What to Expect From Mazda’s newest Compact Crossover, CX-3

It would be considered profiling if we said that automotive industry in the Philippines is only open towards the B-Segment sedans. But with the changing times, tastes also tend to change and we’re definitely seeing a lot of action happening in other vehicle segments as well. It is the year of SUVs after all and it would certainly be unfair to ignore the arrival of the Mazda CX-3 in the Philippine market. The sales for SUVs is also significant in the country and the CX-3 is surely a premium buy. Its closest competitors in the country are the Honda CR-V and Subaru XV, while Nissan Juke is also more or less the same price segment. If you’re excited about the CX-3’s landing on the Philippine soil, here’re some key features you can expect on it.

1. SkyActiv Engine Makes its Return

The CX-3 features the revolutionary 2.0-litre skyactiv engine with variable valve timing (VVT). The engine produces a massive 146 hp @ 6000 rpm with a torque of 198 Nm @ 2800 rpm that helps the Crossover achieve blazing speeds upto 200 kmph. This not only makes the CX-3 one of the quickest crossover vehicles in the market, but the SkyActiv 6-speed automatic transmission provides a highly responsive driving control on the CX-3’s massive engine.

2. Fuel Efficient Despite the Raw Power
The problem with most of these advanced drivetrains is their heavy fuel consumption. While these engines churn out ginormous amount of power for your vehicle, they also tend to be extremely bad when it comes to giving out more miles per gallon. This problem is thankfully been corrected with the CX-3 that uses direct injection and variable valve timing to ensure a lean burn. Adding to this is the revolutionary i-Stop technology that turns the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill to conserve fuel. All these advanced fuel consumption enhancing technologies provides the CX-3 with an impressive mileage of 14-15 kmpl, which is not bad looking at its 2.0-litre powertrain.

3. All-Wheel Drive Might Also Make an Appearance

The Mazda CX-3 is traditionally a front wheel drive vehicle but is also offered with a special All-wheel drive system that makes it far beyond a conventional compact crossover. This unique layout not only enhances the vehicle’s tread-ability on different terrains but will do it without the need for any human input. Named as the i-ACTIV AWD, this advanced system uses a specialized software to control minute variations that make CX-3 drive far more smooth than any other vehicle in its class. This also makes the vehicle far more safe and removes any issues with stability especially when making turns at high speeds or sudden braking. The computer also takes note of the outside weather and adapts the vehicle accordingly to provide a much safer drive.

4. Three Trims for More Versatility
Although Mazda Philippines still hasn’t made any clarifications about what all trims will be presented for the CX-3, it might be worthwhile to know that it’s available in 3 distinctive trims. Named as the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models, these trims have several differences when it comes to the list of available features. This not only helps provide more options to the buyers, but also allows the vehicle to become more versatile according to various driving conditions. The Grand Touring model is the highest trim that has all the advanced features the manufacturer has supplied the vehicle with. The difference is the presence of 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery and a new audio unit that is powered by Bose.

5. Tons of Advanced Features

With a vehicle from a company like Mazda, it would be totally unfair if there was a dearth of advanced features to fiddle with. Hence the manufacturers have provided features than not only increase the fun quotient in the car, but also add a lot of practicality. We have already mentioned about its automatic AWD, that changes the engine behaviour and handling to suit the driving conditions and outside weather. It also includes an amazing autonomous cruise control that helps the vehicle maintain stable speeds without abusing the accelerator and also maintains a safe distance from any vehicle driving near your car. The infotainment system is also powered by MAZDA Connect, along with a marvellous touch-screen display sitting right above the dashboard.

The CX-3 not only fills the void between the larger CX-5 and the Mazda2, but also adds another vehicle to the manufacturer’s fleet in the country. The above features are present in the US spec models and should make it to the Philippines as well. All the questions will be answered once this beautifully carved crossover makes its presence in the coming months.

Hyundai Eon, Know its Dark and Fair Side

Hyundai Eon or Atos Eon is a no less than a perfect city legend and this we can say without a doubt. This South Korean creation has fulfilled many dreams around the world of individuals who once wished to own a car under their name. Those of you, who are unaware of this small money-churner from the house of Hyundai, we'll like to enhance your knowledge on the subject through the following points -

• First, it is a 5-door city car that was first launched in India in the year 2011, followed by Philippines (2012), Vietnam (2012), and Sri Lanka (2014). In addition, the car is also on sale in countries like Chile, Panama, Algeria and Colombia. 
• Secondly, Eon is the output of two Hyundai R&D centres, one in South Korea and other in India.
• Thirdly, facelifted version of this car was recently introduced by the company in 2014
• Fourthly, in April 2016, Hyundai increased Eon's fleet in the Philippines market, by adding a new variant, under the name GLX MT. 
• Fifth, Hyundai Eon gives a tough competition to cars like Chevrolet Spark, Suzuki Alto, Toyota Wigo and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Now, after reading its fact file, it’s time to know about Eon's Pros and Cons. That'll again give a fair idea about Eon's traits and glitches.

PROS -

1. Exterior Design, Best-in-Class 

Hyundai Eon is a stylish car that comes intact with dynamic character lines and innovative designing technique. Both these things help Eon score high on the aerodynamic and looks scale. On to the front, the car comes equipped with swept back headlamps, two-tone chrome grille, unique triangular fog lamp and large air intake that not only enhances engine’s efficiency but also cools down the radiator. Moving to its side profile, Eon has body-colored door handles, prominent wheel arches and sharp curves running through the entire car length. Rear showcases high-mounted LED stop lamps and elegant  rear combination lamp.

2. Interior makes you feel like home

Eon is blessed with a very comforting cabin space that's not only easy on one’s eyes but is a treat for your body and senses as well. Above all its 215 litres of trunk capacity makes it a perfect weekend companion. Further increasing its storage capacity are present, dual cupholders in the centre console, door pockets, upper dash tray and rear parcel shelf.

3. Impressive fuel economy

Hyundai Eon showcases best-in-class fuel economy of 20.8 litres. This impressive figure is achieved by its 814cc eco-friendly Epsilon engine, weight reduction and reduced friction approach.

4. Loaded with features 

Hyundai Eon is a feature-rich car, it comes loaded with some best-in-class features that are missing in its rivals. To the list are present features like unique lighting fuel gauge, power outlet, remote control key and more.

CONS -

1. High Price 

Eon has one major drawback and that is its high price tag. Though it features best-in-class exterior, interior and amenities but at the same time is heavy on one's pocket. In the Philippines market, the Eon price starts with PhP 458,000.

 2. High-Speed Confidence Issue

If you are looking for a car that shows great highway capability then Eon is not the car for you. As during the test drive, it was observed that the car shakes and its steering vibrates when pushed at high-speed.

3. High NVH Level 

One more problem with Eon is its high NVH levels. Those of you who don't know what NVH is, we'll like to inform you that it stands for Noise, Vibration and Harshness levels of a car. High proportion of which causes disturbance and noise inside a vehicle.