Entering the growing small SUV segment for the first time, Mazda’s designers have created a unique, progressive and stylish crossover that combines a go-anywhere SUV character with a rear-leaning coupe inspired roof line. The latest expression of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy the Mazda CX-3’s taut proportions and bold lines are highly reminiscent of the Shinari concept car that first showed the world Mazda’s vision of KODO design.
While the Mazda CX-3 shares an identical wheelbase with the latest Mazda2, the CX-3’s stylish exterior design demonstrates the individual character of each new-generation Mazda product. At first glance the CX-3 has a striking presence that belies its actual size, using the extra height of a crossover body to create attractive proportions that embody freshness and beauty.
In profile the CX-3’s short overhangs, large diameter wheels and rich door contours ensure the Mazda CX-3 has a planted and dynamic stance on the road. Rearward positioned A-pillars work with the flowing bonnet profile to emphasise a sense of forward speed, while the sweeping coupe-like roofline continues that sense of motion to and beyond the back of the car. Darkened rear glass* and black D-pillars contribute to a flowing profile that gives the impression of a wraparound glass surface that seamlessly blends into the shapely tailgate.
The bold KODO: Soul of Motion body lines of the Mazda CX-3 mean this is a compact SUV that has the visual dynamism of a coupe. Flowing from the bonnet past the A-pillars, before tapering downwards across the front doors, the first body line forms an axis with a strong shoulder line that builds from the point of the rear light clusters. Together these lines and contours create the sense of movement that is at the heart of KODO design.
In range-topping Sport Nav trim the side-profile is enhanced with Chrome-accented door sills that run along the ridge of each side garnish trim. Well-matched to the shine of the machined outer surfaces of the Sport Nav’s standard 18-inch wheels, these details give the range-topping CX-3 an unmistakably premium appearance. SE and SE-L Nav versions of the Mazda CX-3 come with smart 16-inch alloy wheels, which thanks to their sculpted form and light contours give the impression of being bigger than they actually are, ensuring that across the range the CX-3’s wheels are an intrinsic part of its bold look.
From the front, the Mazda CX-3’s bold face complements its stylish proportions. Thanks to the taller compact SUV body, the familiar Mazda signature wing and grill is positioned higher, which combined with the CX-3’s predatory headlamp styling give’s Mazda’s newest model a bold look that’s reminiscent of the award-winning Mazda CX-5. SE Nav and SE-L Nav models feature halogen bulbs with a chrome plated signature, while from SE-L Nav trim onwards the CX-3 features LED front fog lights with Sport Nav models featuring LED headlights and daytime running lights that provide a stylish and recognisable Mazda lighting signature.
Viewed from behind, the Mazda CX-3’s shapely shoulder contours extend from the side profile to give the CX-3 a sporty rear-end and a strong stance on the road. The black D-pillars create a visual continuity between the side windows and the tailgate glass, while the tailgate spoiler blends seamlessly into the sweeping roofline. Twin exhaust pipes emphasise the CX-3’s sporty character, while the slim, sharply tapered and laterally aligned rear lights echo the predatory headlamp styling at the front.
Ensuring that the Mazda CX-3 has a high-class nocturnal signature each rear light cluster features an upper line and three-dimensionally contoured brake light, while Sport Nav models feature LED lights. Combined with a shapely rear bumper design, a short rear overhang and sleek tailgate, these details underscore the Mazda CX-3’s sporty character and premium appeal.
A stand out example of Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design philosophy, the Mazda CX-3’s exterior styling announces Mazda’s arrival in the ever-growing small SUV sector with a class-leading premium offering that delivers real kerb appeal. Matched to the head turning looks there’s a choice of nine exterior colours including Mazda’s flagship Soul Red Metallic and the new for CX-3 Ceramic Metallic. This innovative new colour features a completely new shade that changes in different lights: cooler under normal conditions, it becomes more radiant and glossy in bright sunlight.
*privacy glass standard from SE-L Nav trim onwards.
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