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

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £8,315 off RRP*Used from £26,640
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £6,350 off RRP*Used from £10,450
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,761 off RRP*Used from £17,895
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £3,637 off RRP*Used from £10,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Rising prices are forcing us into older cars, don't tax them as well
Opinion - Rutherford don't tax older cars

Rising prices are forcing us into older cars, don't tax them as well

Mike Rutherford argues that the tougher emissions rules must reflect that millions of Brits rely on older cars every day
Opinion
13 Sep 2026
New Skoda Epiq 2026 review: excellent in almost every way
Ellis Hyde with the Skoda Epiq

New Skoda Epiq 2026 review: excellent in almost every way

The new Skoda Epiq arrives to sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the Czech brand’s all-electric line-up
Road tests
13 Sep 2026
La Cinquecento’s Fiat 500 Scattante is an Italian icon made in Britain
La Cinquecento’s 500 Scattante

La Cinquecento’s Fiat 500 Scattante is an Italian icon made in Britain

This remastered version of the original Fiat 500 was created by new outfit La Cinquecento, which plans to build only a handful each year
News
11 Sep 2026