Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mazda CX-3 SUV (2015-2020) - Interior & comfort

The Mazda CX-3 has a high-grade cabin that’s packed to the brim with technology, quality materials and supportive seats

Carbuyer Rating

3.4 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Interior & comfort Rating

3.5 out of 5

Inside, the CX-3 is distinctly upmarket. High-grade materials, soft-touch plastics and contrasting colours help to lift its interior above those of mainstream rivals. The overall fit and finish is better than in the Nissan Juke, but the harder plastics at knee level are prone to scratching.

The ride at low speeds has a firm edge, but it smoothes out as you accelerate and is generally smoother than that of the Hyundai Kona. On the motorway, both the 1.8-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines remain settled and hushed, while wind and road noise are well suppressed.

Mazda CX-3 dashboard

The combination of a touchscreen and a centre console rotary dial allows both the driver and front-seat passenger to operate the sat nav and infotainment systems with ease. Indeed, most controls on the dashboard are easy to find and well placed, but you should remember to check by your right knee if you can’t find something on the centre console, as some controls are relegated to here.

Advertisement - Article continues below

An update to the CX-3 in 2018 saw an electric handbrake replace the manual one, which freed up space to move some of the infotainment controls to a more convenient place. There's now also a central armrest with a cubby space underneath it.

The 'eyeball' air vents and stereo controls have a knurled metal finish, similar to the switches found in some Audis, while the instrument cluster impresses. All trim levels have the same seats, but they’re comfortable and supportive in both the front and rear, particularly after the 2018 facelift brought upgraded seat padding.

Equipment

The CX-3 is available in three main trim levels: entry-level SE Nav+, SE-L Nav+, and Sport Nav+. All models come with cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel.

All versions have satellite navigation as standard, as well as Mazda Connect, which provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-end Sport Nav+ trim features 18-inch silver alloy wheels, LED headlights, signature LED rear lights and chrome effect body trim. The SE-L Nav+ trim is the best one to go for, as most necessary equipment is included before the options list starts to make the CX-3 look expensive.

Options for the CX-3 include metallic paint, leather seats and different alloy-wheel designs, but we’d recommend either the Dynamic Blue or Mazda’s trademark Soul Red paint finish to really make your car stand out in the crowd of silver and grey vehicles on the roads and potentially even boost its resale value.

Mazda also offers a number of option packs for the CX-3. The Aero Pack adds a bodykit comprising extended front, rear and side skirts, as well as a black roof spoiler; the Travel Pack adds a Thule roof box, plush floor mats and a boot liner, while the Interior LED Pack brings ambient lighting, illuminated scuff plates and puddle lights, which illuminate the ground with Mazda logos.

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

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit
Dacia Bigster front quarter
News
9 Oct 2024

All-new Dacia Bigster: flagship SUV arrives with 4x4, hybrid power and off-road kit

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

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