manual enthusiasts, like me, aggravations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The closest thing is an automatic with manual mode + paddle shifters but still, it won't replace the joy of rowing through gears in light traffic.

      Delete
    2. my last car (2005 mazda6 with 5-speed AT) went ten years with no major maintenance items (just replaced the shocks and tires - once). It had about 160,000 km on it when it was scrapped (Singapore). And the starter motor sometimes wouldn't click on the first try. Worth repairing but the car was already scrapped so didn't matter.

      and this was a Mazda! which is the least reliable Japanese car according to reliability reports. So imho any superstitions that AT's are less reliable than MT's are just that - superstition.

      Delete
  9. For a car with sporty pretensions they should at least offer a manual

    ReplyDelete
  10. ATs suck, bring back the manuals

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul Walker wannabe detected.

      Delete
    2. Yeah you're right, Mazdas are for Paul Walker wannabes who can't even drive a stick shift. Even my 60-year old grandma drives manual.

      Delete
    3. Kid, that's because manuals belong in you grandma's era. You should get with the times already. Stop being stubborn and accept the future.

      Delete
    4. If you drive slow autos are the way to go if you want to go faster manual rocks!

      Delete
    5. Typical racer-wannabe kid who forgot how to grow up.

      Delete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I cringe everytime I see these manual dorks. They think they're cool when they're driving manual. You really think you'll get laid by driving a stick?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whats dorkier is some douchebag calling people crazy for drive a stick. Sone people just want to enjoy driving and not just ger from one point to another

      Delete
    2. Yeah being stuck in traffic on a daily basis with a manual transmission sure is an enjoyable experience. Dumbass.

      Delete
    3. ^yeah what's wrong about that? I feel more connected when driving with MT...and you can't change me!....#respectothers

      Delete
    4. Well ok then. I'll respect that you're into masochism. If you're into that kind of shit, so be it. Hey I'm not judging you, some people really find pleasure in suffering.

      Delete
    5. Try driving an AT it might change you especially after long day at the office.

      Delete
    6. I have an at suv but i like driving the manual car better. Its more responsive and relieves my stress in thr office

      Delete
    7. Ulol. Maglaro ka na lang ng need for speed.

      Delete
    8. Para lang yan sa mga nangarap na marunong mag drive. Try learning the stick and it will cure your gaming addiction

      Delete
    9. Really? What makes you think I'm addicted to games? Sorry, I'm not a manchild like you. I don't find pleasure in shallow things like driving a stick. My car's purpose is to get me from point A to point B with minimal stress. IF you want to really have fun, go do it in a race track. Wag mo idamay ibang tao sa kagaguhan mong fun to drive nonsense.

      Delete
    10. Alam mo nga mga games eh. Hindi nga ako nakapaglaro nyan para lang yan sa nangarap mag drive. kung marunong ka na bumili ka na lang ng wigo makarating ka rin nyan

      Delete
    11. Just because I happen to know that videogame, that makes me a video game addict? What kind of stupid logic is that? That's like saying a person happens to know how to replace an air filter and that makes him a mechanic already. Ayusin mo pagiisip mo kid.

      Delete
    12. He's one of the boring guys who buys a car just to get to point A to B. Sorry bro, but some of us like to spice up getting from point A to B. Having fun in driving is not silly. Some people really love to drive, while others do not. That's why I love Mazda, compared to the mainstream brands. Mazda really makes cars that are really fun to drive and to look at.

      Delete
    13. yeah, kaya mabenta pa rin ang crosswind kasi makakarating ka rin naman nyan. ok pa sa baha ngayong tagulan na

      Delete
    14. Pussies can't even drive a stick through traffic. LMAO

      Delete
  13. Some people just like the pleasure of driving. my wife drives an automatic suv while im sticking with the manual sedan it gives you more power in zigging and zagging through traffic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ^
      Asshole detected. Zigzag pala ha. Wala ka pinagkaiba sa mga barumbadong jeep at bus drivers. Figures. Kaya pala ang hirap mo paintindihin. Pareha pala kayo magisip ng mga insektong drivers.

      Delete
    2. Yung iba kasi ang bagal magdrive kagaya ng mga mga gago nasa gitna magdrive ang bagal naman dapat sa jeepney lane ka magdrive

      Delete
    3. Yeah, there are some ignorant dumbasses to that drive too slowly. I've encountered some especially women and the elderly, but that doesn't give you the right to be an asshole on the road. You share the roads with other people such as pedestrians and bicyclists, you should drive carefully. Puro zigzag at pabilis pala nalalaman ng utak mo tapos pag naaksidente kamot ng ulo.

      Delete
    4. The problem with our roads is that those who drive slowly cannot use the outer lane due to obstacles(Parked cars, chairs, etc). I blast my horn nonstop at jeepney drivers who stop in the middle of an intersection to pick up/drop off passengers.

      Delete
    5. Let's just hope the current administration will do something about this. Too many undisciplined persons in the country.

      Delete
    6. Di ba mag 60kph ang top speed ng bagong administrasyon? Mag AT crosswind na lang tayo nyan

      Delete
  14. Yung review ay tungkol sa Mazda cx3, pero yung comments nauwi sa transmission! anlabo amp

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oo nga marami kasi ditong sobra pa sa gestapo bobo ka pag hindi pareho sa kanila ang gusto mo

      Delete
    2. Blame the stupid Honda Fanboys for muddying up the topic. Blind loyalty amp.

