It’s noisier than you might expect given that the Mazda approaches $30,000. That’s my biggest problem with the CX-3.
While our Grand Touring model came with everything you would conceivably want in a small crossover — automatic high beams, a heads-up display, blind-spot monitoring and more — there’s no ignoring that this is still a mainstream subcompact crossover.
The Mazda 3 I recently tested, with a bigger engine but a manual transmission, costs just $26,685. For that, you get similar equipment but better styling, even more impressive dynamics and similar interior room. You also get two separate engine options and the choice of a wonderful manual transmission.
