Mazda Announces Class-Leading Fuel Economy Numbers for the CX-3

Mazda CX3 (Credit: © Mazda)

Mazda is just about to release the latest crossover in its lineup, the subcompact 2016 CX-3, and it is entering a surprisingly hot category. In the past year, we’ve seen this segment explode with the addition of the Mercedes GLA-Class, the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X, and the Honda HR-V.

In order to compete in this segment, the CX-3 needs to be a delicate combination of capability, compactness, and fuel efficient. Mazda just released the information on the latter of those three necessary traits, proving that the CX-3 may just be the model to beat in this segment.

Mazda CX3 (Credit: © Mazda)

In its standard front-wheel-drive configuration, the EPA rates the CX-3 at a subcompact-car-like 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, putting it at the top of its class. If you add the optional i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system, the CX-3’s fuel economy falls slightly to 27 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in the U.S.

What’s more, the CX-3 doesn’t necessarily sacrifice power or resort to a hybrid powertrain to achieve these numbers. It makes use of a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission in both the all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.

There are still a few details about the CX-3 that have yet to fall into place, and these include its cargo- and people-hauling capabilities and pricing. With just a few months before its launch this summer, we are sure to learn these last few details in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Mazda CX3 Interior (Credit: © Mazda)