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Written by Dan Carney
Mazda dove into the burgeoning market for subcompactcrossover SUVs with the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show introduction of the CX-3, astylish new tall wagon built on the platform of the new Mazda2/Demio. As with other recent Mazda introductions, the CX-3 featuresthe company"s Skyactiv drivetrain and platform technology, an all-encompassingphilosophy of coordinated optimization of efficiency that provides useful benefits from theaggregation of tiny improvements. Mazda describes the CX-3"s chassis as a simplification ofthe Skyactiv architecture, one that employs increased use of high-tensile steeland optimized cross-section shapes to provide light weight and positive dampingcharacteristics. While there is no current CX-3 for comparison, the newMazda2"s body-in-white is 7% lighter than that of the old car, while itboasts a 22% improvement in torsional rigidity, providing someperspective for the CX-3"s derivative chassis. High-strength steel accounts for 63% of the CX-3"sunibody, with 29% 780-MPa (113-ksi) ultra-high-strength steel, and 4% 1180-MPa (171-ksi) steel for maximum resistance to intrusion in a crash. As with the Mazda2, the CX-3 uses MacPherson struts in thefront and a simple torsion beam for the rear suspension. No details are yetavailable, but the company promises that fine-tuning of the details yieldsimproved control and response when compared to the previous-generation Mazda2platform. Though the CX-3 and Mazda2 share the same 101.2-in (2570-mm)wheelbase, at 168.3 in (4275 mm), the CX-3 is 8.5 in (216 mm) longer. It is also 1.8in (45 mm) wider and stands 2.1 in (53 mm) taller. The company says that it refined the CX-3 cabin noise bycontrolling suspension resonance, tuning the shape and hardness of enginemounts and adjusting their positions, and locating sound insulation anddeadening materials in the optimal locations. Special attention was given to the all-wheel-drive models,which see reinforcement to the crossmember connecting the rear subframe andstrengthening the spare tire pan with optimized shaping of the beading.Computational fluid dynamics work is credited with reducing both aerodynamicwind noise and fuel-economy-sapping drag. The CX-3 is available in both front- and all-wheel-driveconfigurations. The company claims aworld-first with the inclusion of a front wheel slip warning detection systemthat it says monitors driving conditions and tries to predict drivers"intentions to keep the CX-3 on course. The all-wheel-drive system uses theactive torque control coupling seen on the CX-5, mated to a new power take-offunit on the front transaxle and a new, more compact and lightweight reardifferential. All U.S.-market cars are powered by a 2.0-L I4 from Mazda"sSkyactiv engine family. As installed in the 2015 Mazda3, that engine is ratedat 155 hp (116 kW) and 150 lb ft (203 N m). All U.S.-spec CX-3s will be fitted with the company"ssix-speed automatic transmission, which uses a small torque converter forlaunch from a standstill and a computer-controlled clutch at higher speeds. Global market CX-3s will likely see the availability of the1.5-L gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a six-speed manual transmission, that are offered in the Mazda2 in those countries. Inside, the CX-3 features theinfotainment interface introduced with the 2014 Mazda6, the flip-updashboard-mounted head-up display seen on the Mazda3, along with all of thesafety-related technologies available on those cars, most notably, the forward-collision-warning radar. The company points to the highquality of cabin materials as an advance in the class, and inspection on theshow floor confirmed that that upholstery material quality, the coordinatedpiping and the stitching convey a rich, expensive appearance that is unexpectedin the subcompact segment. Additionally, though the CX-3 issmall, the rear seats proved useable by normal adult males, though ingress andegress through the small door openings is tight. Mazda says the CX-3 goes on salefirst in Japan, starting in spring 2015, arriving in global markets later inthe year.
Date: 03-Dec-2014 01:54 EST
More of this article on the SAE International website
ID: 1062
Mazda dove into the burgeoning market for subcompactcrossover SUVs with the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show introduction of the CX-3, astylish new tall wagon built on the platform of the new Mazda2/Demio. As with other recent Mazda introductions, the CX-3 featuresthe company"s Skyactiv drivetrain and platform technology, an all-encompassingphilosophy of coordinated optimization of efficiency that provides useful benefits from theaggregation of tiny improvements. Mazda describes the CX-3"s chassis as a simplification ofthe Skyactiv architecture, one that employs increased use of high-tensile steeland optimized cross-section shapes to provide light weight and positive dampingcharacteristics. While there is no current CX-3 for comparison, the newMazda2"s body-in-white is 7% lighter than that of the old car, while itboasts a 22% improvement in torsional rigidity, providing someperspective for the CX-3"s derivative chassis. High-strength steel accounts for 63% of the CX-3"sunibody, with 29% 780-MPa (113-ksi) ultra-high-strength steel, and 4% 1180-MPa (171-ksi) steel for maximum resistance to intrusion in a crash. As with the Mazda2, the CX-3 uses MacPherson struts in thefront and a simple torsion beam for the rear suspension. No details are yetavailable, but the company promises that fine-tuning of the details yieldsimproved control and response when compared to the previous-generation Mazda2platform. Though the CX-3 and Mazda2 share the same 101.2-in (2570-mm)wheelbase, at 168.3 in (4275 mm), the CX-3 is 8.5 in (216 mm) longer. It is also 1.8in (45 mm) wider and stands 2.1 in (53 mm) taller. The company says that it refined the CX-3 cabin noise bycontrolling suspension resonance, tuning the shape and hardness of enginemounts and adjusting their positions, and locating sound insulation anddeadening materials in the optimal locations. Special attention was given to the all-wheel-drive models,which see reinforcement to the crossmember connecting the rear subframe andstrengthening the spare tire pan with optimized shaping of the beading.Computational fluid dynamics work is credited with reducing both aerodynamicwind noise and fuel-economy-sapping drag. The CX-3 is available in both front- and all-wheel-driveconfigurations. The company claims aworld-first with the inclusion of a front wheel slip warning detection systemthat it says monitors driving conditions and tries to predict drivers"intentions to keep the CX-3 on course. The all-wheel-drive system uses theactive torque control coupling seen on the CX-5, mated to a new power take-offunit on the front transaxle and a new, more compact and lightweight reardifferential. All U.S.-market cars are powered by a 2.0-L I4 from Mazda"sSkyactiv engine family. As installed in the 2015 Mazda3, that engine is ratedat 155 hp (116 kW) and 150 lb ft (203 N m). All U.S.-spec CX-3s will be fitted with the company"ssix-speed automatic transmission, which uses a small torque converter forlaunch from a standstill and a computer-controlled clutch at higher speeds. Global market CX-3s will likely see the availability of the1.5-L gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a six-speed manual transmission, that are offered in the Mazda2 in those countries. Inside, the CX-3 features theinfotainment interface introduced with the 2014 Mazda6, the flip-updashboard-mounted head-up display seen on the Mazda3, along with all of thesafety-related technologies available on those cars, most notably, the forward-collision-warning radar. The company points to the highquality of cabin materials as an advance in the class, and inspection on theshow floor confirmed that that upholstery material quality, the coordinatedpiping and the stitching convey a rich, expensive appearance that is unexpectedin the subcompact segment. Additionally, though the CX-3 issmall, the rear seats proved useable by normal adult males, though ingress andegress through the small door openings is tight. Mazda says the CX-3 goes on salefirst in Japan, starting in spring 2015, arriving in global markets later inthe year.
Date: 03-Dec-2014 01:54 EST
More of this article on the SAE International website
ID: 1062
