Skip advert
Advertisement
Used car tests

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

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £6,189 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £11,690
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £4,213 off RRP*Used from £10,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Tesla has dropped its Standards: entry-level Model Y and Model 3 renamed
Tesla Model Y - front 3/4

Tesla has dropped its Standards: entry-level Model Y and Model 3 renamed

Just a few months after Tesla introduced the Standard name for its more basic models, it’s been dropped
News
6 Feb 2026
Government spends £4.7 million on Ford Pumas, helping electric SUV top the sales charts
Ford Puma Gen-E - front tracking

Government spends £4.7 million on Ford Pumas, helping electric SUV top the sales charts

Over 1,200 Ford Puma Gen-E models were registered in January, each eligible for the £3,750 Government grant
News
5 Feb 2026
New Volkswagen Transporter Sportline brings GTI style to the van world
Volkswagen Transporter Sportline - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Sportline brings GTI style to the van world

The new Volkswagen Transporter Sportline gets a choice of diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric power
News
4 Feb 2026