Mazda CX3 has been crowned the Best Small Compact SUV at the Arab Motors and Maqina annual Off-Road Awards, where over a dozen of SUVs were put through their paces.
The award was presented to Sheikh Ahmad bin Nasser al-Thani, president-director of National Car Company, by representatives of Arab Motors and Maqina magazines during a function held at the Mazda showroom in Fereej Al Nasr.
National Car Company is the sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Qatar.
Receiving the award, Sheikh Ahmad said: “This award is recognition of the concept behind the creation of the new Mazda CX3 and we thank Arab Motors and Maqina for their unique initiative. New-generation Mazda thinking is combined with enhanced capability and city-friendly size. Natural agility comes from Skyactiv Technology, along with outstanding fuel economy. MZD Connect brings your online world along for the ride while i-Activsense integrates intelligent safety. It has already become a sensation among the vibrant and adventurous younger generation in Qatar.”
Tested in Qatar, the CX3 was “placed under enormous stress throughout the competition”, according to a press statement. It was judged on a number of criteria, including but not limited to performance, luxury, off-road capabilities, safety, comfort and price.
The CX-3 was developed to “create the standard for the next era”, the statement noted. All CX-3 models come standard with a 146-horsepower Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, featuring Sport mode.
Available with Mazda’s i- Activsense Technology, the CX-3 uses active safety technologies that support safe driving by helping the driver recognise potential hazards, and pre-crash safety technologies, which help avert collisions or reduce their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
The CX-3 is tailored to deliver a “rich, inviting experience not just for its driver, but also for its passengers, with rear seats set slightly inboard to ease conversation between front and rear passengers”. 
The CX-3 top grade model comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, auto-dimming Interior Rear View Mirror, premium leather seats, a seven-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system with voice commands, Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone and audio streaming, a USB input, keyless entry, push-button start, Bose Sound System with seven speakers, among a long list of other features.