With the crossover vehicle market growing by leaps and bounds, Mazda is more than keen to jump on the bandwagon. The Japanese automaker is offering the flamboyant CX-3 unit which will compete against the Chevy Trax, the Fiat 500X and the Honda HR-V. Here is an automobile that combines a brute outlook with an elite perspective.

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 introduces bold features that include minimal overhangs, a prominent muzzle and a compressed overall appearance. It has a considerably stable foundation as manifested by its sturdy but light unibody structure. It should be noted that the car is comprised of around 63 percent full-strength steel.

In manufacturing the Mazda CX-3, the Fuchu-based firm has based the vehicle's components on its Skyactiv engineering platform. The unit has incorporated the hatchback elements of the 2015 Mazda 3 and the crossover forms of the CX-5. However, upgrades like a raised seating position and a more manageable all-wheel driving (AWD) approach have harmonized the overall setup of the car.

Under the hood of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The 6-speed automatic transmission machine has a sport mode and paddle shifter variants. At 6,000rpm, 146hp is unloaded to go with 146 pound-feet of torque.

The Mazda CX-3 is no slouch on the road as it is able to reach the 60mph mark within eight seconds. Judging from its estimated 29mpg city consumption and 35mpg highway guzzling approaches, it is the intention of the Japanese firm to turn the car into a prominent gas-efficient unit. Based on a drive run by testing director Kim Reynolds, the automobile manages to cover 311.4 miles on 11.9 gallons of gas.

While the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is a comfortable entity during trips, its luggage compartment can be somewhat limited. With its 10.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the volume is indeed wanting compared to its peers.

Aside from its hatchback models, the Mazda CX-3 also comes in Grand Touring brands whose outlook is far more enhanced. Aside from its multi-toned cabin color perspective and 18-inch tires, the vehicle has full LED lighting, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, heated front seats, pop-up head display plus the Mazda's i-Activsense system. Among the elements contained in this package are the radar cruise control, the automatic smart braking and the radar cruise control.

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