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

Toyota Yaris Cross
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,360 off RRP*Used from £27,891
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £2,785 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,535 off RRP*Used from £17,490
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
17 Jun 2026
New Citroen Berlingo MPV aims to be the perfect SUV antidote
Citroen Berlingo - watermarked

New Citroen Berlingo MPV aims to be the perfect SUV antidote

The new Citroen Berlingo will be simple, spacious and stylish, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
15 Jun 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Alpine A290 is a hot hatch for a laughably low £269 a month
Alpine A290 UK - dynamic front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Alpine A290 is a hot hatch for a laughably low £269 a month

The Alpine A290 is as sharp to drive as it looks, and is our Deal of the Day for 16 June
News
16 Jun 2026