2018 Mazda CX-3

Pros: Agile handling; peppy acceleration with good fuel economy; classy, high-quality interior trimmings; good selection of rare-for-the-class available safety and convenience features

Cons: Stingy cargo capacity and rear-seat space; some tedious infotainment-system controls; fold-down front-seat armrest blocks access to cupholders

CG Says: For 2018, Smart City Brake Support (low-speed autonomous emergency braking) is standard on all Mazda CX-3s. Suspension and steering have been revised and Mazda’s G-Vectoring, that adjusts engine torque to improve steering response and stability, is now standard. The subcompact CX-3 slots below the compact CX-5 in Mazda’s crossover lineup, and is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 146-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available features include keyless entry and starting, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and 18-inch wheels in place of 16s. A Premium Package for top-line Grand Touring models includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking. Even when measured against its similarly diminutive class competitors, the CX-3 is rather tight in rear-seat space and cargo room. However, its sporty driving demeanor, impressive list of available equipment, and all-around refinement make the CX-3 a fine choice in this segment.