Despite Mazda continuing to offer a manual transmission in many of its models, as well as the fact that many new entries in the subcompact-crossover segment can be had with a manual, the new 2016 CX-3 mini-ute will be purely a two-pedal affair for the foreseeable future. All U.S.-market CX-3s have a 146-hp, Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter inline-four backed by a conventional six-speed automatic with a Sport mode. While the Sport mode is nicely calibrated, and the slushbox does a commendable job of making the most of the 2.0-liter’s output, we couldn’t help but wonder: “Where’s the stick?” So we asked Mazda.
We posed the question during our recent first drive of the CX-3, and the automaker responded that the 2.0-liter in the CX-3 is a unique B-segment application for the brand and that demand has yet to warrant the development of a three-pedal model. Outfitting the CX-3 with a manual wouldn’t be a massive engineering hurdle, however; the same 2.0-liter is hooked to a six-speed manual in base versions of the larger CX-5. Plus, the upcoming 2016 Mazda 2, which shares much of its structure with the wee crossover, surely will be offered in row-your-own spec. For now, however, given the pricing overlap of the entry-level CX-5 and the upper-trim CX-3 models, Mazda feels it has the small-crossover-with-a-stick thing covered.
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But that also doesn’t mean it won’t happen down the road. Using the Mazda 3 with the 2.5-liter four as an example—it initially was only available with an automatic but gained a manual option for 2015—Mazda says a three-pedal gearbox could be added to the CX-3 if enough people light torches and raise pitchforks. So, folks, let Mazda know you want a manual, and its handsome little crossover may one day be able to zoom-zoom to its full potential.
Mike Sutton is an editor, writer, test driver, and general car nerd who has contributed to Car and Driver's reverent and irreverent passion for the automobile since 2008. A native Michigander from suburban Detroit, he enjoys the outdoors and complaining about the weather, has an affection for off-road vehicles, and believes in federal protection for naturally aspirated engines.
