Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mazda CX-3 (2015-2020) review

The Mazda CX-3 is a fun, small crossover that is a bit pricey to buy, but cheap to run

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
  • High-quality feel
  • Excellent engines
  • Fun handling
  • Cramped back seats
  • Small boot
  • Limited diesel line-up
Find your Mazda CX-3
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Mazda introduced the CX-3 to cater for the demand for compact crossovers. You could dismiss it as a taller, chunkier version of the Mazda 2, but there's a lot more to it than that. The neat exterior styling is matched by a simple yet smart interior, which is solid and well built.

Advertisement - Article continues below

With smart looks, a classy interior and grown-up driving dynamics, it’s a desirable choice. The Mazda is also very attractively priced, packed with standard kit and really cost-effective to run. It’s not quite as spacious as some rivals, but compensates with strong comfort and refinement.

But this car really stands out from behind the wheel, as it’s possibly the best small crossover to drive. Buyers have two terrific engines to pick from – one petrol and one diesel – plus a choice of front and all-wheel-drive transmissions. The trouble is, the CX-3 falls down on practicality: it simply doesn’t have enough space in the rear seats or boot for a growing family.

As it's been for sale in UK dealers since 2015, the Mazda CX-3 had a bit of a head-start in the upmarket small SUV sector. It beat the likes of the Audi Q2, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR to market, and offered something a bit more luxurious and with bigger dimensions than cars like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Now there are even more rivals in the sector, but the Mazda CX-3 has a breadth of ability that means it should be on anyone's small SUV shortlist, while constant updates have given it a new lease of life that means it's still very competitive. And one of its main attractions - just like the rest of the Mazda range - is that it's one of the most enjoyable small SUVs to drive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best crossovers and small SUVs

Under the skin, the Mazda CX-3 is based on the same platform as the Mazda 2 supermini, but it's wider and longer to create more space, as well as being taller for that all-important SUV look. However, the CX-3 is still a pretty sporty looking thing thanks to its low roof and small glass area, while the driving position is lower than in most rivals. An update in 2018 saw the CX-3 get a slightly revised front end, while inside the manual handbrake was replaced by an electric one, which has allowed a redesign of the cockpit layout, while extra sound deadening material is designed to improve cabin refinement.

This facelift comes on the back of another update that took place in 2017. That time around, new suspension settings and the introduction of Mazda's G-Vectoring torque control system helped to improve the car's handling even further.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For engines, the CX-3 follows Mazda's 'right size' approach, so instead of going for small capacity turbo units across the board, it features larger engines with modest power outputs. There are two petrols and one diesel, with a 2.0 Skyactiv-G in two power outputs (119bhp and 148bhp) and a 1.8 Skyactiv-D (up from 1.5 litres) diesel with 113bhp. All three cars come with a six-speed manual as standard, while a six-speed auto is offered with the petrol engines, and the more powerful 2.0-litre petrol also has 4WD.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Mazda CX-3 vs Citroen C3 Aircross vs Hyundai Kona

The 2018 update saw the range revised so there are now only three trims, but all three are pretty well equipped. There's SE Nav+, SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+. As the names suggest, all cars have sat-nav with a 7-inch touchscreen and rotary controller, while Bluetooth, a DAB radio, electric heated door mirrors and push-button starting are also included. Go for a Sport Nav+ model, and you won't be wanting for kit, with luxuries such as leather, a Bose stereo and a head-up display all thrown in.

Prices for the CX-3 start from around £19,000, with the top-spec models coming in at about £25,000, although it's worth noting that you can't get every engine in all trims, with the most powerful petrol and the diesel only offered in high-spec Sport Nav+ trim.

Used and nearly new

Launched in 2015, the Mazda CX-3 joined the hoards of supermini-based SUVs battling for supremacy in a crowded market. Although never the most practical of options, the CX-3 impressed us with its excellent handling and upmarket interior. The CX-3 was quietly dropped at the end of 2019, although rumours persist that a Mk2 version with electrified powertrains might emerge in the future.

