Australia loves the Mazda CX-3.
The Japanese automaker’s entry-level SUV was successful when it arrived approach again in 2015, and it stays the most well-liked mild SUV within the nation to at the present time.
Nevertheless, the way forward for this standard mannequin is beneath a rising cloud. The Mazda 2 and CX-3 will reportedly exit the Japanese market by the tip of this 12 months, however Mazda says the pair will proceed to be bought in Australia past then.
Nonetheless, each fashions at the moment are 11 years previous, and nothing lasts endlessly…
So, must you race right into a Mazda showroom to choose up a CX-3 earlier than it’s too late?
How a lot does the Mazda CX-3 value?
CX-3 costs have regularly risen over the course of the previous decade, and the vary now opens at $30,370 earlier than on-road prices for the G20 Pure. On take a look at right here is the G20 Evolve.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Pure | $30,370 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve | $32,100 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 GT SP | $35,330 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-3 G20 Akari | $38,890 |
Enjoyable reality: you would decide up a brand-new handbook CX-3 for $19,990 earlier than on-road prices again in 2015 when the mannequin first launched Down Underneath.
Focusing again on the right here and now, the CX-3 Evolve is priced to compete towards different mild and small SUVs such because the Chery Tiggo 4,MG ZS, GWM Haval Jolion, Kia Stonic, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Juke, and Skoda Kamiq.
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s the Mazda CX-3 like on the within?
Whereas the outside design of the CX-3 nonetheless stacks up towards trendy rivals, the inside hasn’t held up fairly as nicely.
The small, fuzzy infotainment display appears to be like nearly prehistoric in comparison with the touchscreens you’ll discover in alternate options just like the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4, Skoda Kamiq, and even the Toyota Yaris Cross, whereas the instrument cluster within the CX-3 is equally old style.
Performance is sorely missing throughout each items of tech. For instance, the infotainment system solely operates as a touchscreen whenever you’re stationary or travelling at low speeds, and native navigation could also be included but it surely didn’t work in any respect all through our take a look at.
The graphics are poor by 2025 requirements, and the infotainment system is persistently sluggish to reply to inputs.
We additionally struggled to take care of a wi-fi smartphone connection, though CarPlay is one of the best ways to expertise the display within the Mazda CX-3.
Given our connection points, we frequently resorted to plugging in by way of the USB-A shops situated beneath the centre stack. Make certain to deliver the right cable, as there aren’t any USB-C shops.
Necessary driving information might be present in two locations – the instrument cluster and head-up show.
The cluster includes a central tachometer, digital velocity readout and a pair of digital shows that lack something in the best way of configurability. On a optimistic word, the structure might be acquainted to house owners of older automobiles, and the information is clearly offered.
Above you’ll discover a rudimentary HUD that initiatives velocity and cruise data onto the windscreen. The Mazda CX-3 feels very yesterday in lots of regards, however options like this preserve it related in 2025.
There’s little question that the simplicity of the CX-3 additionally enhances its attraction for sure teams of patrons. Altering the temperature or fan velocity is an easy job, as is switching between audio outputs.
There’s nothing to be confused about, and that’s absolutely price one thing. With that mentioned, it’s not sufficient to excuse the downfalls of the CX-3.
Supplies don’t age fairly as shortly as expertise does, so the inside trims within the CX-3 stay aggressive at the moment. As is normal for the phase, there’s plenty of onerous scratchy plastic, however this Evolve positive factors black leatherette upholstery.
Along with the seats, the door playing cards, centre console and sprint all characteristic soft-touch finishes, and the Evolve feels extra upmarket due to it. I simply want Mazda saved the ‘White Maztex/Tan Grand Luxe Artificial Suede’ upholstery possibility, because the cabin may do with an injection of color.
Nonetheless, whereas the CX-3 doesn’t have the showroom attraction of one thing like a Tiggo 4, it makes up for it with high quality supplies in excessive visitors areas.
The ergonomics of the faux leather-based seats are wonderful. There’s loads of handbook adjustment within the entrance seats and steering wheel, and each pews supply first rate lateral assist and cushioning.
Cabin storage is one other robust swimsuit of the CX-3. The glovebox is deeper than you’d count on for a automobile of this measurement, and there are devoted cubbies all through the entrance row for sun shades, smartphones, and drink bottles. As for the second row, nicely that’s a unique story altogether.
It’s tough sufficient to get folks again there, not to mention their belongings.
The tight and claustrophobic area is greatest suited to younger kids, as a result of I used to be compelled to carry out every kind of unflattering contortions to squeeze behind my driving place. And that’s earlier than contemplating the shortage of headroom, which limits rear passenger top to round five-ten.
Facilities are additionally sorely missing. Which means no telephone charging and no air con. You do, nonetheless, get a centre armrest with cupholders and bottle holders within the doorways.
You’d be foolish to buy any mild SUV as a household automobile, but it surely’s nonetheless affordable to ask for a second row that’s considerably usable. The Tiggo 4 is superior on this entrance, as is the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
The CX-3 additionally trails its opponents on boot area, providing only a measly 264 litres. That’s 100L lower than the Mahindra, and a whopping 158L lower than what you get from a Nissan Juke.
Further area might be accessed by folding the rear seats, which creates a bigger flat load space. In any other case, there’s a hidden storage compartment beneath the boot flooring.
