Info on USA CX-3

videone said:

2016 Mazda CX-3 Overview - May 1, 2015

We do get an armrest and paddle shifters!

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Wish they included the center armrest on the entry level model, I'm guessing it will be two or three hundred dollar option for the CX-3 Sport

It's about time we got information on this.
Still weird how prototypes and pre production models didn't have the arm rests.

Americans would be pissed if we ended up without arm rests.

Didn't indicate which trim gets blind spot monitoring & cross traffic alert. It is standard on the CX-5 I think.
I am guessing that the Touring trim with the package will do me nicely.
'Starting in the low $20, 000'
doesn't sound good...

I wish they would release some info regarding inner dimensions, mainly for the cargo area. Want to compare the cargo area with my current vehicle.

I know there is a 264 L cargo capacity with rear seats in position, and 1174 L with the rear seats folded down. I'm more interested in actual inches/ feet/ millimeters. With the rear seats removed, my Toyota can hold an item 5 feet long and about 40 inches wide. I can get an even longer item in car if I recline the passenger front seatback all the way.

If I can get a 5 foot long item into the CX-3 without reclining the front seatback, I would be one happy camper. Any Australian, Japanese, or Australian owners care to take some measurements? I'd be most appreciative.

Finally some news...going from that news release I would settle for either the sport or touring...I think the Grand Touring model will push the price to over 25,000.

Moe1972 said:

Finally some news...going from that news release I would settle for either the sport or touring...I think the Grand Touring model will push the price to over 25,000.

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Just read a loaded HRV will be close to $27,000.

Oh nice! I was compiling a list of all the package options being listed in reviews and here it all is straight from Mazda!

I've been leaning towards the AWD Touring with premium BOSE 7-speaker system, moonroof, and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Not sure if any of those are available on the Sport level trim, but I suspect it needs to be at least Touring.

MechaBouncer said:

Oh nice! I was compiling a list of all the package options being listed in reviews and here it all is straight from Mazda!

I've been leaning towards the AWD Touring with premium BOSE 7-speaker system, moonroof, and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. Not sure if any of those are available on the Sport level trim, but I suspect it needs to be at least Touring.

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Bouncer, I'll take the same model that you are leaning towards but I loose the the moonroof...I am going bald so I don't need any wind blowing through my hair

Moe1972 said:

Bouncer, I'll take the same model that you are leaning towards but I loose the the moonroof...I am going bald so I don't need any wind blowing through my hair

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Fair point. I'm starting to get a "sunroof" of my own. That is a feature that I could probably live without too. Although I do enjoy the wind going through the hair I do have while I still can.

MechaBouncer said:

Fair point. I'm starting to get a "sunroof" of my own. That is a feature that I could probably live without too. Although I do enjoy the wind going through the hair I do have while I still can.

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If the sunroof is part the touring package I would gladly take it, but I believe its part of the Gt package and an add on for the the lower models.

Moe1972 said:

If the sunroof is part the touring package I would gladly take it, but I believe its part of the Gt package and an add on for the the lower models.

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I think you're right, but I know some companies bundle it with the premium sound systems (Moons and Tunes, Sun and Sound, etc.). So if it only comes in a bundle, I won't mind. If separate, I'll have to see how much it is different.

I'm thinking since the original tires on my CX-5 are wearing, I'll pull the 17" alloys and apply them along with some 215 55 tires to the CX3 Buy a new set of 18s for the 5. Better looks than the 16" steel wheels , less road noise than the 18s. 2 "plus 1" upgrades for the price of one. If a Navi head can be plugged in like my 5 then I will be a happy camper with the el cheepo sport. The navi I can live without. The hideous 16" steel wheels scream "cheapskate!!!,and must go. Maybe I am but no need to broadcast it. All other Mazdas have alloys standard. Well ...perhaps not the current 2.

This is a great 20 grand car.
25-28... not so much.

okhick said:

I'm thinking since the original tires on my CX-5 are worn I'll pull the 17" alloys and apply them along with some 215 55 tires to the CX3 Buy a new set of 18s for the 5. Better looks than the 16" steel wheels , less road noise than the 18s. If a Navi head can be plugged in like my 5 then I will be a happy camper with the el cheepo sport. The navi I can live without. The hideous 16" steel wheels scream "cheapskate:" and must go. Maybe I am but no need to broadcast it. All other Mazdas have alloys standard. Well perhaps not the current 2.

This is a great 20 grand car.
25-28... not so much.

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Reviews I read mentioned that that navigation can be enabled on lower models using a SD card. How is it done on the CX-5?

Here's the review I read it in:
2016 Mazda CX-3 First Drive ? Review ? Car and Driver

Yes , one of the guys here on the forum brought it up after my carping about navi probably not available at lower trims. He said on the CX5 a module can be plugged in to a prewired slot (found behind a coin stash hole left and below the steering wheel). Internet search confirmed it can be done in just a few minutes at around 500 if you do it yourself. I guess the situation is the same or similar with the CX-3.

Had not seen that review, and I just received this month's hard copy of C&D with a full test of HRV CVT AWD. (9.5 0-60). Lets hope impression of doggy engine in CX-3 was due to altitude.
If 0-60 in 8.5 , good enough. 9 or slower tests my tolerance level.

okhick said:

I'm thinking since the original tires on my CX-5 are wearing, I'll pull the 17" alloys and apply them along with some 215 55 tires to the CX3 Buy a new set of 18s for the 5. Better looks than the 16" steel wheels , less road noise than the 18s. 2 "plus 1" upgrades for the price of one. If a Navi head can be plugged in like my 5 then I will be a happy camper with the el cheepo sport. The navi I can live without. The hideous 16" steel wheels scream "cheapskate!!!,and must go. Maybe I am but no need to broadcast it. All other Mazdas have alloys standard. Well ...perhaps not the current 2.

This is a great 20 grand car.
25-28... not so much.

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There is a review floating around stating that the higher end models could run in to the 30,000 grand range......

Thinking that you will be able to grab a sport or touring for about 25,000

Moe1972 said:

There is a review floating around stating that the higher end models could run in to the 30,000 grand range......

Thinking that you will be able to grab a sport or touring for about 25,000

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Yeah @$30K fully loaded, one might as well start looking at a Mini Countryman or even a Goft GTI.

If recent Mazda USA sales tactics are any indications, they will sell a lot of the lower & mid level equipped cars based on how the top level fully optioned up CX3 looks (Halo) but most people will not open their wallets for that sort of equipment levels esp. @$30K.

"Yeah @$30K fully loaded, one might as well start looking at a Mini Countryman or even a Goft GTI."

Mini Countryman - never again after 2 years.

hotknife said:

"Yeah @$30K fully loaded, one might as well start looking at a Mini Countryman or even a Goft GTI."

Mini Countryman - never again after 2 years.

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For 30k, I will grab a CX5 fully loaded.

Kelley Blue Book also confirms that Navigation can be enabled by SD card on Sport and Touring trims as a dealer option:
2016 Mazda CX-3 First Review: Small, stylish, sporty - Kelley Blue Book

However, the more I'm reading the less I'm sure whether cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring will be available options on any trims below Grand Touring. It sounds more and more like those are bundled into the iActivesense package. Road & Track indicates as much:
First Drive: 2016 Mazda CX-3

I really hope that the blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts are available on at least the Touring trim. Considering how poor visibility appears to be around the C & D pillars, I think the car needs it.