Hot cross fun

Bangkok — Small crossovers, or compact sport utility vehicles (CSUVs), are hot property right now. It doesn’t matter if they’re everyman-priced, like Honda’s HR-V, or higher-priced, like the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The market for cars with rugged, off-road inspired lines paired with easy-to-live-with dimensions is one of the fastest-growing around the world.

Mazda’s own take on the CSUV formula is the new CX-3, and it looks to strike an untapped middle ground between the two ends of the market.

While the car’s nomenclature might imply a link to Mazda’s most popular model, the 3 sedan/hatchback, the CX-3 is actually based on the Mazda 2 compact hatch, and is considerably smaller.

The formula — a compact runabout with soft-roader looks — has been tried before with varying levels of success. The Volkswagen Cross Polo, for instance, was a big hit abroad, but less so in Singapore. Happily, the CX-3 is one of those cars that seems to have an outsized personality.

Small car, Big presence

Extra height and chunky contrast-coloured fenders are common ploys in the soft-roader playbook, and while they can sometimes make a small car look comical or toy-like, the Mazda’s overall proportions and visual heft make it look the business. A front-end design reminiscent of the MX-5 sports car doesn’t hurt either.

This is no surprise, since Mazda is one of the few car companies whose current design language is almost universally praised. It has been a key part of the brand’s comeback: This year looks to be its third consecutive year of record sales, a stark contrast to its huge losses in the years after the 2007 financial crisis.

If design has been one element of the brand’s success, the other two are its fun-to-drive ethos and raft of fuel-saving technologies, dubbed SkyActiv.

For a small car, the CX-3 packs a surprise under the bonnet: A 2-litre engine producing 156bhp. This makes it a Category B car in Singapore, which means it may be more expensive than Cat A rivals during its expected launch this month.

This gives the car a very sprightly performance off the line and thankfully Mazda’s omission of a CVT gearbox (in contrast to major Japanese rivals) means the car doesn’t feel slow.

AGILE SPIRIT

The car is no layabout on corners. Like most small crossovers, it drives much more like an agile hatch than soft-road whale, and is more than willing to play ball if the game is spirited driving.

SkyActiv technology (which includes lighter body construction and drivetrain optimisation) is mostly invisible to the driver. It makes its presence felt in the form of engine start-stop technology. It works, too — our 700km route of high-speed highway, urban and hilly terrain delivered fuel consumption figures of 6.4L/100km, close to Mazda’s claimed figure.

There are classic segment compromises though. While the car rides well on the 18-inch wheels tested here, the big hoops and taller stance mean more road and wind noise. The muscular “hunched” rear design also impinges on boot space — the CX-3 boot has 10 litres less space than the Mazda 2’s already small 250 litres.

Still, slick-looking small crossovers seem to be the prime sort of car that hooks buyers and has them reaching for their wallets. Similar cars of lesser ability have sold significant numbers in Singapore, so it stands to reason that the CX-3 should have no problem crossing eyes or hearts.

MAZDA CX-3

Engine: 1,998cc, in-line four, 156hp, 204Nm

Performance:192kmh, 0-100kmh: 9.5s, 6.1L/100km, 146g/km CO2

Price: TBA On Sale: Later this month

PROS: Sharp looks, zippy drive, efficient

CONS: Tiny boot, Cat B pricing