All variants of the CX-3 include a space-saver spare tyre.
| Dimensions | Mazda CX-3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4275mm |
| Width | 1765mm |
| Peak | 1535mm |
| Wheelbase | 2570mm |
| Boot area | 264-1174L |
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
All the CX-3 vary is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which is sweet for 110kW of energy and 195Nm of torque.
| Mannequin | Mazda CX-3 G20 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl petrol |
| Energy | 110kW @ 6000rpm |
| Torque | 195Nm @ 2800rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1294kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 6.3L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 8.6L/100km |
| Gas tank measurement | 48L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 143g/km |
| Braked towing capability | 1535kg |
Gas financial system will not be excellent for the phase. We noticed roughly 9L/100km over every week of city driving, and that’s one thing a turbocharger or hybrid help may treatment.
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How does the Mazda CX-3 drive?
The CX-3 could also be an ageing mannequin, but it surely’s nonetheless filled with youthful vitality.
Turbochargers and hybrid methods are all the craze in trendy motoring, and for essentially the most half each have led to powertrains which are extra highly effective and environment friendly than ever earlier than.
Nevertheless, the CX-3 proves that naturally aspirated engines nonetheless have a spot within the automotive panorama.
The two.0-litre four-cylinder discovered beneath the bonnet of this little Mazda is small but mighty, with sufficient low-end torque and top-end energy to make the light-weight CX-3 really feel suitably peppy in most driving conditions.
And, just like the world’s high athletes, the CX-3 delivers efficiency in a easy, managed method. With that mentioned, the absence of compelled induction or electrical help signifies that it’s a must to rev it out to make first rate progress, which produces numerous noise.
Whereas a handbook transmission was as soon as supplied, the CX-3 is now solely bought with a six-speed automated transmission that’s buttery easy in cease/begin visitors, though paddle shifters would make for a pleasant improve.
Nevertheless, the CX-3 remains to be extra pleasurable to drive than a number of newer counterparts that really feel distant and eliminated.
The pedals are well-weighted, and the steering wheel truly feels related to the entrance wheels. You’ll be able to throw the CX-3 into corners with confidence, because it demonstrates sporty dealing with and may activate a dime.
Higher but, whereas the CX-3 is on the firmer aspect for an SUV, the experience is rarely harsh or crashy. There’s an actual sense of composure with this little runaround, particularly within the metropolis the place widespread obstacles like highway joins and small potholes are handled simply.
Wonderful outward visibility and the fitment of a reversing digicam, albeit grainy in decision, improve the attraction for city patrons.
That’s to not say there’s nothing for rural and regional patrons to get enthusiastic about, however the CX-3 is certainly much less completely satisfied on the freeway.
A definite lack of insulation results in pronounced highway and tyre noise at excessive speeds, particularly on coarse surfaces. Certainly, the little CX-3 simply doesn’t really feel fairly as substantial on the highway as different mild and small SUVs.
It does, nonetheless, really feel extra grown up than the Mazda 2 that it shares a platform with.
As of this 12 months, all variants are outfitted with adaptive cruise management as normal – an enormous win for individuals who commute lengthy distances recurrently. However be ready to maintain your palms firmly on the wheel, as there’s no type of lively lane centring.
One advantage of the CX-3’s age is that it’s bereft of annoying security nannies that suck the enjoyment out of driving. The ahead collision warning system went off as soon as throughout our take a look at, however distracting chimes had been few and much between.
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
What do you get?
There are 4 trim ranges within the CX-3 vary.
2025 Mazda Pure tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Computerized LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- LED daytime working lights
- LED tail lights
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Head-up show
- 8.0-inch infotainment display
- Wired Android Auto
- Wi-fi and wired Apple CarPlay
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Local weather management air-conditioning
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Six-speaker sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Fabric upholstery
- Electrical parking brake with auto maintain
- Keyless begin
The Evolve provides:
- 18-inch black machined alloy wheels
- LED entrance fog lights
- Keyless entry
- Black leatherette upholstery, together with on centre console and door trims
The GT SP provides:
- Heated power-folding exterior mirrors
- Heated entrance seats
- Leather-based/Grand Luxe artificial suede upholstery
- Energy driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment
- 7-speaker Bose sound system
The Akari provides:
- Single-pane sunroof
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Leather-based upholstery
- 360-degree digicam
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
Is the Mazda CX-3 secure?
The Mazda CX-3 is at present unrated by ANCAP, as its five-star ranking from 2015 has now expired.
Normal security tools consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver consideration alert
- Lane departure warning
- Entrance, front-side and curtain airbags
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
For 2025, the Pure and Evolve now get the extra refined AEB system and adaptive cruise management beforehand restricted to up-spec fashions.
Evolve variants and above acquire entrance parking sensors, whereas the GT SP and up obtain visitors signal recognition.
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
How a lot does the Mazda CX-3 value to run?
The Mazda CX-3 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mazda CX-3 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | As much as 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Common annual service value (5 years) | $449.40 |
| Complete capped-price service value (5 years) | $2247 |
To see how the Mazda CX-3 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve
It’s turning into more and more tough to suggest the CX-3 given the competitors it now faces.
Newcomers together with the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS are extra sensible and higher outfitted for much less cash, and the identical might be mentioned of acquainted nameplates just like the Kia Stonic and Skoda Kamiq.
That leaves the superior driving dynamics of the CX-3 to do a number of heavy lifting, in all probability an excessive amount of contemplating what patrons prioritise when looking for just a little SUV.
As such, we’d be trying elsewhere till Mazda decides to shake issues up, whether or not that’s by means of reductions, tools upgrades, or the launch of an all-new mannequin.
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