Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mazda CX-3 SUV (2015-2020)

"The Mazda CX-3 crossover is a stylish, fun alternative to models like the Nissan Juke, but can be quite pricey"

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Upmarket interior
  • Good to drive
  • Sharp styling

Cons

  • Now only available from stock
  • Limited engine line-up
  • Not as spacious as some rivals

Mazda’s UK sales have been increasing in recent years, thanks in part to its SUV range, which includes the CX-3, as well as the larger CX-30 and CX-5 models. The compact SUV segment is incredibly competitive and 2019 saw some of the most popular models, including the Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, enter their second generations. Skoda also launched the Kamiq that year, a great all-rounder in this class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mazda CX-3 is a compact SUV that’s based on the company’s Mazda2 supermini, but it offers a higher seating position as well as the low running costs associated with smaller cars. It received a light facelift in 2018, marked out by a new grille and blacked-out door pillars. The biggest changes were under the skin, aimed at making the car more refined and better to drive. Production of the CX-3 has now ended and there are only a few left in stock, so act fast if you want a new one.

Best crossover SUVs you can buy today

Compact SUVs are not always the most engaging cars to drive. However, the Mazda CX-3 is an exception thanks to a chassis that’s more accomplished than those underpinning its rivals above, coupled with a choice of powerful 1.8-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Mazda also includes its G-Vectoring technology – software that helps boost the CX-3’s agility by subtly adjusting torque sent from the engine to the front wheels. The same system is also said to improve comfort, reducing the need to make minor corrections as you drive along the motorway.

Admittedly, the petrol engine sounds big for a compact vehicle such as the CX-3, but the less powerful 118bhp version is also reasonably efficient. Thanks also to the CX-3’s relatively light weight (1,230kg) it can return up to 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 141g/km.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The 1.8-litre diesel engine is the most efficient: 54.3mpg and 114g/km CO2. Naturally, the four-wheel-drive CX-3s are less efficient, especially the more powerful 2.0-litre petrol version. If you can, stick to a CX-3 with two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox.

Your annual mileage needs to be high enough to justify paying extra for the diesel model over the petrol (around £1,500), but assuming it is, you’ll find it’s almost as quick, while being much more economical over long distances.

The CX-3 looks expensive compared to some of its newer rivals, such as the Nissan Juke and Skoda Kamiq, but it claws back ground with a good amount of standard equipment, including alloy wheels, cruise control, a digital radio and a seven-inch touchscreen.

The CX-3 might be a compact SUV, but it’s still reasonably practical. For example, its 350-litre boot is similar in size to a Vauxhall Astra. However, it can't hold a candle to the second-generation Renault Captur’s, which comes in at a truly impressive 536 litres, bigger even than the Peugeot 2008’s 434 litres.

Mazda’s reputation for building reliable cars is borne out by its strong showing in our 2019 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, where the brand came fourth out of 30 manufacturers. On the safety front, at first sight the CX-3’s four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating doesn't look that reassuring, until you realise that when it was carried out, the test had just been made more stringent.

For this reason, we believe the CX-3 is likely to be as safe as older cars with the full five stars. That said, we’re disappointed by the lack of autonomous emergency braking on lower-spec CX-3s – it’s only available from SE-L Nav+ trim upwards. If you're interested in an SUV of this size and like the Mazda brand, you may want to consider the CX-30 - it's much newer than the CX-3 and has a bigger boot.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

More on CX-3

Show me:
Top 3 used small SUVs for £10,000
Tips and advice
29 May 2020

Top 3 used small SUVs for £10,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I want a small SUV that’s easy to get in and out of. What would you recommend for £10,000?”
Mazda CX-3 GT Sport Nav+ limited-edition model revealed
News
20 May 2019

Mazda CX-3 GT Sport Nav+ limited-edition model revealed

Mazda’s smallest SUV gets a new, range-topping trim level with additional standard equipment and unique styling
High-spec limited edition Mazda2 supermini and Mazda CX-3 SU
News
7 Sep 2018

High-spec limited edition Mazda2 supermini and Mazda CX-3 SU

High-spec limited edition Mazda2 supermini and Mazda CX-3 SUV announced
Updated Mazda CX-3 SUV on sale 31 August
News
21 Aug 2018

Updated Mazda CX-3 SUV on sale 31 August

Mazda's smallest SUV gets tweaks to boost comfort and a new diesel engine
2017 Mazda CX-3 receives handling improvements
News
28 Apr 2017

2017 Mazda CX-3 receives handling improvements

Popular SUV also gets tech and trim updates

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024