Mini Mazda SUV

Q: We’ve loved our Mazda CX-5. But we’re moving to the city and want something smaller and easier to park. We’ve looked at a few small SUVs, but I don’t like them as much. The Mazda dealership mentioned months ago that Mazda has a mini SUV “in the pipeline” but couldn’t say when it will be available. Is it years away? A: The Mazda CX-3, a compact crossover, was recently introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Nicely styled, it may be just the size you’re wishing for. At 168 inches, it’s about 10 inches shorter than the CX-5. For size comparison, think of the Nissan Juke (162.4 inches). The CX-3 will reportedly make its way into U.S. showrooms later this year, probably during summer. Q: We visited Los Angeles recently and saw several cars that seemed to have custom paint jobs - flames going up a hood, a lone tree on a door and one that looked like it had been completely covered in tweed. We asked the owner of the last one, as it was in a parking lot, and he said it was a “vinyl wrap.” What’s the deal with this? A: Vinyl wraps started as a way to put relatively inexpensive removable advertising on vehicles. It’s still that, but it has morphed into a way to add “statements” or some personality to cars and SUVs, especially among people in their 20s and 30s. The vinyl is applied (time-consuming) in whatever pattern, colors or custom design the person requests to any part(s) of the vehicle: hood, door or even all-over wrap. I’ve seen many hoods with variations on the Broncos logo in my state (Colorado); dogs’ photos on lift gates; and contrasting-color doors. Some people do a whole-car wrap to change vehicle color (it’ll cost about the same as a good paint job). The wrap doesn’t damage the paint, can be removed when desired and most companies offer a warranty on the job for four or five years (though they say it can last longer with no fading or other problems). Many companies have entered the fray, and it’s important to see their work, as the process is exacting. You can buy DIY kits, but many are unhappy with those results because of the patience/precision required. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.