Mazda added the CX-3 subcompact to its crossover lineup for model-year 2016, replacing the similar Mazda2 subcompact. In a world of large and often-expensive SUVs, Mazda’s CX-3 represents a more-economic, fuel-conscious downsize that can take on urban landscapes with crowded traffic and parking challenges, camping and outdoor ventures, long highway cruises and family excursions, looking good and sporty while handling with good manners along the way.

Ready for adventure, and developed with Mazda’s striking design philosophy, athletic driving dynamics and straightforward driving position, CX-3 offers an engaging package for urbanites who don’t settle for the conventional. This unconventional presentation has earned the 2020 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover the attention of industry experts, and the fun-to-drive mini-ute has been awarded the title as "Best Subcompact SUV of 2020” by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.Com while gaining a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ranking from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

New for 2020, Mazda has eliminated the Touring and Grand Touring trims that were available last year, reducing the line-up to only the Sport trim. A treasure of advanced safety features have been added as have convenience items including standard Android Audio and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, i-Activesense driver assistance features are now standard. The standard suite of i-Activesense safety amenities includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a rearview camera.

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport is packed with more than safety. CX-3 is augmented so fully that enhancement packages offered are non-existent. Standard interior installs include cloth door trim with Black armrests, Black center console knee pads, power windows with driver's one-touch down/up feature, power door locks with 2-stage unlocking, push button start, rear window defogger with timer, remote fuel door release, remote keyless illuminated entry system with “answer back” feature, tilt and telescopic steering column, 7-inch full-color touch screen display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability, AM/FM audio system with Automatic Level Control and six speakers, MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System, Active Driving Display, Ambient temperature and digital clock, 6-way manual driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and a trip computer.

 

CX-3’s athletic architecture features smooth, flowing angles that designers market as “creating a sense of motion.” CX-3 Sport now features all LED exterior lighting as standard, including adaptive headlights, taillights and daytime running lights. To add function to form, the LED headlights have automatic on/off and automatic leveling capabilities. Body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signals complement body-colored door handles, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, complement the rear window wiper. To bring the entire package together, the CX-3 is styled with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, shark fin antenna, dual stainless-steel exhaust outlets and an understated black front grille design that brings greater depth and distinction.

 

Mazda CX-3 is molded in subcompact dimensions on a 101.2-inch wheelbase, with a length of 168.3 inches, width of 69.6 inches and height of 60.7 combining for a minimum ground clearance of 6.1 inches. Curb weight is 2851 lbs. for FWD and 2994 lbs. for AWD configuration.

 

Inside, with seating for five, CX-3’s stylish cabin provides full instrumentation including tachometer and fuel level gauge, Black gauges with White lettering and Silver surround, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and front and rear outboard seat headrests. The cabin affords front headroom of 38.4 inches, with 37.2 inches in row two; legroom is 41.4 inches up front and 35.0 inches for the rear seats, and shoulder room comes in at 53.5 and 50.4.

CX-3 powers up with a 16-valve, 4-cylinder SKYACTIV®-G1 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. In FWD, the system is EPA-rated at 29mpg/city and 34mpg/highway, and in AWD, CX-3 gets 27/32. My week of tests in the AWD averaged 30.8mpg.

The mini-crossover’s electric power-assist rack-and-pinion steering was agile and attentive, with acceptable understeer and stability, and the suspension is set for a premium riding experience, though road feel is lessened in favor of smoothness.

The 148-hp power plant and quick-shifting Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and Sport mode accelerated smoothly and predictably, passing at speed with some strategy, and conquering uphill grades with patience. At the track, CX-3 is econo-speeded, with a zero-to-60mph sprint accomplished in 9.6 seconds, during a tedious 17.4-second hand-timed quarter-mile.

