Mazda CX-3 (2015 – 2021)

Mazda CX-3 (2015 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Mazda CX-3 is a compact SUV/crossover, and was sold in the UK from 2015 until 2021. It was the smallest in the Mazda SUV family, sitting underneather tha larger CX-30.

The CX-3 was was unveiled in late 2014 before going on sale in the UK in the summer of 2015. An updated model arrived in the summer of 2018, and was then largely unchanged until it was taken off sale in 2021.

The Mazda CX-3 earned generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media during its production life, with an overall Expert Rating of 66% at the time it came off sale. That ranked it in the upper half of a very large and competitive sector – albeit some way behind the scores set by the class-leading Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Cross.

The Mazda CX-3 received plenty of praise for its styling, driving dynamics and real-world fuel economy; however, it was criticised for being more expensive than many rivals, with relatively high emissions levels.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Mazda CX-3 ranked a very creditable 16th.

The CX-3 was discontinued in Europe in 2021 with no replacement planned. The larger CX-30 therefore becomes the smallest SUV in the Mazda family.

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £19,395 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015Last updated: Summer 2018
Discontinued: Autumn 2021

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

“Take a good test drive to make sure the character of the naturally-aspirated engine suits you – and if you’re not too worried about premium equipment, there is better value to be found elsewhere. But for the most part, this is an excellent car with plenty going for it.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-3 is a fun, small crossover that is a bit pricey to buy, but cheap to run.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport Nav+Score: 7 / 10“The Mazda CX-3 still caters to small crossover buyers after something well built and fun to drive. However, the old-school charm of the naturally aspirated engines won’t be to all tastes, and there are plenty of more spacious and practical rivals out there.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.4 / 10“The Mazda CX-3 is, for this type of SUV, an engaging car to drive with much to like about it if you value fun behind the wheel as well as stylish looks. However, it’s not as practical as some of its small SUV rivals.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Broadly speaking, the Mazda CX-3 handles as well as plenty of rivals, from a Citroën C4 Cactus to a Mini Countryman. But, in diesel form at least, it’s well below par for what ought to be one of the class’s more polished dynamic efforts. Strong performance and economy goes some way to compensate, but not far enough.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre Sport Nav+Score: 8 / 10“As far as compact crossovers go, the Mazda CX-3 was already one of the more engaging ones, and the latest raft of updates have helped Mazda to pull even further ahead of the pack.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual AWDScore: 6 / 10“I had more fun in the all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-3, however, and when traction was low and the wheels began slipping it inspired more confidence. That’s a genuine benefit, even if most of it is psychological. Is it worth the extra £1985 over a regular 2.0 Sport Nav CX-3, though? Not in my mind, impressive though it is.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SE-L NavScore: 8 / 10“Nicely weighted steering boasts the feel and accuracy we’ve quietly come to expect of a Mazda, and the CX-3 acquits itself with a flat handling stance and a poise which is almost unseemly for this segment.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manualScore: 8 / 10“As premium yet affordable crossovers go, the Mazda CX-3 is one you should definitely consider. Even though other models on the market come in at a lower price point, the CX-3 has good equipment on offer and it’s arguably the best driving option in the compact crossover segment.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.8 / 10“The Mazda CX-3 crossover is a stylish, fun alternative to models like the Nissan Juke, but can be quite pricey.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-3 is one of the sportiest small SUVs on sale but its rather cramped back seats and fairly thirsty petrol engines mean it’ll always be a slightly left-field choice.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport Black+“Subtle improvements to a likeable and tidy-handling small crossover that suffers from high emissions and a comparatively expensive price tag.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“High pricing may deter some, but the Mazda CX-3 is appealing to both drive and to behold.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 150hp petrol manual Sport NavScore: 9 / 10“We think the Mazda CX-3 is one of the best looking cars you can buy, and one of the sportiest compact SUVs available, and our test has proven that the gap between the NEDC economy figure and the real-life economy figure for a non-turbo petrol engine is less than that for the turbo engines that we test.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manualScore: 9 / 10“Mazda has done an excellent job with the styling of the CX-3 – we’d certainly say it looks best in class. The interior environment is also a pleasant place to be, and there’s a decent amount of space for driver, passengers and luggage.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Regardless of price, there is no doubt the Mazda CX-3 is one of the best small crossovers on sale.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre diesel manual“It’s probably a car bought on emotion rather than anything else because it’s so pretty. Yet those looks combine with a good driving experience, plenty of comfort, space and quality and now some good WLTP emissions figures.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.4 / 10“Compact crossover looks great and drives well”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automaticScore: 8 / 10“The nose is particularly striking, the most aggressive schnozz in the Mazda family. There’s little overhang and the front is just about vertical in profile – a good look.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual GT SportScore: 6 / 10“With more space in the rear seats, the Mazda CX-3 would win another star. However, in a class where practicality is so important this handsome and fine-driving Mazda is not easy to justify.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“While very good in certain areas, the Mazda CX-3 would need to be either bit cheaper or more spacious to secure a higher score.”
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Top Gear

Score: 8 / 10“Mazda’s small crossover is well-specced, good-looking and sweet-driving.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Good looking, well equipped, and featuring an easy-to-use infotainment system, the Mazda CX-3 is not without its charms. However, the naturally aspirated petrol engines feel weak compared to their turbocharged rivals, and the CX-3 isn’t particularly refined at speed.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-3 is one of the best-looking compact crossovers money can buy, as well as being reasonably economical, quiet and comfortable. It’s a Which? Best Buy.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 4 stars
Date tested: September 2015

85%

ADULT OCCUPANT

79%

CHILD OCCUPANT

84%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

64%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Mazda CX-3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda CX-3 has received

2016

Fleet News Awards – Best Compact SUV

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Keyword: Mazda CX-3 (2015 – 2021)