      Delete
    3. Transmission pinaguusapan, tapos honda fanboys sinisi mo? Engot.

      Delete
    4. Awww, na -hurt ka ba fanboy? Wawa.....

      Delete
    5. Yan ang uso sa mga pinoy. Pataasan ng ihi, sabay mumurahin pag may ibang taliwas sa paniniwala nila.

      Delete
    6. Ito mga iba naman dito, makikipag talo, ni baka chery lang walang pambili. peace

      Delete
  15. Honda > Mazda. Truth hurts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm the Mazda fanboy and this is what I have to say:
      Honda and Mazda have different strengths
      The Mazda CX-3 is the sportier and best looking of the bunch
      While the Honda HRV has a lot of interior space.
      Its the same with their lineup, the ONLY main tangible advantage of Honda's over Mazda's is interior space, other than that, Mazda builds the better cars.(Price, quality(materials used), aesthetics, maintence(Yojin 3), driving dynamics, etc), If they build next generation Mazda's that match Honda's interior space, then Honda wouldn't have any advantage anymore. Though I acknowledge that the 2016 Honda Civic beats the 2014 Mazda 3 in all aspects except the price. With the base Honda being more expensive at around 100k, and the TOTL Honda being expensive by 200k(compared to the 3 R), and 100k(compared to the 3 speed). Well then, it took Honda 2 years to catch up. I'll wait for the 2017 3, I heard it had the 6's interior now.

      Delete
    2. Now then, can I hear your thoughts on why Honda > Mazda? Come on, don't be shy, I'm listening.

      Delete
    3. Reliability, refinement, high resale value, aesthetics are subjective (some like mazda's design while others don't like how they used the same design throughout their lineup), and yes, interior space.

      Delete
    4. I think they're on par with reliability if you maintain them properly. The 2016 Civic is more refined than the 2014 3, while the 2016 CX-3 is more refined than the HRV. Refinement varies on the model. Honda has a high resale value yes. But the new Skyactiv Mazda models should have improved resale value than the old models. About the similar design, some aren't bothered while its a turn off for others. Every skyactiv Mazda model looks better than the competition in my opinion, but it still varies on other people's taste.

      Delete
    5. How'd you know that the cx3 is more refined than the hrv? By reading reviews?

      Delete
    6. Yes, I've read and watched reviews from abroad(Germany, UK, USA, Malaysia, Thailand). All of them said that the CX-3 has the better exterior and interior refinement. All of them chose the CX-3.

      Delete
  16. Shhh! Wag mo sabihin yan. Magta-tantrum na naman yang mazda fanboy. Di yan marunong magpatalo eh. Tapos pag wala ng masabi, puro nonsense na lalabas sa comments.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The CX3 looks way better than the HRV and has the more powerful engine. Both are relatively new so there's no way to gauge reliability. I test drove the HRV and it has too many gimmicky features which may appeal to some, maybe to women buyers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both cars are sold on abroad for a few years now. I think they're both par on reliability if given proper maintenance. But for the car itself, the CX-3 is more refined than the HRV, exterior and interior wise. The CX-3 just looks and feels more premium than the HRV. But The HRV has huge leg space, while the leg space for the CX-3 is quite tight.

      Delete
  18. Cx3 is like mazda 2 hatchback Subcompact car with a bigger engine while Hrv feels like you're driving a compct SUV.

    ReplyDelete
  19. hi Mr. Ang!

    Im considering CX5 PRO, but im concerned with the electronic parking break. im a newbie on this feature, any experience or insight as to its durability and safety? is the old manual hand break more reliable?

    lastly, CX5 PRO vs ASX GSR? insights would be highly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ASX is old but I still find it decent. Good value for money, plus the CVT was updated, it became more responsive and fuel efficient. The panoramic sunroof seems to be a good feature, it'll make sure that you'll get laid especially if the sky is clear.

      Delete
    2. ASX is a good car but the CX-5 is newer and better, look at the specs and reviews.

      Delete
    3. Thanks for the insights and suggestions. Iv read reviews, iv seen the CX5 PRO...i have yet to see the ASX GSR.

      Delete
  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  21. wag na kayo mag away away!
    panuorin nyo na lang comparison. peace!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxtRFvKIt2o

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sir Uly, how does this compare to the Honda HR-V? Which has higher gound clearance po? thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The HRV is higher. 180mm something ata ang HRV. Tapos ang CX3 155mm lang.

      Delete
  23. Sir Uly, is there any news from Toyota Motors Philippines, if they are bringing the new C-HR to our shores?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I wonder why the Honda and Mazda fanboys always bitch at each other, bashing other cars while worshipping theirs. Each to his own. Stop being whiny kids.

    Still, this looks like a nice subcompact crossover. The HR-V is priced much lower than the Chevy Trax in the USA, yet it competes with it here. The Subaru XV is the best, yet it's beginning to show its age (bad interior). The i20's price is the most enticing, but it's smaller.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I hope this is cheaper than CX-5

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If the CX-5 ranges from 1.3-1.9m, then this should be priced at around 1m-1.3

      Delete
  26. Better mazda 3 2.0 or cx3 sir?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.carguide.ph/2016/12/review-2017-mazda3-speed.html

      http://www.carguide.ph/2017/01/review-2017-mazda-cx-3-awd-activ_3.html

      Delete

Feel free to comment or share your views. Comments that are derogatory and/or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to moderate and/or remove comments.