Introduction

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is more intent on being vivacious than being practical. It's a fun-first philosophy that makes this one of the more enjoyable tiny crossovers currently on the market. 

For 2020, the Mazda has simplified the CX-3 lineup, cutting it down to just one model and eliminating any options or packages. Buyers now can only choose their color and if they'd like all-wheel drive rather than the standard front-wheel drive. 

Under the hood of every CX-3 lies a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 148 horsepower. It teams up with a 6-speed automatic. 

With front-drive, gas mileage is rated at 29 mpg city, 34 highway, 31 combined. All-wheel drive drops those figures to 27/32/29 mpg. 

Mazda's full array of safety gear is standard on the CX-3. The list includes low-speed automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts. 

Both crash-testing agencies gave the CX-3 high marks for crashworthiness, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars overall and the IIHS naming it one of their Top Safety Picks. 

Lineup

The CX-3 has been pared down to just one model, the $20,640 Sport. It comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, LED lights, 16-inch wheels, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are no options outside of all-wheel drive, which is a $1,400 upcharge. 

Walkaround

The CX-3 looks more hatchback than crossover, especially as it eschews blocky, angular shapes for long flowing lines. The character line flowing back from the fender into the driver's door is particularly distinctive, defining the CX-3's side profile and carrying the eye from the front of the crossover to the back. 

Things taper off quickly past the rear doors, as the rear fender and roof cut off abruptly in an effort to maintain a tidy footprint. The rear end is the most awkward angle, as the narrow and tall proportions result in a lanky-looking liftgate. 

Interior

The CX-3 is a $20,000 vehicle, but the interior feels pulled from something with a $30,000 sticker price. High quality materials can be found on most surfaces, and all the controls have a solid, substantial feel to them. It's a relatively premium experience for what's an affordable subcompact crossover. 

The biggest issue that dogs the CX-3 is space-or rather, the lack of it. This is a small crossover, even when compared to the other small crossovers it competes with. Legroom in the back seat is just 35 inches, and in reality it feels like there's even less. The cargo bay holds 12.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, though that opens up to 44.5 cubic feet once the seatbacks are folded. 

A standard 7.0-inch touchscreen is tasked with all infotainment duties. Unfortunately, the software is clunky in operation and not very intuitive. The standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make things better, but it still isn't ideal. 

Driving Impression

The most charming part of the CX-3 is its performance. It isn't fast-148 horsepower rarely is-but it is spunky, with handling that feels more like Mazda's own Miata rather than any other subcompact crossover. The crisp, well-weighted steering and well-tuned suspension make the CX-3 a fun little runabout to tackle twisty bits of roadway. 

The 2.0-liter inline-4 with 148 horsepower won't impress anyone by itself, but it makes for a good partner when paired with the eager chassis. It revs easily and has decent passing power, while the 6-speed automatic does a good job of making the most of the meager power. There's a fair bit of grumbling at low speeds, though. 

Summary

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is well-suited for single folks or young couples who need a runabout with crossover cues but without the SUV penalties. It handles well and boasts a surprisingly nice interior for the price point, which are welcome traits in what is often a cheap and unexciting class. Just leave the back seats folded down and the CX-3 should prove a lovable, practical city car. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.