Let's dive into the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring, a subcompact SUV that made a splash with its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. If you're considering a used CX-3, or you're just curious about what this model had to offer, you've come to the right place. We’ll explore everything from its performance and features to its reliability and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive look at this cool little crossover!

Overview of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is the top-tier trim level of the CX-3 lineup, offering a blend of premium features and sporty performance that sets it apart from its competitors. This model year marked the introduction of the CX-3 to the North American market, and it quickly gained recognition for its attractive styling, nimble handling, and fuel efficiency. The 'i' designation in the name refers to the base engine, which we'll get into more detail about later. The Grand Touring trim adds a touch of luxury and convenience, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking a small but sophisticated SUV. Let's be real, who doesn't love a car that looks good and is fun to drive? Mazda nailed it with the CX-3's design, giving it a sleek, almost coupe-like profile that stands out in a sea of boxy SUVs. The interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The 2016 CX-3 i Grand Touring is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it's more than adequate for a vehicle of this size. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts. One of the standout features of the CX-3 is its handling. It's nimble and responsive, making it a blast to drive on twisty roads. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good feel for the road. The Grand Touring trim comes standard with a variety of premium features, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a Bose sound system. It also includes advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Overall, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and features. It's a great option for those looking for a small but sophisticated vehicle that's fun to drive and easy to live with.

Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's break down the nitty-gritty details of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring. Knowing the specs will give you a clearer picture of what this vehicle brings to the table. From engine performance to interior comforts, we'll cover the essential features that made this trim stand out.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. While it's not a powerhouse, it provides sufficient pep for daily driving and merging onto highways. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and responsive shifts. Mazda's SKYACTIV technology optimizes fuel efficiency, helping you save money at the pump. Expect to see around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which is pretty impressive for a subcompact SUV. The CX-3's handling is one of its standout features. It's nimble and responsive, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good feel for the road. The CX-3 also comes standard with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control, which helps to improve handling by subtly adjusting engine torque in response to steering inputs. This technology helps to make the CX-3 feel more stable and confident in corners. Overall, the CX-3's engine and performance are well-suited to its size and purpose. It's not the fastest vehicle on the road, but it's fun to drive and fuel-efficient.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring, you're greeted with a well-designed and comfortable cabin. The Grand Touring trim boasts leather upholstery, giving the interior a premium feel. Heated front seats are standard, providing extra comfort on chilly days. A power sunroof lets you enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. The infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and navigate. It includes features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a Bose sound system. The Bose sound system delivers excellent audio quality, making your favorite music sound even better. Other notable interior features include automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a push-button start. The CX-3 also offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size. With the rear seats up, you get 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 44.5 cubic feet. The CX-3's interior is well-equipped and comfortable, making it a great place to spend time on long drives.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring has you covered. It comes standard with a variety of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features help to keep you aware of your surroundings and can help to prevent accidents. The CX-3 also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to back up and park. Other notable safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. The CX-3 has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the CX-3 a 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. Overall, the CX-3 is a safe and reliable vehicle that will help to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what it's really like to get behind the wheel of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring. Specs and features are important, but the driving experience is what truly makes or breaks a car. So, how does this little SUV handle the road?

Handling and Ride Quality

The CX-3 shines when it comes to handling. It's nimble and responsive, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good feel for the road. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. Even on rough roads, the CX-3 manages to soak up bumps and maintain its composure. The CX-3's small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, such as parking lots and city streets. It's also easy to park, thanks to its rearview camera and available parking sensors. Overall, the CX-3's handling and ride quality are excellent for a subcompact SUV.

Acceleration and Braking

The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate acceleration for most driving situations. It's not the fastest vehicle on the road, but it has enough power to merge onto highways and pass other cars. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, helping to make the most of the engine's power. The CX-3's brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. The brake pedal has a good feel, making it easy to modulate the brakes and avoid locking them up. Overall, the CX-3's acceleration and braking are well-suited to its size and purpose.

Potential Issues and Reliability

No car is perfect, and the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is no exception. It's important to be aware of any potential issues and reliability concerns before making a purchase. So, let's dive into what you should keep an eye on.

Common Problems

Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing or crashing. Others have reported problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting or hesitation. Some owners have also reported issues with the air conditioning system, such as weak airflow or a lack of cold air. It's important to note that these are just potential issues, and not all CX-3s will experience them. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of potential problems before making a purchase.

Reliability Ratings

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 has generally received positive reliability ratings from reputable sources. J.D. Power gave the CX-3 a reliability score of 4 out of 5, which is above average. Consumer Reports has also given the CX-3 a positive reliability rating. However, it's important to remember that reliability ratings are just estimates, and your actual experience may vary. It's always a good idea to have a used car inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.

Is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring a Good Choice?

So, after all this, is the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring a good choice for you? Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Stylish design
• Nimble handling
• Fuel-efficient engine
• Premium features
• Excellent safety ratings

Cons

• Limited cargo space
• Potentially unreliable infotainment system

Final Verdict

Overall, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and features. It's a great option for those looking for a small but sophisticated vehicle that's fun to drive and easy to live with. However, it's important to be aware of the potential issues and reliability concerns before making a purchase. If you're looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive subcompact SUV, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is definitely worth considering.

Alternatives to Consider

If the 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring isn't quite what you're looking for, there are several other subcompact SUVs that you might want to consider. Here are a few of the top contenders:

• Honda HR-V: The HR-V offers more cargo space than the CX-3 and is known for its reliability.
• Jeep Renegade: The Renegade has a more rugged and off-road-oriented design.
• Chevrolet Trax: The Trax is a budget-friendly option that offers good value for the money.
• Nissan Kicks: The Kicks is a stylish and fuel-efficient option that's perfect for city driving.

Conclusion

The 2016 Mazda CX-3 i Grand Touring is a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV segment. Its blend of style, performance, and features makes it a standout option for those seeking a small but sophisticated vehicle. While it's not without its potential drawbacks, such as limited cargo space and potential infotainment issues, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for many buyers. If you prioritize driving dynamics, a premium interior, and a stylish exterior, the CX-3 is definitely worth a look. Just be sure to do your homework, get a pre-purchase inspection, and weigh your options carefully. Happy driving!