Silk one is moving, another wit and functionality. Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V will attempt to conquer different virtues. Do you know who is who?

You will suffice a hundred meters to realize how different are the SUV CX-3 and HR-V Honda, today compared to their engines gasoline equivalent. And less time or distance even if, at the outset, open the trunk or one of its rear doors. You’ll then face with no differentiator, but the decisive if the priorities have placed purchase the "X" in life on board, and more especially in the fields space, functionality and versatility. Here, Honda HR-V and just have rivals that can offer such a quality life in terms of space, being next to the Skoda Yeti two reference models in this category of SUV "little ones".

Honda HR-V: hyperspace

Honda over matter, his older brother, Honda CR-V is a good example. It shows from the moment you can the rear doors open almost 90 degrees and access or tying a child to go sit in a child seat much more comfortable than in the Mazda CX-3 … or in many other cars in the category.

If you had two cars in front I assure you would not need to pull out the tape measure. You will see the difference with the naked eye because they are huge. The Central Square HR-V is a more in the back row, unlike a CX-3 conditioned for transmission tunnel whereby, albeit shaft passes that moves the rear axle of the wheel drive versions, an active which may not boast Honda in their European range, or many other competitors in the segment. For me, it is one of the conditions that demand a range for an SUV is truly an SUV, but it is clear that what is being imposed are not skills but life philosophy, design and practicality of use.

That freedom of movement offered by the interior of the Honda HR-V against rival also derives from the 7 centimeters more legroom with which account, or 3 additional vertical dimension, the result of a slightly higher ride height. Although intuit, we talk about cars such length, so it has merit what has gotten inside door Honda with its recent HR-V SUV. Appearance, space or environment we could not fire without speaking of Magic Seat, their particular rear seats: you can not only get the odd bag under them, but also rise as a cinema seat to get under the rear seats objects that could never have imagined transport. And if that were not enough, the icing against scarce 340 liters the CX-3: An impressive trunk 470 liters capacity -more other 105 liters under the floor– offer the Honda HR-V much more versatility.

The Honda platform HR-V, mixing elements Jazz and Civic and a fuel tank located under the front seats, allows as practice interior configuration. But then, what matters Mazda stands out with its small SUV?

CX-3, delicacy

Very, very fine, Mazda transmits sensations of pure cotton through all controls, but especially from those who manage changes in direction or pace: Steering wheel and accelerator. Bat record lightness and his address is less direct and power, but more precise, smooth and informative than his rival, by reaching the driver’s hands more rough edges than to the Mazda CX3. And the answer of your engine is also diametrically opposed.

facing technologies, more engine under the umbrella SKYACTIV treated for Mazda, against no less exceptional engine with that character best Honda those old days, with two distinct sides with a variable valve timing changing the tone, response and mechanical flexibility in their progression. On paper, outstanding performance in both cases, even for an engine Sling which already intuit that you’ll have to drive very "attack", searching power and high torque laps, but two car seats in this approach, Mazda best meets the Crossroads: when no longer interested stretch their engine, Honda begins to awaken, to really push and flood the interior with a delirious orchestra, without fear, do not be upset to hear.

But I recognize that much more efficient disposition propeller Mazda. Better acceleration and especially, more resilient allow a more fluid, more enjoyable, more refined ride … more premium.And also more efficient. SKYACTIV is the sum of many small pieces of a big puzzle It derived, too, at a cost of somewhat lower utilization, the result of average consumption figures somewhat better than the already outstanding records of Honda HR-V. But I think it’s fair to make clear that Honda destabilizes the balance much more if individually we put on it the engine factor and life on board.

More contrasts. No greater correlation or affinity in the line in responding engine and chassis in the case of the Honda Mazda-indeed, the diesel version of the HR-V with the 1.6 i-DTEC is much more balanced than gasoline cars both in which premium safety, driveability and comfort, not at the expense of excessively soft damping, although slightly flexible. In fact, CX-3, and especially the units with 18-inch wheels, not assimilated as well as SUV Honda sudden and rapid vertical suspension movements be it a more or less deep pothole or speed-reducer and though changes seem slowed guidance and support on how responsive the HR-V, the accuracy front end of CX-3 is greater and behavior is also more linear than its rival as they’re demanding more and more each chassis.

That is when the CX-3, also with -the utility platform Mazda 2-, conceals more and better results from a small car. The marking is so tight to the level of tracing virtually prices, not low precisely: the compact body of their respective ranges are clearly cheaper … and no less versatile, especially in the case of a huge -in habitabilidad- more refined and more efficient Civic. But Mazda breaks this unique meeting point where you match these two apparently similar SUV, offering more standard equipment in the finishing -between the most valuable, and full headlights LED- browser.

Analysis plays little if, as you said earlier, you see and want in practical use this format, aspect that Honda provides solutions in the HR-V that will become one of the cars reference category, clearly winning the tie Mazda model: the CX-3 does not meet minimum as a family car. For his mechanical touch and chassis, Mazda is who offers a more balanced product, but not with such a wide difference rival to win by "KO" technical. The points, Finally, decide in favor of the HR-V.

In a nutshell

Acceleration: Srpint or background. The two liters Skyactiv Mazda is constant thrust 1.5 i-VTEC Honda is stretched frantic. But more than how to stretch, here have absolute power values ​​or weight. The HR-V is not slow, it’s just faster rival.

Frenada: A Japanese. Honda, with good mordant just bring the foot to the pedal, but with only acceptable distances. Mazda, with too many meters above and more signs of warming than its rival.

Sonority: Honda pinwheel. Yet their numbers are lower in absolute terms. Does not seem well under way, and not because it sounds a lot, but because it does "different"With many "treble" from the engine.

overtaking: Retrieving "by hand". We voucher to buy, it is evidence that the Mazda engine is more powerful, but as atmospheric they are, must be removed when it touches gain speed gears, leave your couple apart and seek full power.

Power and torque: Evidences. If the 1.5 i-VTEC has far exceeded the official performance, Mazda has left the table. In addition to more quantity, their horses are more "quality"Concentrates from low revs. Still, it’s a real pleasure to drive a motor like Honda.

cONSUMPTION: Good or exceptionally good. Two tenths do not give a clear advantage to one over the other because Honda compensates city that Mazda gets on the road. Gasoline, are really low.

Habitabiidad and weight: There is no color. Mazda does miracles to weigh so little. Honda makes for a cabin with such inner capacity and trunk volume. A equal size, the CX-3 do not add up … Or rather, centimeters.