Both Hyundai and Mazda’s compact SUV offerings embody the selection of front or all-wheel-drive grip and multiple trim grades.
The CX-3 runs either a two.0-litre naturally aspirated gasoline or a one.5-litre turbo diesel motor, each with the selection of a six-speed manual or transmission.
On the opposite hand, the Kona may be a gasoline solely proposition, with the selection of a one.6-litre turbocharged unit paired to a seven-speed twin clutch transmission or a naturally aspirated two.0-litre matched to a six-speed automatic.
A divide forms - does one wish diesel or dual-clutch
Why ar we tend to scrutiny them?
The compact SUV section is quick growing and Hyundai’s initial entry offers consumers yet one more choice – a novel one at that. There was a time once Mazda would are a shoe-in for any comparison against the growing Korean – however things have modified. The Kona seems like a fruits of learnings from Hyundai, as well as a healthy dose of risk taking wherever style thinks about.
Tested in their top-spec variants (Highlander and Akari), we’re dead set verify that of those rivals offers the most effective price and driveability, moreover as delivering on the strain of AN SUV in a very city-car footprint.
Clearly their styling is worlds apart, within and out. The funky style and personalisation of the Kona can charm to consumers when one thing distinctive, whereas Mazda may be a sure amount. Conservative versus fearless. Another soul.
Who can they charm to?
Lacking the flexibility of their dimensionally larger and a lot of powerful siblings, compact SUVs deliver on alternative fronts. Rather, these vehicles bring fuel economy, legerity and therefore the variety of long instrumentation list antecedently related to far more pricy vehicles. in a very shell, what they lack in flexibility, they create up for in kit and convenience – spot-on for urban dwellers.
Ergonomically these 2 ar on par. Accounting for variations, front cabin agreeableness continues to be line-ball, with reversing cameras, control, USB and 12-volt charge points, electrical alter heated seats (with two-position memory for the CX-3), single zone climate management, head-up show and multi-function steering wheels. The Kona ups the ante with louvered seats and a heated handwheel.
Oddment storage is comparable, except the Kona opts for a lidded centre console compared to the Mazda’s open set up arrangement.
Dimensionally, there’s not a lot of in it. The Mazda is slightly longer, the Hyundai slightly wider. and therefore the Kona has the longer distance and higher ground clearance (170mm v 150mm).
Thus, as atiny low family automotive, it’s the Kona that excels. That additional breadth makes it the selection location for second row passengers - higher head, leg and significantly a lot of knee area. It additionally options a centre rest with 2 cup holders, however amazingly neither vehicle has second row directional air vents.
With seats up, the Kona’s boot wins in overall capability (301L v 264L), however fold them flat (or not therefore flat within the Mazda’s case) and therefore the CX-3 is greater (1174L v 1143L). each feature four anchor points, the Kona adds a load internet and bag hook, and each feature hid storage at a lower place the bottom (clever moulded sections for the Kona, whereas the Mazda’s are often utterly removed). A lower load height (by 10cm) and larger boot aperture create the Kona easier to measure with.
As for towing, we’re talking 1250kg (braked) for the Kona, compared to the CX-3s 1200kg.
How much do they cost?
The Hyundai Kona is priced from $24,500 - $36,000 (plus on-road costs), closely matched by the Mazda CX-3s $20,490 - $37,890 (plus on-road costs). On take a look at ar the highest verbal description AWD gasoline vehicles, the Kona Highlander (from $36,000 and ORCs) and CX-3 Akari (from $35,490 and ORCs). The Kona’s premium paint can set you back $595, whereas Mazda charges simply $300 and that’s provided that you would like Soul Red Crystal or Machine gray, the opposite hues ar at no price.
In terms of guarantee and when sales support, it’s a win for Hyundai – a 5 year/unlimited kilometer guarantee, 10 year/unlimited capped value conjugation, with intervals of twelve months/15,000kms. The Mazda offers simply 3 years/unlimited kilometer guarantee, with service intervals each ten,000km.
Manufacturers’ claimed combined fuel consumption averages ar identical at half-dozen.7L/100km.
What do they are doing well?
The Mazda CX-3 represents the mature, conservative vehicle praised for its subtle interior style and intuitive technology interface. Its suspension came upon is additionally undoubtedly the a lot of supple – delivering a relaxed ride (noting a bit little bit of body roll), which can please several. It rates extremely for easy driving.
For the Kona, it’s drive train that stands out. The punchy turbo-petrol engine (130kW/265Nm) delivers higher throttle response and a lot of decisive gear choice because of a slick seven-speed DCT. additionally a lot of performing at the wheel, it’s easy the driver’s choose of the try.
And the Kona’s rear protection diff and hill descent management recommend it’ll be the a lot of competent must you stray off the crushed track.
Both vehicles feature autonomous emergency braking. For the entry-level Kona, AEB is a component of a $1500 Safety Pack, whereas it's commonplace for the Mazda.
Blind spot watching and rear cross traffic alert ar common, the Kona adding lane keep assist and driver attention warning (not offered on CX-3) to its safety suite. Depends on your trim level on whether or not it’s commonplace or a part of AN choice pack. Confused? The Kona offers a lot of and is priced consequently.
What may they are doing better?
Despite improved refinement, the Mazda still suffers thereforeme noise intrusion – a lot of so than the Kona - and therefore the two.0-litre engine (109kW/192Nm) pales by comparison. Seven-inch bit screens ar common, however the Mazda misses out on Apple CarPlay/Android machine property that ar commonplace on the Kona.
The Kona may be a firm ride by comparison, its stiffer came upon a lot of liable to poor road surfaces. however it’s few deal breaker. And, with no integral satellite navigation (relying only on phone connectivity), at times, you’ll be lost!
Nevertheless, there’s no burning want for improvement here.
Which wins, and why?
Incredibly capable vehicles with sensible kit as commonplace, each of our take a look at vehicles provide sensible price for cash and competent handling. Their distinct personalities and therefore the Kona’s area to dial up the individuality (or not) can little doubt divide consumers.
On paper and behind the wheel, the points favour the Hyundai Kona – notably wherever guarantee and when sales support thinks about - however additionally its wonderful drive train.
So ‘mahalo Hawkeye State ‘oe’ (that’s Hawaiian for ‘thank-you’) it’s a slim, however undeniable win for the vehicle named when AN ocean breeze.
2017 Hyundai Kona Highlander valuation and specifications:
Price: $36,000 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 130kW/265Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 153g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA
2017 Mazda CX-3 Akari valuation and specifications:
Price: $35,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline
Output: 109kW/192Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 146g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP
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