The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is available in one trim level, the Sport, starting at $20,640 in front-wheel-drive and $22,040 in all-wheel-drive. I prefer the stability and reliability of AWD and we started there. Soul Red Crustal Metallic exterior paint added $595 and was complemented by a Black cloth interior. No full option packages were available as the CX-3 Sport is loaded with standard items, but a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® added $325, all-weather floormats added $125, and rear parking sensors added $500. Affixing the $1100 destination fee put the sticker of this 2020 Mazda CX-3 Sport as-tested at $24,185.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

The Carlisle Auctions team is meticulously preparing for its second auction of the year as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  The Fall Carlisle event itself spans September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, while Carlisle Auctions takes center stage at the COVID-19 compliant Carlisle Expo Center on October 1 & 2.  The fall auction and at least one other in 2021, will see special support from the AACA Museum, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Beginning with the Fall Collector Car Auction, the AACA Museum, Inc. is on board as the Preferred Auction Sponsor of Carlisle Auctions.  This partnership and title will also be in place for Carlisle Auctions first event of 2021, February 19-20, as part of Winter AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida.  For these two auctions, the AACA Museum, Inc. team will have a prominent position within the main expo halls of the Carlisle Expo Center and SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, respectively. 

For the fall Pennsylvania event, the café/hospitality area will be recognized as the AACA Museum, Inc. Lounge.  In addition, each auction day will see the world champion auction team for Carlisle Auctions offer multiple promotional announcements about the museum and their special displays, programs and collections.  AACA Museum, Inc. branding will also be visible at the venue, online, in marketing pieces and more.

Finally, and possibly most important, the AACA Museum, Inc. has connected Carlisle Auctions with seven (possibly eight) jaw-dropping consignments for the fall auction and aims to do something similar going forward.  Fall consignments include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS.  These fine examples of automotive history will be offered over the course of the two-day auction.

“On behalf of myself and the Carlisle Auctions team, we are thrilled to welcome the AACA Museum, Inc. as our Preferred Auction Sponsor,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We have enjoyed a great relationship over the years and look forward to working together going forward.”

 

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page. 

It’s been too long – too long indeed since the Carlisle Auctions brand was front and center as part of a Carlisle Events automotive event.  With auctions cancelled due to the coronavirus in the spring and summer, Carlisle Auctions is proud to present a two-day, 400 car offering as part of Fall Carlisle 2020.  While Fall Carlisle itself runs September 30-October 4 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, just a few blocks west at the Carlisle Expo Center, nearly 100 years of automotive excellence will cross the block on October 1 & 2.

Powered by an all-new partnership with the AACA Museum, Inc., Carlisle Auctions second auction of the season hosts more than a half dozen cars from the museum, including a handful that are from pre-war era.  In addition, these time capsules are impeccable and not only must be seen to be believed but will most certainly draw large scale attention from collectors across the country.  Commitments from the AACA collection include a 1926 Packard 4-Door Club Dietrich, 1926 Wills St. Clair, 1931 Cadillac Town, 1935 Brewster Sedan, 1946 Kaiser Street Rod, 1956 Chrysler Imperial and a 1991 Jaguar XJS. 

In addition to these gems, Carlisle Auctions offers an eclectic mix of muscle plus even more collector cars from the past, present and even some future classics.  While muscle is quite frequently flexed during auctions, there are other styles of rides that cross the block.  Thursday, October 1 at around 5 p.m., trucks take center stage.  An all-truck hour will help transition the lots from early on day 1 to the heavy hitters of the evening.  Big trucks, little trucks and even some SUVs will be part of the fun.

One of the best parts of a Carlisle auction is that consigned vehicles run the gamut.  Bidders can pick up their first or next classic and do so with a variety of options.  SOLD could mean a trailered white-glove collector car destined for Best of Show honors or it could be a ride that will still turn heads, but can be driven from show to show.

Powered by Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, auction events offer competitive fees that are some of the best in the industry, world champion auctioneers, years of experience and a wide assortment of marketing measures that aim to maximize exposure for committed consignments.

“We are excited to return to the Carlisle Expo Center for our Fall Carlisle Auction,” noted Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations.  “We’ve been hearing from buyers and sellers alike who are anxious for the event,” continued Cline.  “We feel this will be one of our best available lots of cars in some time, with different types and styles available dating back to the early 1920s.  We are still actively taking consignments and encourage those interested in bidding to register in advance.  I can’t wait to see you starting October 1.”

