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This is the new Mazda CX-3 Vs Mazda CX-5 comparison. Just released in April 2015 the all new CX-3 is currently the smallest SUV in the range and we already think its the right size and specified to be a best seller. Unlike other small SUVs in this class The CX-3 has no obvious compromises. As a result we decided to compare it with the bigger CX-5.
Mazda CX-3 Vs Mazda CX-5 exterior: Ignoring size, we instantly like the exterior styling of the CX-3, which is derived from the good looking Mazda 2. Unfortunately the CX-5 is OK to look because many design touches just make it quite ordinary e.g. slab sided and braver nose. Base model CX-5s also look a little cheap too whereas the CX-3 still looks OK. You can tell that Mazda has made deliberate design touches to make the CX-3 look better, like dual exhaust pipes, chrome tips etc.
Mazda CX-3 Vs Mazda CX-5 interior: The CX-5 has a good quality but a conservative designed interior. The CX-5 interior is still a nice place to be but it is not as useful as say the C-RV for example. The list of CX-5 issues include the lack of enough flexible space, cheapish steering wheel, centre stack and too low climate controls although not used very often these days is a little awkward for us. The new CX-3 does not have any of the complaints with design, partly because it is substantially cheaper or smaller and the competition doesn’t have the same match of materials and design. For the price the interior is arguably the best when optioned appropriately. Although the CX-3 interior does share the design with the smaller Mazda2 simply indicates how nice both cars care. The quality of materials are as good as the CX-5. The interior of the CX-3 definitely smaller than the CX-5 on the inside as expected but at least it’s just acceptable in the back.
Mazda CX-3 Vs Mazda CX-5 engine and technology: Both cars share engines and other mechanical technology. Using conventional technology but clearly more advanced than similar small SUVs it offers fuel saving and instant power that the turbo charged competitors cannot match which makes the CX-3 and CX-5 superior SUV in traffic and let’s face it generally driving. Any car with a CVT is different to drive but none seems to actually like them we definitely don’t.
The conclusion is simple if you’re are not shopping for size and don’t mind the ordinary looks than it’s the CX-5. In all other respects the new CX-3 looks great in the spec and showroom and so is the starting price, admittedly it goes all the way up to $38,000 which is quite shocking considering the package remains pretty much the same? In the end the Mazda CX-3 is so much more appealing than it’s small SUV competitors like the Ford Ecosport, Holden Trax or any other small SUV even the equally new HRV will have a hard time. We think that it is also an interesting point that the CX-3 is arguably what Honda would have made if it hadn’t lost its way.
| Mazda CX-3 | Mazda CX-5 |
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| Engines | |
| SKYACTIV-G IL4 Cylinder Petrol DOHC EFI 2.0 Litre (1998cc) Claimed 109Kw @ 6000RPM Claimed 192Nm @ 2800PM |
SKYACTIV-G IL4 cylinder Petrol DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI 2.0 Litre (1977cc) Claimed 114kW @ 6000rpm Claimed 200Nm @ 4000rpm |
| SKYACTIV-D IL4 cylinder Diesel 1.5 Litre (1499cc) Turbo-charged – DI – CR Claimed 77kW @ 4000rpm Claimed 270Nm @ 1600rpm |
SKYACTIV-G 2 IL4 cylinder Petrol (91 Octane) DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI 2.5 Litre (2488cc) Claimed 138kW @ 5700rpm Claimed 250Nm @ 4000rpm |
| SKYACTIV-D IL4 cylinder Diesel 2.2 Litre (2191cc) Turbo-charged – Direct Injection – Common Rail Claimed 129kW @ 4500rpm Claimed 420Nm @ 2000rpm |
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| Weight | |
| Kerb weight FROM 1332Kg Towing capacity up to 1200Kg |
Kerb weight FROM 1475 Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 44 litres 2.0 litre Petrol: 6.7 litres per 100km 1.5 Litre Diesel: 5.1 litres per 100km |
56 litres – Diesel or Unleaded 91 Octane SKYACTIV-G Petrol 6.4 litres per 100km (Claimed) SKYACTIV-G 2 Petrol 7.4 litres per 100km (Claimed) SKYACTIV-D Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km (Claimed) |
| Other specifications | |
| 6 speed Auto or Manual Overall height/width 1550/1765 Overall length/wheelbase 4275/2570 Drive system: On demand AWD or 2WD Tyre size: 215-50-18 215-60-16 NCAP safety rating 5/5 |
6 Speed Auto or 6 speed manual transmission Overall height/width 1710/1840 Overall length/wheelbase 4540/2700 4WD system: On demand AWD or 2WD ANCAP safety rating 5/5 Tyre size: 225-65-17 or 225-55-19 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| – | – |
| Pricing | |
| 2015 $19,990 – 37,990 AUD | 2015 $27,490 – 50,610 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |