r/rallycross • u/Bare_arms • 17d ago

Thinking of buying a Mazda cx-3

Is the cx-3 a good car for rallycross? The earlier models came with a handbrake. Is this useful on the awe version?

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u/adrnv 17d ago edited 17d ago

I have a 2018 Mazda CX-3 AWD (Manual handbrake) in Prep class.

If ‘awe version’ means AWD, I have been recommended not to use it since it has to do something with the center diff. Something about most AWD rear axles aren’t able to decouple from the front like an STI or Evo can.

It’s not competitive because the lack of power compared to the WRXs in prep AWD. I’m typically second to last. I compare my times to stock AWD and see that I can occasionally place up to 4th if I ever remove my lift springs.

Edit: If anyone thinks this is a skill issue, let me know.

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u/shatlking 17d ago

While not to pin it entirely on you, it could be a skill issue. That said, CX-3s are fairly big vehicles. I'd imagine a 3 counterpart would be quicker and more agile.

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u/adrnv 17d ago

The CX3 is actually the smaller, but taller, vehicle with slightly less power than a 3 with 2 liter.

If AWD is optional for OP, the 3 from the same year does come with 2.5 liter.

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u/SubaruTome 17d ago

I would bet against it being nimble enough to ever be competitive without a skilled driver. There's a misconception that you need height to do rallycross, and a taller car means a higher roll center, which can increase the risk of a rollover if the course is particularly technical and the driver is ham-fisted.

As other commenters have said, the Mazda 3 is probably the better choice. I'd even possibly recommend the Mazda 2, but talk to your local sanctioning body first. In fact, ask your local sanctioning body if the cx3 is even allowed before you commit to buying one. Some regions are more strict than others.

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u/Wambo74 16d ago

A good way to assess what cars are best for rallycross is to go here and see what cars are consistently in the top trophies. I don't know for a fact but I doubt the cx-3 will pop up on that list. This approach is probably more valid for stock category as the higher prepared classes are highly dependent on how well they're modified.

https://www.scca.com/pages/national-rallycross-archives