Engineers will use Mazda’s SkyActiv technologies, applying a focus on low weight and strong efficiency to everything from the chassis to the gearbox.
A new diesel – thought to be a 1.6-litre engine – will play a major part in reducing emissions. The most efficient version of the bigger CX-5 – which features a 2.0-litre diesel – manages 61.4mpg and 119g/km, but the CX-3 could be capable of around 80mpg and 95g/km.
Mazda is also thought to be developing a 1.3-litre petrol turbo, which could feature in the CX-3 line-up.
In this class, two-wheel-drive crossovers outsell four-wheel-drive versions by some margin, so the CX-3 may be offered as a front-wheel-drive model only.
As it did in the CX-5, Mazda will attempt to deliver a taste of the MX-5’s driver appeal, so the new car’s steering and gearbox will be set up for instant responses and feedback.
Mazda CX-3 Engines and Technology
Mazda declined to mention specifications but the CX-3 is expected to be heavily based on the Mazda2. This means there could be a variety of engines including:
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G with 75 PS (55 kW) and 135 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G with 90 PS (66 kW) and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G i-ELOOP with 115 PS (85 kW) and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D with 105 PS (77 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G with 75 PS (55 kW) and 135 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G with 90 PS (66 kW) and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-G i-ELOOP with 115 PS (85 kW) and 148 Nm (109 lb-ft) of torque
A 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D with 105 PS (77 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque
