Small SUV Showdown – Mazda CX-3 v Suzuki Vitara Turbo Comparison Test
PRODUCT PLANNERS FOR THE SUZUKI VITARA S TURBO could be accused of placing tracing paper over the specifications of the popular Mazda CX-3 sTouring.
While even their badging sounds similar, both Japanese-branded small SUVs are also of near-identical size. They also offer similar power for similar money and a near mirror-imaged features list, right down to standard partial leather trim.
They also each attempt to be funky and practical. In fact, it is only upon closer inspection it becomes clear that Suzuki has taken a slightly different approach to Mazda.
The new kid on the block, the Vitara S Turbo, is Hungarian-built and its Continental tyres and small turbocharged engine evoke a distinctly European flavour. The CX-3 looks lower and sportier, with a larger non-turbo engine leading the charge.
So which of this $30,000-plus pair is best around town, on the freeway and out in the country?
TESTED
Mazda CX-3 Akari ($35,290 plus on-road costs)
- 109kW/192Nm 2.0 litre petrol 4cyl | 6sp automatic
- Fuel use claimed: 6.7 l/100km | tested: 8.5 l/100km
Suzuki Vitara S Turbo ($32,990 plus on-road costs)
- 103kW/220Nm 1.4 litre turbo-petrol 4cyl | 6sp automatic
- Fuel use claimed: 6.2 l/100km | tested: 8.2 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Although it starts from $28,990 plus on-road costs in front-wheel-drive guise, the $32,990 (plus orc) all-wheel-drive version is the Vitara S Turbo we’re testing here.
Suzuki’s pricing manages to split the difference between the all-wheel-drive Mazda equivalents, the $30,990 (plus orc) CX-3 sTouring and $35,290 (plus orc) CX-3 Akari.
We were given the more expensive Akari to test, however if you shut the sunroof, switch off the head-up display and deactivate the blind-spot monitor, auto high-beam, lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) functions, you basically have the cheaper sTouring.