MAZDA CX-3 UNVEILED IN LA: ENTRY-LEVEL CROSSOVER TO GIVE JUKE A HARD TIME

Mazda selected the 2014 LA Auto Show to unveil the 2016 CX-3 crossover, and if you’re a fan of the Nissan Juke then you now have a serious alternative to consider. The Mazda2-based subcompact crossover sports the carmaker’s new elegant KODO design language, and modern signature styling traits such as the five-point grille that sits neatly between the sweptback headlights, curvaceous body work, flared fenders, and higher beltline.By blacking out the D-pillar, Mazda manages to give the CX-3 a floating roof look, while the back end borrows heavily from the 2.Power comes from Mazda’s 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic (Europeans get the option of a manual and 1.5-liter diesel), with standard front-wheel drive and optional AWD. Inside, the CX-3 receives a smaller diameter steering wheel with head-up display and pop-up infotainment screen. Otherwise the cabin is largely carried over from the 2, with metallic trim and gloss-black accents. The 2016 Mazda CX-3 will hit US dealerships in the summer.