Mazda CX-3

One engine for the entire American market. The CX-3 was sold in the US solely with the 2.0 SkyActiv-G, around 146 to 148 hp, and a six-speed automatic. No other options — no weaker version, no stronger one, no manual. It was offered with both front and all-wheel drive.

Europe got the whole range. The same 2.0 was split in software into 120 and 150 hp — the weaker one front-drive only, the stronger one always all-wheel drive. Above them the 1.5 SkyActiv-D diesel with 105 hp and later the 1.8 with 115, neither of which America ever had. And a manual gearbox with almost every engine.

The simplicity of the American version is a genuine advantage here. One naturally aspirated engine with no turbocharger and a conventional automatic means cheap, predictable maintenance, and it converts to gas without complications. The European diesels in a body this size are more economical but also dearer to keep.

The car sits on the Mazda 2 platform, which makes it narrow inside for its size. That is true of both markets — the difference in specification does not change the fact that the second row and the boot are small. It is bought as a city car, not as a family one.

Production ended at the close of 2021 for both markets, so anything newer is a different model — the CX-30 took its place. Our cars end accordingly.