Mazda CX-3 (2015 to 2021)

“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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual AWD
Score: 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 Nav
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.8 / 10
“The Mazda CX-3 crossover is a stylish, fun alternative to models like the Nissan Juke, but can be quite pricey.” (Richard Ingram)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“High pricing may deter some, but the Mazda CX-3 is appealing to both drive and to behold.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre 150hp petrol manual Sport Nav
Score: 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 manual
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Compact crossover looks great and drives well”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic
Score: 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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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual GT Sport
Score: 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 overview
Score: 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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Score: 8 / 10
“Mazda’s small crossover is well-specced, good-looking and sweet-driving.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 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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