We've seen our fair share of weird reviews over the years, but there's never been one where a newborn baby is used as a prop. Auto Guide did it to find out which small crossover is best for a young family, the Mazda CX-3 or the Honda HR-V.
Despite being roughly the same size, these two Japanese models are as different as they come. Both are based on regular 5-door subcompact cars and have sporty styling, but their approaches are completely different.
The Mazda CX-3 is by far the most fun to drive, something we can confirm from our own test drive with a 1.5 Skyactiv-D model. The steering is direct, and the 2-liter engine delivers a smooth and exciting punch.
However, it has a number of flaws, the biggest of which is that the trunk is inadequately small. For a reason we can't quite figure out, Mazda decided to give this crossover a raised boot floor and a hatchback that's too small for larger items like a baby stroller. Also, the rear seats are cramped, and there's not enough visibility back there.
The Honda model is more practical, which makes it the best choice for a younger family raising an infant or with one on the way. But the interior is not as exciting, and the number of advanced systems is down… way down.
The differences stem from corporate strategy. Honda has experience in selling high volumes of similar cars, and it believes subcompacts need to be cheap. Mazda, on the other hand, wants to reinvent itself with premium touches. That's why the CX-3 in this video costs $29,000.
Think about it, this small, cramped crossover costs nearly as much as the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 ($31,300). That's very bold of them to venture into German territory but just look at how gorgeous that blue car is and all the equipment it packs. If only the boot were a decent size.
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. Full profile
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