Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) review - What do owners think? 

Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability, but some models haven’t been highly rated in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys

Mazda has an excellent reputation for reliability and is a consistently strong performer in Driver Power. Its ninth-place finish in the 2015 survey was well ahead of premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes. And while its dealers didn’t finish as well in the same poll, the network still outperformed these two.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Other cars from Mazda have finished surprisingly low down the Driver Power list in the past – older versions of the 3 compact family car and 6 large family car tumbled down the table, for example, making it seem as though owners were more critical in 2015 than they had been in previous years. Yet at the same time, more modern models performed much, much better, so the omens are good for the CX-3, which shares technology with this latest generation of cars.

Reliability

The CX-3 ranked a disappointing 48th in the Driver Power 2018 new car satisfaction survey; poor ratings for practicality, comfort and running costs dragged the score down. But owners were far more enamoured with the ride and handling, along with the exterior design and finish. The infotainment and connectivity are also well thought of. Safety and reliability came mid-table.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,175Avg. savings £2,806 off RRP*Used from £7,799
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,535 off RRP*Used from £19,290
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,870Avg. savings £4,350 off RRP*Used from £8,333
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £2,785 off RRP*Used from £10,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV
Ford Focus exclusive image

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV

Could a new Ford Focus be ready to fight Europe’s biggest sellers such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Nissan Qashqai?
News
4 Jun 2026
Kia PV5 gets long-awaited 7-seat version for under £37k
Kia PV5 7-seater - front 3/4

Kia PV5 gets long-awaited 7-seat version for under £37k

The seven-seat Kia PV5 boosts family-friendly range alongside some neat range-wide upgrades
News
3 Jun 2026
New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper
Audi Q4 e-tron facelift - front action

New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper

Audi’s second best-selling car has just been made even better
News
4 Jun 2026