[Dean]

Why is it there ?

I've made up a few reasons but perhaps somebody can tell me why ?

 

[Kevincredible]

I, too, look at them each day and ponder their existence.

 

[Snoogie]

That is actually a great question...I never had thought about it till you guys brought it up. I'm assuming it has to do with aerodynamics in terms of straight line stability (I know it maybe a stretch and its looks so insignificant). I can definitely ask and get a definite answer as soon as possible. But I'm fairly certain its for aero if anything.

 

[matt]

It's just where the optional mud flaps go isn't it?

 

[anchorman]

There are lots of little design features, some of which are underneath but they all seem be to reduce emissions. I might have a pdf somewhere. I'll look tonight.

 

[mainemanx]

There are lots of little design features, some of which are underneath but they all seem be to reduce emissions. I might have a pdf somewhere. I'll look tonight.

The Anchorman knows and/or has a pdf for everything CX-3!

But I'm more concerned with the jackstands and the mini-sledgehammer ... possibly in the best Japanese tradition, "The nail that sticks up must be hammered down?"
I wouldn't do it until we hear something definitive.

 

[Kevincredible]

It's just where the optional mud flaps go isn't it?

Nope, there's about a two-inch gap between the top of my OEM ones and the bottom of that bump. Having the mud flaps on actually makes the bump more noticeable.

My best guess is it's some silly aerodynamic trick that mitigates turbulent air around the rear hatch at highway speeds.

 

[mainemanx]

Nope, there's about a two-inch gap between the top of my OEM ones and the bottom of that bump. Having the mud flaps on actually makes the bump more noticeable.

My best guess is it's some silly aerodynamic trick that mitigates turbulent air around the rear hatch at highway speeds.

Actually, mine could use a little more turbulence if that would keep the hatch a bit cleaner

 

[Geezer]

I have heard that Mazda put it there so people on the CX3 users forum would ask "What is that bump for?"

 

[mainemanx]

I have heard that Mazda put it there so people on the CX3 users forum would ask "What is that bump for?"

Was it Miley Cyrus? "To bump or not to bump!"

Note: I first thought Gypsy Rose Lee, but NOBODY here would have known who I was talking about ... probably don't even get the "bump" pun

 

[MeKiwi]

Note: I first thought Gypsy Rose Lee, but NOBODY here would have known who I was talking about

Hey now, thanks for making me feel like a nobody (and really old!)

 

[anchorman]

I can’t find it amongst my many pdf’s but will look next time I go on the Mazda online manual.

 

[anchorman]

I’ve found some bits and bobs but cannot find where I read about those bumps!

 

[Dean]

I think I'm entitled to a prize!!!

The anchor didn't answer my question on the first try









.

 

[Snoogie]

Your Grand Prize is One Unanswered Question, congrats dude. lol

 

[mainemanx]

Amazing ... they obviously spent some time in a wind tunnel ... or maybe a computer simulation.

Also, looking at the pdfs, now I'm going to feel guilty installing a trailer hitch ... jutting down into the carefully tailored airflow.

 

[anchorman]

I think I'm entitled to a prize!!!

The anchor didn't answer my question on the first try









.

If I can just find my "falling on" sword........

 

[NotAPreppie]

If they were on the front of the car, I could believe that they might be there to manage wind noise (like the specially shaped headlights on the Nissan Leaf).

 

[anchorman]

Amazing ... they obviously spent some time in a wind tunnel ... or maybe a computer simulation.

Also, looking at the pdfs, now I'm going to feel guilty installing a trailer hitch ... jutting down into the carefully tailored airflow.

Its also why the OEM mudguards are so tiny - to minimise drag.

 

[Snoogie]

I had a chance to speak with Mazda's Techline for an issue and had a chance to ask the question. According to them its for straight line stability and reduce some wind noise by channeling air there. The new miatas have something like it too above the rear wheels. So yea its an aero thing.