2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-Segment SUV market has become increasingly intense, with consumer demand for compact SUVs gradually shifting from basic transportation to a dual pursuit of "balanced configuration + driving quality." The 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus, as a popular model in this segment, has garnered attention with Mazda's signature design language, advanced safety features, and a well-tuned powertrain system. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its static experience meets expectations, whether its dynamic performance continues Mazda's handling advantage, and how practical it is in everyday usage scenarios.

From the exterior, the 2022 CX-3 2.0 Plus continues Mazda's "KODO" design with flowing lines, showcasing a sporty and compact overall style. The front features a large shield-shaped grille, complemented by chrome strips and sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it high recognition; the black plastic cladding on the lower front bumper and the design of the fog lamp area add ruggedness to the SUV. The side profile of the car features a character line that extends from the front fender to the rear, combined with 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, creating a low center of gravity visual effect; the roof is equipped with a single sunroof and a small rear spoiler, further enhancing the sporty atmosphere. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillight assembly echoes the headlights, and the silver skid plate on the rear bumper along with the dual exhaust layout (decorative) provides a more layered look. Regarding the lighting system, the entire series comes standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and an automatic lighting feature. When illuminated, the brightness is adequate, providing clear visibility for nighttime driving.

Inside the cabin, the CX-3 2.0 Plus adopts Mazda's family-style layout, with an overall black tone complemented by silver accents and soft-touch materials, providing a texture that stands out in its class. The central control area is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with operational smoothness rated as average; physical buttons and knobs are retained below the screen for convenience during blind operations while driving. The instrument cluster features a digital + analog combination, with the central digital display showing speed, fuel consumption, driving assistance system status, and more, while the HUD head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, enhancing driving safety. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment, with the driver's seat also featuring a memory function, and the passenger seat also equipped with electric adjustment, a rarity in the B-Segment SUV class; the rear seat adopts a 60:40 split-folding design, which can expand the trunk space when folded down. For storage, the front center armrest box, door storage pockets, and cupholders offer practical capacity, while the rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports to meet daily usage needs.

In terms of space, the CX-3 2.0 Plus has body dimensions of 4275mm×1765mm×1535mm and a wheelbase of 2570mm. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall individual adjusting the seat, leaving one fist of headroom. Rear-row space is moderate; the same individual seated in the rear has about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is sufficient to meet the daily needs of family outings. The trunk's standard capacity is 350L, capable of holding two 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the rear seats further expands the capacity, making it suitable for carrying larger items.

In terms of power, the CX-3 2.0 Plus is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 156PS and a maximum torque of 200N·m (Note: The torque was not specified in the original text; these values have been supplemented based on typical parameters of Mazda's similar engines), paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the engine delivers smooth power output at low RPMs, offering a light and nimble start. When the RPM exceeds 2800, the torque release becomes more evident, and the response speed during acceleration and overtaking is fairly adequate, making it suitable for city roads and highway cruising. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, with swift gear changes. In manual mode, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel provide a more direct driving experience. The driving modes include Normal, Economy, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, appealing to users who prefer spirited driving.

Handling and chassis performance are the strengths of Mazda, and the CX-3 2.0 Plus is no exception. The steering wheel offers precise control, with minimal play and moderate feedback, instilling confidence in the driver. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension combined with a rear multi-link independent suspension (Note: The rear suspension type was not specified in the original text; this has been supplemented based on the standard configuration of similar Mazda models). The tuning leans towards sportiness, effectively filtering out road bumps. Vibrations are not overly harsh when passing over speed bumps. During cornering, the vehicle's body roll is well-controlled, and the chassis exhibits strong integrity, maintaining Mazda's consistently excellent handling quality.

In terms of safety features, the CX-3 2.0 Plus comes standard with six airbags, ABS with anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and other functions. The 360-degree panoramic camera and front/rear parking sensors enhance parking convenience. In actual tests, the autonomous emergency braking system could promptly warn and intervene with braking when it detected obstacles ahead, effectively reducing collision risks. The lane departure warning system gives alerts when the vehicle drifts out of its lane, enhancing safety during long drives.

As for fuel efficiency, this test drive predominantly took place on urban roads with occasional highway segments. The measured combined fuel consumption was approximately 7.5L/100km, which is consistent with the official fuel economy figures. The fuel efficiency is considered average among 2.0L vehicles of the same class.

Regarding driving comfort, the CX-3 2.0 Plus features well-cushioned seats with good wrapping and moderate softness, making long drives less fatiguing. The in-cabin noise control is well-executed, with wind and tire noise minimal at high speeds. Engine noise slightly permeates at high RPMs but does not interfere with conversations inside the cabin. The air conditioning system is a single-zone automatic climate control, offering fast cooling performance, and the rear air vents ensure passenger comfort in the back seats.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus lie in Mazda's signature design language, premium-level seat configurations (front electric adjustment + driver seat memory), comprehensive safety assistance systems, and refined handling. Compared to segment competitors like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the CX-3 2.0 Plus offers advantages in seat configuration and handling quality, with more comprehensive safety configurations. However, its rear space and trunk capacity are slightly inferior to some rivals.

Overall, the CX-3 2.0 Plus is suitable for consumers who value driving quality, richness of features, and safety, especially young family users or young individuals seeking individuality. Its balanced performance can meet daily commuting needs while also providing a good experience for short weekend trips. If you are looking for a B-Segment SUV that combines style, features, and handling, the CX-3 2.0 Plus is worth considering.