  • For the latest Mazda CX-3 prices check out our sister site buyacar.co.uk

Mazda CX-3 history

Mazda CX-3 - front

Mazda CX-3 Mk1: 2015-2020

The 18-strong Mazda CX-3 range offered something for everyone when it launched in 2015, with manual or automatic transmissions, along with front or four-wheel drive. Suspension revisions arrived in 2017, before Mazda rolled out a facelift in 2018. The CX-3 was discontinued at the end of 2019, with the CX-30 taking on the role of Mazda’s most affordable SUV. Read our full Mk1 Mazda CX-3 buyer’s guide here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,600 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,345 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on CX-3

Show me:
Used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) review
Mazda CX-3 - front tracking

Used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) review

The Mazda CX-3 is a fun, small crossover that is a bit pricey to buy, but cheap to run
Used car tests
24 Jan 2022
Volkswagen T-Cross vs Mazda CX-3 vs SEAT Arona
T-Cross vs CX-3 vs Arona

Volkswagen T-Cross vs Mazda CX-3 vs SEAT Arona

VW are late to the small SUV party with the T-Cross - we test it against the SEAT Arona and Mazda CX-3 to see if it's been worth the wait
Car group tests
3 Jun 2019
Limited edition Mazda CX-3 GT SportNav+ announced
Mazda CX-3 GT SportNav+ - rear

Limited edition Mazda CX-3 GT SportNav+ announced

The new special edition Mazda CX-3 GT SportNav+ arrives with a range of unique styling features and additional standard equipment
News
20 May 2019
Mazda CX-3 vs Hyundai Kona vs Peugeot 2008
mazda cx-3 vs hyundai kona vs peugeot 2008 header

Mazda CX-3 vs Hyundai Kona vs Peugeot 2008

Refreshed Mazda CX-3 takes on new diesel-engined small SUV rivals from Hyundai and Peugeot
Car group tests
8 Dec 2018
New Mazda CX-3 2018 facelift review
Mazda CX-3 - front

New Mazda CX-3 2018 facelift review

The Mazda CX-3 is the latest model from the brand to be updated for 2018. We take it for a spin to see what's changed...
Road tests
19 Sep 2018
Revised Mazda CX-3 prices and specs revealed
Mazda CX-3 - front

Revised Mazda CX-3 prices and specs revealed

2018 facelift for the Mazda CX-3 focuses less on cosmetics and more on mechanical upgrades
News
21 Aug 2018
Hyundai Kona vs Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mazda CX-3
Kona vs C3 Aircross vs CX-3

Hyundai Kona vs Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mazda CX-3

The Hyundai Kona offers SUV appeal in a supermini-sized package. We test it against the Citroen C3 Aircross and Mazda CX-3
Car group tests
10 Feb 2018
Mazda CX-3 GT Sport 2017 review
Mazda CX-3 GT Sport - front

Mazda CX-3 GT Sport 2017 review

The updated Mazda CX-3 gains a new GT Sport trim with plenty of extra kit, but is it worth the extra money?
Road tests
7 Aug 2017
Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA
Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA - header

Audi Q2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mercedes GLA

Audi’s new Q2 is leading a premium crossover charge. Can it see off the upmarket Mazda CX-3 and Mercedes GLA?
Car group tests
1 Nov 2016
Suzuki Vitara S vs Mazda CX-3
Suzuki Vitara S vs Mazda CX-3 - header

Suzuki Vitara S vs Mazda CX-3

We see if Suzuki's 1.4-litre turbo Vitara S is a better buy than the naturally aspirated 2.0 Mazda CX-3
Car group tests
4 Mar 2016
Mitsubishi ASX vs Mazda CX-3

Mitsubishi ASX vs Mazda CX-3

We see if revamped Mitsubishi ASX can close the gap on the Mazda CX-3
Car group tests
28 Sep 2015
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mazda CX-3 2.0 auto 2015 review
Mazda CX-3 - front action

Mazda CX-3 2.0 auto 2015 review

We see if Mazda's sharp CX-3 crossover loses its sparkle with an auto box
Road tests
31 Jul 2015
Mazda CX-3 vs Nissan Juke & Renault Captur
Mazda CX-3 vs Nissan Juke & Renault Captur

Mazda CX-3 vs Nissan Juke & Renault Captur

The Mazda CX-3 is the latest small crossover to arrive on the scene. Can it outgun two key rivals?
Car group tests
21 Jul 2015
New Mazda CX-3 2015 review
Mazda CX-3 - front tracking

New Mazda CX-3 2015 review

We see if the stylish Mazda CX-3 crossover is worth its premium price tag
Road tests
9 Jun 2015
Mazda CX-3 Racing concept revealed in Tokyo
Mazda CX-3 Racing concept

Mazda CX-3 Racing concept revealed in Tokyo

This sporty Mazda CX-3 Racing concept could hint at a future hot CX-3 MPS model
News
16 Jan 2015
Mazda CX-3 makes its LA Motor Show debut

Mazda CX-3 makes its LA Motor Show debut

Mazda CX-3 crossover revealed at LA Motor Show, with new 1.5-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines
News
19 Nov 2014
Mazda CX-3 first official sketch revealed

Mazda CX-3 first official sketch revealed

Mazda reveals first sketch of its Nissan Juke competitor and confirms LA show debut next month
News
28 Oct 2014