2016 Mazda CX-3 Official US Specs Revealed

You may already know that the 2016 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover is set to go on sale in the fall of this year. This weekend, Mazda revealed the models official specs ahead of its production debut.

Under the hood, the Mazda CX-3 will only be available with a single engine and transmission option. It’ll be a 2.0L Skyactiv-G with output rated at 146 hp at 6,000 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM. The engine will only be offered with a six speed automatic transmission. There’ll be no manual CX-3 models offered in the US, at least for 2016.

Why won’t Mazda offer the CX-3 with a standard transmission? Simply because there isn’t enough demand. However, just like they did with the Mazda 3, a manual transmission isn’t out of the question for future model years if there is enough demand for it.

Of course, Mazda gave us more details than just the engine and transmission. The CX-3 will use Mazda’s i-ACTIVE all-wheel drive and ACTIVSENSE safety suite (including lane-departure warning, Smart Brake Support, rear cross-traffic monitoring, rearview camera and Mazda Radar Cruise Control). Inside, the CX-3 will use the Mazda Connect infotainment system through a beautiful seven-inch color touchscreen. All trims will include Bluetooth phone-pairing and audio streaming, push-button start, cruise control, AC, power windows and doors, and keyless entry.

The trim levels start with the Sport package, which comes with all the features listed above. Starting price for that model will be in the low $20,000s (specific pricing has yet to be revealed). Then, the Touring package gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded six-speaker audio system, armrests, and fancy mirror-mounted turn signals. The top of the range is held by the Grand Touring package which gets larger 18-inch alloys, a moon roof, leather seating, BOSE seven-speaker audio, and a whole bunch of other cool features like paddle-shifters and heated seats.

Want more details on the 2016 Mazda CX-3? You can read the full press release here.

Japanese Car Auction Find – 2012 Nissan Juke

This Nissan Juke is the undisputed king of the subcompact crossover class, with the new Honda HR-V looking like the other big rival to the throne. If the Mazda CX-3 wants to compete, it’ll have to stand up to cars like this one.

The Nissan juke is the perfect example of what makes the subcompact crossover so appealing for drivers.

• First, the Juke stands out; it has an eye-catching design, even if it’s a bit quirky.
• Second, it feels like a car, not an SUV. Look at that interior – it’s cozy and well-appointed and it CAN have cargo space with the seats folded.
• Finally, it’s efficient and fun. It has a 1.5L engine with an automatic transmission, similar to the CX-3 but with a smaller engine.

To learn more about this auction find, keep reading below the auction sheet for a full rundown of the specs:

“Interior B, first registered 2012, Urban Selection model, FAT, AC, service book, original AWs, power steering, power windows, original TV, original navigation system, airbag, HDD navigation system, digital TV, M-SV, interior trim scratches, marks as per map”