(May 2, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Smartly designed and capable of handling many of life’s adventures, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 is the fifth vehicle introduced to the U.S. with KODO — Soul of Motion design — and showcasing the full suite of Mazda’s signature SKYACTIV Technology.

Debuting at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, CX-3 was developed to “Create the standard for the next era.” It’s a vehicle designed to meet the needs of a new generation of car buyers, supporting creative, adventurous lifestyles wherever — from the urban sprawl to the weekend getaway.

It will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year. Mazda has not yet announced an on-sale date for North America.

“The 2016 CX-3 is the next evolution of our mission to meld style, driving enjoyment and efficiency into a vehicle that demonstrates drivers don’t need to compromise to get what they want,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).

“CX-3 was designed to deliver all of the fun and technology of our larger models but at a price in the market where it will be a draw for buyers of all backgrounds. It is truly a vehicle that will help set the pace for its newly emerging segment.”

The CX-3 is shorter and lower than Mazda’s best-selling CX-5 and delivers versatility with available predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, a punchy 146-horsepower, 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G engine and Mazda’s full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features optionally available, including lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, rear camera, Smart City Brake Supportand Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

Mazda says the CX-3 is more than the sum of its parts. It is a vehicle tailored to deliver a rich, inviting experience not just for its driver, but also for its passengers, with rear seats set slightly inboard to ease conversation between front and rear passengers. It is a vehicle with interior details and materials that look and feel as elegant as they are forward-thinking, from the dark red seat stitching to the soft touch materials.



And it is a vehicle that carries itself with style, with a long hood, short overhangs, large wheels and a slim cabin, presenting proportions that lend themselves to a sense of strength and vitality. It’s a design that looks as though it’s in motion even when it’s not.

The subcompact crossover segment is growing quickly, and Mazda figures the CX-3 will be very competitive with its attention to detail and purpose-led ergonomics. Standard inside CX-3 is a push-button starter and Mazda Connect infotainment offering Bluetooth phone pairing, audio streaming, USB ports for phone charging and entertainment connectivity and Commander control knob, as well as a seven-inch color touchscreen interface – all means of keeping connected in a quick-paced environment.

Mazda Connect also features SMS text message audio delivery and reply, voice command and Aha/Stitcher/Pandora/HD radio connectivity.

Other available features include:

    BOSE seven-speaker audio system
    Active Driving Display
    Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
    Heated exterior mirrors
    One-, two- or three-tone premium cloth, leatherette or leather interior seating surfaces

The driver-oriented cockpit comes adorned with thoughtful touches, such as available stitching on the gauge hood, premium textures and rich, soft-touch materials, red accenting throughout the interior and handles and switches that evoke a feeling of tailored craftsmanship.

CX-3 feels distinctly “Mazda,” from its materials to its layout that puts the driver and passenger comfort and control above all else. Yet, it charts new territory with an intimate environment designed to feel timeless and personalized, catering to those who sweat the details and crave not just a mode of transportation but an experience and expression of their personalities.

CX-3 exudes a sense of confidence and maturity with bold looks and beautiful proportions. Upfront, a pronounced grill borders in a signature wing. This element lends a sense of flow to the body and looks as though it were formed from a single piece of metal, and the body’s overall proportions are not fettered by conventional classifications of vehicle type.

Achieving CX-3’s design involved an uncompromising approach to refining the proportions that form the foundation of its beauty and painstaking efforts to eliminate every unnecessary element. For the interior, a concerted effort to achieve the appropriate ambience and fine textures of the materials lends itself to a high-quality, sophisticated cabin.