Photo: Florin Profir
Until now, production of the CX-3 small crossover took place at Mazda's main factory in Hiroshima, Japan. However, the automaker has confirmed the start of production for the same model at the AutoAlliance (AAT) factory in Thailand today.
This significant move will see the Mazda CX-3 sharing this facility with the Ford Fiesta, even though Mazda and the Blue Oval stopped sharing platforms a long time ago. The Mazda2 sedan is also made in Thailand, as well as the Ford Everest, Ranger and BT-50.
The AutoAlliance Plant in Rayong is only the second facility to produce the CX-3. The bulk of the fabrication will still take place in Hiroshima.
Kiyotaka Shobuda, managing executive officer of Mazda said, “AAT is an extremely important hub that consolidates our system for supplying the CX-3 promptly and consistently to the growing compact SUV market.”
The CX-3 is derived from the smaller Mazda2 supermini and made its debut in America this summer, being offered with a 2-liter Skyactiv engine and a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox. However, the Japanese launch took place a year ago, and two versions of a 1.5-liter engine are available. One is a petrol mill shared with the Mazda2, while the diesel model is one of the most economical models in Japan.
If you're reading about the CX-3, the chances are that you want to buy one. In that case, there are a few things you need to know. For starters, the trunk space is limited, especially compared to the Honda HR-V. Mazda decided to give this crossover a raised boot floor and a hatchback that's too small for larger items like a baby stroller. Rear legroom is also tight, and that sexy sloped roof means passengers could feel claustrophobic. The upside is that the crossover drives like a Mazda should and it looks like a million bucks. The interior is upbeat and filled with cool trim pieces.
The AutoAlliance Plant in Rayong is only the second facility to produce the CX-3. The bulk of the fabrication will still take place in Hiroshima.
Kiyotaka Shobuda, managing executive officer of Mazda said, “AAT is an extremely important hub that consolidates our system for supplying the CX-3 promptly and consistently to the growing compact SUV market.”
The CX-3 is derived from the smaller Mazda2 supermini and made its debut in America this summer, being offered with a 2-liter Skyactiv engine and a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox. However, the Japanese launch took place a year ago, and two versions of a 1.5-liter engine are available. One is a petrol mill shared with the Mazda2, while the diesel model is one of the most economical models in Japan.
If you're reading about the CX-3, the chances are that you want to buy one. In that case, there are a few things you need to know. For starters, the trunk space is limited, especially compared to the Honda HR-V. Mazda decided to give this crossover a raised boot floor and a hatchback that's too small for larger items like a baby stroller. Rear legroom is also tight, and that sexy sloped roof means passengers could feel claustrophobic. The upside is that the crossover drives like a Mazda should and it looks like a million bucks. The interior is upbeat and filled with cool trim pieces.
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