Vehicles will begin loading in on Tuesday, September 29.  All outdoor placements can be viewed by one and all, but ONLY event staff, registered buyers/sellers and guests and select business partners are permitted to enter the Expo Center during the auction.  Due to gathering restrictions, general spectators are restricted from entering the Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily and includes an all-truck themed hour on October 1 at about 5 p.m.  If a desired lot doesn’t sell, Carlisle Auctions offers a “Still for Sale” option for one last chance at connecting seller and buyer person to person and away from the spotlight of the auction block.  “Still for Sale” is available starting October 1 and is available in person for a few days following the event in person and online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com for approximately three weeks. 

As part of Carlisle Auctions health safety measures, masks will be required for entry and indoors, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be available, restrooms, food and service areas will be regularly cleaned and hopeful bidders are encouraged to pre-register for easier packet pick up.  In addition, concession options will be modified.  Learn more about these measures plus details on bidding (in person, online or on the phone), buying and more by calling 717-960-6400 or online via aforementioned Carlisle Auctions web page. 

The Lexus badge is most-often equated to luxury, but perhaps versatility and purpose can best describe the luxurious full-size three-row Lexus GX sport-utility vehicle. Introduced in 2002 as the third SUV in the Lexus line-up, the GX 470 was rebadged GX 460 with its second generation in 2009, and in the past 11 years has been badged as GX, GX 460 Premium and GX 460 Luxury, under the GX umbrella. The 2020 GX represents a very long run (11 years) for a generation, and with only cosmetic changes set for 2021, this year’s model sees cosmetic, tech and package changes.

New for 2020 are a face lift that starts with a redesigned, more angular spindle grille, new triple-beam LED headlamps, and Atomic Silver joins the palette of exterior colors. Acoustic front side glass is standard on all models as are Amazon Alexa compatibility, and safety features as part of Safety System+. New interior trim options are available and an Off-Road package is also new, consisting of a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor and Multi-Terrain Monitor with four Cameras, a transmission cooler, a fuel-tank protector and Lexus' own Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Sport Design Package adds nuances including a lower grille surround, rear valence, side mirrors, matte black exhaust tip, scarlet tail lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels with a Gunmetal Metallic finish, and other available packages add Silver 18-inch wheels and Heated Wood-trimmed Steering Wheel. 

But above all, the 2020 Lexus GX remains luxurious, and capable with a dual purpose: engineered for family, around town lavishness, maneuverability, and crafted with upscale detail, fit and function; while given attention toward long vacations that can require rugged multi-terrain, off-road aptitude and attitude.

The Lexus GX 460 I tested needed few additions, as it is loaded with standard features including 18-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, illuminated running boards, heated power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 10-way power-adjustable front seats and a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column. The cabin is enhanced with keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, faux-leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror and such safety items as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. Towing is aided with Trailer Sway Control, a function of the Vehicle Stability Control that enhances straight-line tracking.

Bold and aggressive with Euro-styled curves, creases and sculpting, Lexus GX is molded on a 109.8-inch wheelbase and is 192.1 inches long, 74.2 inches wide and 74.2 inches high, with a ground clearance of 8.1 inches. Curb weight is 5130 lbs for the base model and up to 5200 lbs for upper-level trims.

Exquisitely crafted and filled with intuitiveness, tech, infotainment, dual-zone climate control with interior filter, and safety, the, GX cabin affords 38.0 inches of front headroom, 40.4 inches in the middle and 35.2 inches in the rear. Legroom is 41.7 inches up front, 34.1 in the middle and a child-worthy 29.3 in the rear. Shoulder room is 55.4 inches up front, 57.3 in the middle and 54.5 in the back seats.

Available features include a wood and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, crafted exclusively with hand-selected materials. The GX multimedia system offers a touchscreen with a customizable home screen that can display three sections simultaneously, and rear seat passengers can power their mobile devices thanks to two additional USB ports, among the GX compliment of four.

