The little Mazda CX-3 is considered a sport ute. A hackneyed name, no doubt, since it applies to everything that is not a car, regardless of its size. And dimension-wise, we must admit that the smallest Mazda is not exactly a big player.
Nevertheless, he is doing well, offers a AWD system good enough for the needs and, because our test was all that winter has to offer, could rely on Yokohama Ice Guard IG52C tires for support.
Small and comfortable
The Mazda CX-3 is the dynamic version of compact sport utility vehicles. It shows, like all members of the Mazda family, an unusually modern design, called Kodo (probably a great Japanese meaning, but it is not important for tour purpose). In fact, what you should know is that the style of the small CX-3 has nothing in common with its rivals: it is more modern, more rounded, displays a longer hood and a more compact cabin. For 2019, it has new wheels, a modified grille and some other exterior touch-ups, but nothing more.
The size, however, is one of his worst defects. The cargo area is lilliputian, and rear passengers have every interest in not expecting too much space if they are three occupants, as technically allowed by the vehicle. Two of average size will have enough clearance for the head and the legs, but no more.
It also added some safety features, such as a blind spot detector, removed the manual handbrake to make it electronic which gives a little more usable space in the center console. But overall, you will not be disoriented in the cabin, and you will recognize easily its infotainment system with central screen.
Good news, it now includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Bad news, they did not change the control wheel, nor the speed of execution of the system. We obviously can’t have everything …
Fun driving
The question of space being settled, remains the real interrogation: is the Mazda CX-3 able to lead you safely, comfortably and with pleasure? The answer is an unequivocal yes. Because the Mazda CX-3 is just that: driving pleasure.
A single engine, a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter, drives all versions of the CX-3. Nothing to lose breath in acceleration, but the small SUV knows what dynamism means. His direction is precise, the suspensions master the balance of weight well, and the transmission does the work without ever balking.
And the all-wheel drive system, standard on the GT version that I tried, proved that it could also handle relatively well under all circumstances.
Yokohama iG52c
To support this small SUV sports claims, it was necessary to opt for a versatile tire, and able to stick to the road in all conditions. The Yokohama iG52c has this reputation. And it now offers a high density sole, which is said to resist wear better than before.
What really distinguishes it, however, is the design of the sole combining large blocks with oversized furrows, allowing faster evacuation of water and especially slush. As for the blocks, they have better contact on the ground surface, providing better grip on icy or snowy ground.
I admit, I had a little fun getting the little CX-3 at its limits, just to see what the tires could offer. And as the driving occurred during a heavy snowfall (one more …), I could see that the furrows fulfilled their mission well. Despite all my efforts to push the limits, nothing really happened.
I retried the experience a few days later, on a cold pavement but totally cleared of snow or ice. This time, I had to refrain my enthusiasm a bit, feeling that the sole was losing some of its grip when cornering too hard. Obviously, caution would require me to limit this kind of conduct, but it’s the joy of the tester, right?
The bottom line is that the Yokohama iG52c tires are versatile and have proven to be well suited to my small CX-3, a dynamic SUV. Relatively quiet, they provide the necessary assurance for daily driving. They are a little less comfortable in excess of enthusiasm, but are excellent value for money.
