The Gay UK December 2015 | Page 30

‘MAZING MAZDA

© MAZDA

ALAN TAYLOR-JONES

Mazda are one of the latest manufacturers to produce a
competitor for Nissan’s popular Juke crossover. Called
the CX-3, it promises a more upmarket feel inside and
out when compared to the little Nissan or the Renault
Captur. Beneath the distinctive styling is the platform of
the Mazda2 supermini albeit without that car’s smaller
engines.
While the CX-3 may be roughly the same length as the
Mazda2, a more upright seating position gives noticeably
more room front and rear along with a bigger boot. Even
so, you wouldn’t want to cram three adults in the back
for too long especially if they’re tall. Think of it as good
for its size but bear in mind a similarly priced Skoda Yeti
would give even more space inside.
The Skoda wouldn’t have quite the same level of style as
the Mazda though. While the Yeti doesn’t look bad, the
CX-3 is a handsome little thing (even in refrigerator
white) that avoids looking like it’s trying too hard to be
different like some competitors. Those looks are carried
through to the cabin which proved to be a very pleasant
environment to be in. There’s a good selection of high
quality plastics and leather effect materials but a few too
many hard and scratchy surfaces considering the
£17,000 plus price tag.

30 THEGAYUK | ISSUE 17 | DEC 2015

The infotainment system is worth a mention though. The
screen is touch sensitive but there’s also a rotary
controller between the front seats similar to BMW