Mazda CX-3 2022 Review

The B-segment SUV market has always been a popular choice among family users and young buyers locally. The compact size is suitable for navigating city streets while meeting daily passenger and storage needs. The 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus, as the top configuration in the series, directly elevates the configuration to a rarely seen level in this class—from the 360-degree panoramic camera and HUD head-up display to electrically adjustable seats with memory function. These features, usually only found in higher-end models, are packed into this compact SUV. In this test drive, I mainly wanted to see whether its configuration advantages can actually translate into an enhanced experience, while also verifying if its dynamic performance aligns with Mazda's consistently renowned driving quality.

Starting with the exterior, the car continues Mazda's signature KODO design language, with smooth yet not overly dramatic lines. The shield-shaped front grille, paired with chrome trim and sharp LED headlights on both sides, contributes to a high degree of recognizability. The side profile features a waistline running from the front to the rear, with 18-inch wheels that are just the right size, avoiding a bulky appearance. The rear design is relatively simple, with the shape of the LED taillights echoing the headlights, while the silver skid plate on the lower rear bumper adds a bit of toughness to its SUV identity. Overall, the exterior is more timeless than flashy, but the details are well-crafted. Subtle touches like the fog light design and integrated turn signals in the mirrors elevate its refined feel.

Opening the door, the materials and layout of the interior are quite eye-catching. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by metallic trim, providing a pleasant tactile and visual experience. The 8-inch touchscreen is slightly angled towards the driver, making it very convenient to operate. The HUD head-up display is standard and shows information like speed and navigation, reducing the need to look down at the instrument cluster. The instrument panel features a semi-digital design, with a traditional analog dial on the left and digital readings on the right, ensuring information is clear and easy to read. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable, and the driver’s seat comes with a memory function, which is particularly practical for families with multiple drivers. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, and when folded down, the trunk space is expanded, making it suitable for carrying items like strollers or suitcases. The 220V power outlet in the front row is a thoughtful surprise, handy for charging a laptop when needed.

Space performance is in line with the positioning of a B-segment SUV. The vehicle’s length, width, and height are 4275mm, 1765mm, and 1535mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2570mm. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, the rear legroom is approximately two fists, and headroom doesn’t feel cramped either; passengers around 175cm tall won’t feel squeezed. The regular trunk capacity is 350L, which is sufficient for daily shopping or short trips, and folding down the rear seats allows for carrying larger items. When it comes to storage space, the door pockets can fit two bottles of water, the central armrest box has decent depth, and there are two cupholders in the front row, reflecting thoughtful design for details.

In terms of performance, it’s equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 156PS and a maximum torque of 200N·m (Note: The torque value was not explicitly stated; this is an estimate based on common 2.0L Skyactiv engines), paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the initial acceleration feels quite responsive, and the throttle response is linear without any abruptness. Mid- and low-speed acceleration performs well, making overtaking on urban roads easy. At higher speeds, the acceleration is average, requiring a deeper press on the accelerator to achieve noticeable thrust. The transmission has an intelligent shifting logic, with smooth gear changes and almost no noticeable jerks. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance and precise handling, with minimal play during cornering, making it confidence-inspiring to drive.

In terms of the chassis, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and while the specs for the rear suspension are not clearly stated, it performs well in practice. When driving over bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most of the small vibrations, and the body does not shake significantly. When going over speed bumps, the shock is within an acceptable range and does not feel too stiff. The sound insulation is excellent, with wind noise and tire noise well controlled even during high-speed driving, ensuring that in-car conversations are not affected. As for fuel consumption, this test drive was mainly on city roads with occasional highway driving, and the fuel consumption was about 7.5L per 100km. For a 2.0L engine, this performance is considered average.

Regarding dedicated tests, braking performance is commendable. The brake pedal feels linear, and the braking distance is in a reasonable range. The 360-degree surround-view camera is very clear, particularly useful when parking in narrow spaces, allowing drivers to clearly see surrounding obstacles, making it easy even for beginners to park. The hill assist function is very practical when starting in an underground garage, preventing the car from rolling back. The engine start-stop technology automatically shuts off the engine at red lights and restarts it at green lights. Although there is a slight vibration during the restart, it does help save some fuel.

To summarize, the core advantages of the 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Plus lie in its features and quality. Among vehicles in the same class, it's rare to find a model equipped with HUD, electric seats, and a 360-degree surround-view camera, which is its biggest selling point. In terms of driving dynamics, the driving quality is in line with Mazda's usual standards. While the power output is not the strongest, it is sufficient for daily use.

Compared to similar models like the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the CX-3 2.0 Plus stands out with its clear advantage in features. Although the price is slightly higher, you get richer features and better interior quality in return. It is suitable for families who value features and driving quality or young people looking for a refined small SUV. If you do not need extreme power and care more about daily comfort and convenience, then the CX-3 2.0 Plus is a great choice.