Choose from Mazda CX-3 trims
Mazda CX-3 buying guide
Why buy the Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is a small SUV that’s sleeker and more sporty-looking than many of its rivals. There’s substance behind the style and the interior has the premium quality you expect of more costly cars. It’s not the roomiest or the most practical small SUV for families, but it’s fun to drive, light and responsive around town and very enjoyable on a country road.
Mazda CX-3 range and updates
The CX-3 has been sold since 2015 when it was launched as a brand new model. It was updated in 2018 with new trim and equipment packages, styling details and engine choices.
Those engine choices include petrol and diesel options. You can also choose between a manual or automatic gearbox, while the top-spec Sport Nav model has four-wheel drive and a more powerful petrol engine. Whichever engine/gearbox combination you choose, the CX-3 offers responsive acceleration both in town and on the open road.
There are four trim levels: SE, SE-L, Sport and GT Sport. Some models also have ‘Nav’ in their name – meaning they have sat nav – and a ‘+’ sign to indicate an updated model with extra features.
Mazda CX-3 tech and features
Every CX-3 model has a 7-inch infotainment display, smartphone connectivity, air con and cruise control. Most models also have sat nav while higher-spec models give you extra features including parking sensors, heated leatherette seats, a reversing camera, a powerful Bose stereo and even a head-up display. That’s more equipment than you get in most other small SUVs.
Mazda CX-3 running costs and value
According to official figures, petrol CX-3 models give an average fuel economy of 40-48mpg and diesels can give 60-70mpg, depending on which engine is fitted. Unusually, the automatic models are more efficient than the manuals, and could be the better option if you want to minimise your fuel bills.
Mazda CX-3 vs rivals
Other small SUVs like the CX-3 include the DS 3 Crossback, Ford Puma and Seat Arona. The CX-3 isn’t the most practical option but it feels better than most of these to drive and the interior has a premium quality that its rivals can’t match.
Common questions about the Mazda CX-3
How practical is the Mazda CX-3?
You can fit four adults into the CX-3 relatively comfortably. Tall people might find space a bit tight, especially in the back, but younger children should have enough room. The small back windows can make the back seats feel quite dark, though, which some children might not like. The boot isn’t the biggest you’ll find in this type of car, but you’ll be able to pack in a large shopping trip or some holiday luggage (four-wheel-drive models have less space in the boot). The back seats fold down if you need more room. Ultimately, the CX-3 isn’t the most practical small SUV for families, but it should be well-suited to the needs of singles and couples.
How does the Mazda CX-3 compare with other Mazda models?
The CX-3 is Mazda’s smallest SUV, similar in size to the Mazda2 small hatchback. If you like the style of the CX-3 but need a bigger, more family-friendly SUV, check out the mid-size CX-30 or the larger CX-5. Mazda’s other non-SUV family cars include the Mazda3 hatchback and Mazda6 saloon.
How safe is the Mazda CX-3?
Safety experts Euro NCAP gave the CX-3 a four-star rating out of a possible five, meaning it should protect you and your passengers well in an accident, but that some advanced driver-safety features are only available on high-spec models. Still, all CX-3s have six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and stability control as standard. High-spec models add features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.