The 2020 Lexus GX offers one engine choice: a 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8 with Dual Hydraulic with intelligence that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This 4-wheel-drive system is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Lexus's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is standard, and this setup smooths out highway unevenness and serves well in non-extreme off-road challenges. Maneuverability is deft in town and responsive in curves and harsh steering tests, with acceptable body roll and top-wobble for the segment. The Engine speed sensing power-assisted rack and pinion with Variable Gear Ratio Steering was attentive with slight, predictable understeer, and excellent for off-road impediments, but not autocross quick.

In track tests, we were quicker than the manufacturer estimated, finishing off a zero-to-60mpg sprint in 7.4 seconds (hand-timed) during a 16.1-second quarter-mile. 

Fuel economy was not economical, though we managed to exceed the EPA estimate of 15/19 mpg city/highway, as we averaged 19.4 mpg test trials on the interstate, around town and a few quick off-road excursions. 

Lexus attends to safety with the standard Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. There’s also a backup camera and 10 standard airbags.

Available in three trim levels, the base four-wheel-drive 2020 Lexus GX starts at $53,000; the GX 460 Premium starts at $55,790 and the top-level GX 460 Luxury trim starts at $64,265. My test 2020 GX 460 Premium added elevated style to the base model, with an interior trimmed in NuLuxe®, Gray Sapele wood accents, available second-row captain's chairs and a third zone of climate control. In Nebula Gray exterior paint and Ecru interior, a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel added $300, headlamp washers added $100, and handling and delivery charges added $1025, for a sticker-as-tested of $57,215.

<I> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Corvettes at Carlisle presented by Top Flight Automotive did what it always does, showcased the past, present and future of the Corvette brand.  For 2020, while things looked and felt a little different, the reality was that for everyone who came to Carlisle, it was status quo and three-plus days of Corvette themed fun.  To put it a different way, even during the worst of times, the event was still the biggest all-Corvette themed offering in the world.  The first Corvette on the Fun Field arrived three days before the event started, but once things officially got up and running (August 27-30), many, many more joined.

Thursday ushered in the cars, the people and the excitement plus a nice mix of automotive flea market vendors.  Day one afforded guests the chance to see special displays like the 50-year 1970 feature and Chip’s Choice in Building T.  For the 2020 Chip’s Choice display, Bloomington Gold took the lead, populating the building with cars that were previous Benchmark award winners, while also promoting their upcoming September event at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.  This impeccable Corvette gallery was one of the most photographed aspects of the weekend.  In fact, between Chip’s Choice and the nice array of C8’s onsite, guests had plenty of photo options.

The C8 wasn’t the only generation of Corvette to turn heads.  From early era solid axle production to a bevy of C7s, the packages, styles and look of each and every ride was worth the price of admission.  Decades of excellence didn’t just show, they were also in motion.  Friday and Saturday hosted a Corvette cruise around the grounds, there were open autocross runs with the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club, Lingenfelter Performance backed the King of the X autocross shootout Saturday and 14 Corvette owners took part in the first-ever rolling exhaust contest. 

Another key element to event weekend was support for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation.  Every day saw Judy Miller, wife of the late Chip Miller, and various family members staffing the CMAF tent.  Here, they took donations and shared information on the foundation.  In addition, the C8 Corvette that would be given away on August 29 was on display too.  Further, on stage Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. each day, Dr. Joe Abal, long time CMAF supporter, held court as an auctioneer as the CMAF auctioned off over a dozen items; all in the name of charity.

Finally, Saturday wrapped with an afternoon medley of awards and recognition.  Beginning at 4 p.m. various winners throughout the weekend were honored, including the largest club, King of the X, People’s Choice, Spring Mountain Motor Resort giveaway and the CMAF Sweepstakes C8 giveaway.  Further, the day fully concluded with an awards parade.  Here, a few dozen car owners who stuck around after the rains picked up their plaque, posted for photos and more.

While 2020 is a wrap, 2021 is already in the planning stages.  Chip’s Choice is planning a salute to first-responders, there will be a 1971/50-year reunion showcase, Paul Koerner returns with more amazing diagnostic sessions, parts shopping on the midway, within the automotive flea market and more.  Save the date, because Corvettes at Carlisle runs August 26-28 (Thursday-Saturday), 2021.  Learn more at www.CarlisleEvents.com.