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2016 Mazda CX-3 Fully Revealed in Geneva with 1.5L Diesel , Live Photos

Mazda is a good example of a company that's doing everything right. Starting with the stunning 6 sedan and continuing with the super lightweight MX-5, all their products have been very well received. Now it's time for them to focus on the small crossover market with the CX-3, a first-gen Nissan Juke rival that we adored at the Geneva Motor Show 2015. Based on the same platform as the new Mazda2 supermini, the CX-3 looks more aggressive and powerful than all its European and Japanese rivals. It also appears well screwed together and the interior has a hint of Mercedes about it. Just as new as the crossover is the engine that powers it. Mazda has just finished work on a new 1.5-liter Skyactiv-D diesel. Though small, it packs 105 PS and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque, being available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. The most economical models will burn just 4 l/100km in the combined cycle, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. Unlike the Nissan Juke, which is a bit of a gimmick, the Mazda crossover will appeal to people who actually love cars. With bright red paint and black body armor, it's as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife and the cream leather interior on the show car in Geneva also impressed us. The highlight of the equipment list is a Mazda Connect infotainment system, which floats over the dashboard like on a Mercedes-Benz and also has a Command-like knob behind the gearshift. You can even have a head-up display that sits right in front of view. How big is it?
2016 Mazda CX-3 8 photos
Photo: S. Baldauf / R. Kah
2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos2016 Mazda CX-3 Live Photos
Quite big, in fact Depending on the transmission and the powertrain, the CX-3 tips the scales at about 1,250 kilograms (2,755 lbs). Its wheelbase is 2,570mm (101 inches), making this comparable to a normal C-segment hatchback. The total length of the crossover is 4,275mm (168 inches) while the 1,765mm (69 inches) overall width should mean it's relatively maneuverable around town.

Will it handle? We think so, thanks to McPherson strut front suspension. The CX-3 also has all-round disk brakes and the automatic option is a traditional 6-speed.

If it's not too expensive, this could very well be the next segment leader. Good job, Mazda!

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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