Hey everybody, It's Jason from Sasaki Time back with another vehicle review! This time it is for the 2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring! I got to review this vehicle for a week and took it on some food adventures and media events including e3! Let's get started with the review!
The Mazda CX-3 is part of the subcompact-crossover that has seen several car companies come out with their own take on this segment. Smooth lines and contouring really make this vehicle stand out.
Touring around the front of the vehicle, the stylish super bright LED headlights will easily show you the way on the highway. You also get LED foglights on the Grand Touring.
Beautiful 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with the Grand Touring. They provide firm traction and maneuverability on the streets and the freeway in Orange County.
Massive side mirrors have Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring which is one of my favorite safety features on any vehicle. But there are a ton of amazing safety options on the 2016 Mazda CX-3 including Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Close Proximity Warning, Smart City Brake Support, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert when you are backing up, Lane Departure Warning System, Adaptive Front-Lighting System and High Beam Control.
Time to hop into the driver's seat and check out the spacious cockpit area. I love the simple dash layout. All the gauges and controls are easy to read and to use. A central controller on the console helps you navigate the seven-inch infotainment display. The driver's seat is comfortable as well as supportive. The second row of seats however is compact and best for smaller adults as well as children.
Now it's off to a food adventure! If you know me then you know how much I love food!
A first time visit and definitely not a last time visit! This massive, and I do mean massive bowl of rice, vegetables and sashimi plus the pickled vegetables and the bowl of miso soup all for $6.99! I was way too full after this meal!
One of my favorite features is the Heads-Up Display or as Mazda refers to it as the Active Driving Display places all the essential information such a turn-by-turn navigation and vehicle speed all in your line of sight so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
I used the tech to navigate us to e3 in Los Angeles. The industry only Electronic Entertainment Expo is the annual video game conference and show. I've got my pass so let's go in and check out the latest video games coming this year and next.
First up is the Nintendo area who was showing off the latest Zelda game. The Legend of Zelda Breath of The Wild game is a gorgeous open world game! Can't wait to play more of it when it hits stores next year.
Microsoft showed off the XBOX One S which comes in smaller than the current XBOX One and will offer 4K blu-ray movie and video streaming capabilities as well as HDR video gaming.
Sony showed off a ton of games for the Playstation 4.
But Sony's most impressive offering was the Playstation VR coming out later this year and some of the amazing VR games like the Playstation exclusive Batman Arkham VR game.
Before we head out of e3 for another year, it's time to ride the Chocobo from Final Fantasy.
Time to open up the trunk and have them fill it up with all the games and new consoles that they showed off. Ok, so that didn't really happen but one could dream. Maybe I can get the Chocobo in there.
Time to head home and happy to have The Mazda Connect Infotainment System keep me connected with Pandora, HD Radio, Stitcher Internet Radio, Aha Radio, SIRIUSXM Satellite Radio, Mazda Navigation, Bluetooth streaming, social media connectivity and SMS Text response.
The last media event for the week takes us to celebrate Avila's El Ranchito's 50th Anniversary! This family owned restaurant chain serves some of the best Mexican food in the Southern California area.
Look at this plate of carnitas. Doesn't it make your mouth water?
If you thought the carnitas were amazing, the rib eye is even better! If you are in the Southern California area make sure you try one of their 13 locations.
The standard equipment on the CX-3 include a push a split-folding rear bench, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a rearview camera, and Mazda Connect infotainment. The Touring models add nicer materials and accents, a center armrest, an upgraded audio system with six speakers, Advanced Keyless Entry, and heated exterior mirrors, as well as options for faux leather upholstery, a premium Bose stereo, satellite radio, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. Grand Touring CX-3s bring with them premium trim and a multi-toned interiors, 18-inch wheels, full LED lighting, leather upholstery, navigation, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a pop-up head-up display, Bose audio, and more. The Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired to a six-speed automatic with a wonderfully tuned Sport mode that makes city driving a breeze. The engine produces 146 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque. The CX-3 Grand Touring gets 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
The 2016 Mazda CX-3 came in at $29, 260 fully loaded, At the end of a fantastic week, the 2016 Mazda CX-3 provided a wonderful driving experience. State of the art technology combined with a wealth of options and features also make this a great subcompact-crossover choice.
Love it! You got to ride a Chocobo AND eat Carnitas??? Life is goooooooood.
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