2016 Mazda CX-3 opens at $20,840

Pricing has been released for the newest and smallest member of Mazda’s crossover/SUV family. Headed to showrooms next month, the handsome and impressively equipped 5-passenger subcompact hauler will start at $20,840 in base CX-3 Sport form, with the 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring priced at $22,840. The range-topping CX-3 Grand Touring variant opens at $25,870. Stepping up from standard front-drive to the available i-Activ all-wheel drive system will add $1,250 to each. Those numbers put the new CX-3 in the heart of a hot segment against rivals Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V and Nissan Juke.

Packaged to please 

All versions of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 will be powered by a 146-horsepower/2.0-liter SkyActiv-G 4-cylinder engine backed by a 6-speed SkyActiv automatic transmission. That combo nets class-leading (for automatics) EPA city/highway marks of 29/35 mpg for FWD models and 27/32 mpg stats for AWD CX-3s. In addition to a multifunction steering wheel on a tilt/telescoping column, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows/locks, keyless entry/pushbutton start, rear-view camera, 60/40 flat-folding rear seat and Bluetooth, even the most affordable CX-3 Sport comes with a Mazda Connect infotainment system that includes a 7.0-inch display and a multifunction commander rotary control. Beyond offering a host of apps like Pandora and Aha, the setup allows buyers to opt for a low-cost, dealer-installed SD card-based navigation system. 

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Moving up the model hierarchy, the CX-3 Touring swaps cloth for leatherette and adds heated front seats, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and other bespoke trim items while offering a $1,410 Touring Technology option that adds a one-touch power moonroof, SiriusXM/HD radio and a rear cargo cover. At Grand Touring level, the CX-3 boasts a host of class-above features highlighted by a navigation system, head-up display, 7-speaker Bose premium audio package with SiriusXM Satellite/HD radio, leather/Lux Suede upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles, a power moonroof and full LED lights including Mazda’s Adaptive Front-lighting System. The top-line CX-3 also offers the $1,920 i-Activesense Safety Package that includes radar-based adaptive cruise control, Smart City Brake Support/Smart Brake Support, automatic High-Beam Control and on/off headlamps, Lane Departure Warning and rain-sensing wipers.

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"We wanted to send a strong statement that new buyers, early adopters, empty-nesters and right-sizers can get everything they want in a crossover that fits their needs," said Jim O’Sullivan, president and ceo of Mazda North America. "CX-3 offers the same technologies and thrilling driving experience seen across the rest of Mazda’s award-winning lineup that we believe will be a great gateway to the Mazda brand."