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 Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £25,249
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,597 off RRP*Used from £8,499
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,705Avg. savings £6,173 off RRP*Used from £9,199
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £30,210Used from £9,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return
Ford Focus exclusive image

New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return

An all-new Ford Focus is set to make a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
10 Aug 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Baby Skoda Epiq arrives with tiny sub-£230-a-month price
Skoda Epiq - white

Car Deal of the Day: Baby Skoda Epiq arrives with tiny sub-£230-a-month price

Skoda Epiq was only revealed in May but already great leasing offers are here. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 August.
News
11 Aug 2026
New Jaguar Type 01: first pictures of EV’s striking interior revealed
Jaguar Type 01 - interior and exterior

New Jaguar Type 01: first pictures of EV’s striking interior revealed

The drip-feed of Jaguar’s controversial new electric GT continues with the first images of its bold four-seat cabin
News
12 Aug 2026